HBFF is Going Biennial! For 2025, we are excited to bring a whole day of SHORTS on Sunday 6th April at the beautiful Art Deco 500 seat Hebden Bridge Cinema. The 3 day festival will be back Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd March in 2026.

We are launching a brand new competition, THE CALDERDALE SHORTS COMPETITION 2025 to reflect the theme INSIDE OUT. This competition is in partnership with Culturedale - the exciting year of Culture in Calderdale. For this new competition anyone can enter but there are some particular conditions - the short film for THE CALDERDALE SHORTS COMPETITION - INSIDE OUT must be 9 mins or less and the majority of the film must be filmed/made in Calderdale (that includes editing/postproduction). See below for rules regarding entry to both SHORT FILM competitions. Please read them carefully.

We will be accepting submissions for short films, (drama, documentary, animation). We particularly encourage narrative films. Please note: we generally don't take horror genre films.

HBFF partners with the Hebden Bridge Picture House cinema where Filmmakers and Film lovers can come together and experience the wonderful community spirit our historic town is famous for in the beautifully restored, art deco cinema.

We cannot wait to welcome filmmakers again to the beautiful Calder Valley.
See what filmmakers who attended HBFF say about their experience in 2024 and the last few years.

Ali Grant: Not Quite That, selected 2024. What a fabulous festival! We travelled all the way from Vancouver and it was worth it! Louise and Jay and the team made us feel so welcome, from beginning to end. The line up of films were fabulous and the audiences were great. I'd highly recommend this festival and hope to be there again one day!

Jan Dunn, Winner best Short, 2024. What a lovely festival and such a great setting. We were so proud to have been selected and superb programming.

Julia Zlotnick, 'Seeking Thomas' 2nd Prize 2024. What a wonderful festival to be a part of! Thanks so much to the team for having such a thoughtful approach and creating such a welcoming and wonderful environment with an incredible line up of films. Very grateful to have Seeking Thomas play, and ecstatic to have won an award. Can't wait for the festival to return and have the chance to watch some more great films and events and to return to Hebden Bridge! Not one to miss out on!!!

Matty Reese: 'How to Build a Life'. Audience Award, 2024. Absolutely wonderful festival. Louise and the team have created something very special here. I should think it won't be long until you can expect to see Hebden Bridge FF receiving a BIFA accreditation and beyond. Thank you from our whole team for including 'How to Build a Life' for inclusion in 2024's event!

Emily Burke, 'I would Like to Live on the Moon', selected 2024. Louise Wadley and the rest of the team at HBFF put an amazing festival on that I am so grateful to have been a part of with my film ‘I Would Like to Live on the Moon.’ Thank you to Louise for leading the festival with such kindness and passion for film, I felt very welcome, accommodated and celebrated. I hope to come next year and support the filmmakers selected for 2025!

Nicki McCubbing, The Mummy, selected 2024. This festival was a total joy to be a part of. Absolutely lovely hosts, great films and a beautiful place to visit. I really hope to show a film here again in the future and I will definitely return as a visitor. Thank you Louise and co.

Marnie Baxter Winner Best Short 2023 - I had a fab time at Hebden Bridge Film Festival, it was such a friendly, welcoming and vibrant festival! Thank you so much for having me, and my accomodation hosts were so lovely too. I was thrilled to win the Vocation Award for Best Short Film at Hebden Bridge Festival, the shorts programme was beautifully curated with such a broad selection of work, it was truly an honour to win. The award will not only elevate our film's profile, but the prize money will go towards the development of new work, so thank you to the Vocation Brewery and all at Hebden Bridge! 

Scott and Natasha - Winner 2nd Prize - We're so thankful you helped arrange accommodation for us, please thank all the team from us. We had a great time and it was lovely to receive the runner up prize for Finding 'Appiness in HBFF 2023. We'll look forward to next year's festival! 

BAFTA winner Nicole Taylor writer of the smash hit Wild Rose said “The friendliest festival on earth! We were made so welcome by everyone involved in the Festival and indeed the whole town. The atmosphere on opening night was electric and ever since I’ve been looking for an excuse to return to Hebden Bridge!”

BIFA nominee Steve Sullivan, winner of HBFF Audience award for Being Frank said “HBFF is simply the friendliest festival I’ve ever been too. The festival and cinema staff went out of their way to make my screening a success, from getting a near capacity audience to attend through to even helping me run my merch stall. It’s a beautiful town, populated by passionate cineastes and I can’t wait to return.”

2021 Short Film 1st Prize winner Hannah Currie with 'We Are All Here':
Screening at Hebden Bridge Film Festival was such a warm, welcoming and positive experience that was so appreciated after a difficult year. Despite the pandemic they made amazing efforts to get our films seen and to connect us with other filmmakers - a stand-out experience that I won’t forget! Louise and Jay’s passion for film is so clear and I was inspired to be amongst so many other incredible films in the short film competition. The festival really reminded me of the importance of independent film and cinema and why we must fight to keep it alive.

And from Iranian filmmaker Marziyeh Riahi the Shorts 2nd prize winner for Driving Lessons:

"Thank you so much, jury members for this award. Thank you, festival team. I'm really proud of this award. Receiving this award during this most unusual time was very promising for me. I hope that all those who work in cinema under any title anywhere in the world will not lose hope. Stay safe and strong!"
-Marziyeh Riahi from Tehran

Note: we are proud that HBFF is an F – Rated Film Festival. F-Rating is given to any film written by a woman, directed by a woman or featuring women in significant on-screen roles. Any film that meets all three criteria is awarded a Triple F-Rating. There is no requirement for films screened at HBFF to be F-rated, however we aim for at least 50% of films to be so. We also follow the BFI diversity standards - focusing on underrepresentation on screen, behind the camera and in film audiences, in relation to age, disability, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, religion or belief, socioeconomic background and geographical location.

Awards & Prizes

HBFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION
HBFF Best Short (1st prize) : £500 (jury prize)
HBFF Best Short (2nd prize/runner up) : £300 (jury prize)
Audience Award for Best Short
CALDERDALE SHORT FILM COMPETITION - INSIDE OUT
Calderdale Best SHORT (1st prize) : £1500 in Kit Rental from PROVISION Leeds
Calderdale Best Short (2nd prize/runner up) : 1 day in colour grade post-production and 1 day in the audio finishing suite at STICKS & GLASS Leeds.
Audience Award for Best Short

Best Young Person's Short (if applicable)

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY
1) a) All entries for HBFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION must have been completed between 1 January 2022 and 21 February 2025 and between 1min -20mins long

b) All entries for CALDERDALE SHORT FILM COMPETITION - INSIDE OUT must have been completed between 1 January 2021 and 21 February 2025 FIlms must be between 1min - 9 mins long

2) Entries in languages other than English must come with English subtitles. NB. All Short Films must also provide a version with captions/subtitles in English regardless of the original language. i.e. even if in English.

3) All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway

4) Shorts must be between 1 minute and 20 minutes. To qualify for the Young Person’s short the director must be between 18 and 26.

5) The final deadline for entries is 21st February, 2025.

6) All cash prizes for feature films or shorts are awarded to the Director.

7) Entries in the Young Person's Film category are also eligible for the Best Short
Note: The Runner up and Best Young Person's Film Prize Winner accepts their prize on condition that the Prize Sponsor Fox and Goose will be able to show the film at a later date in their venue.

GENERAL

8) Submitters must hold the rights to the film, and are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances, permits necessary to present their work. HBFF is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work. The films must be available for both physical and online screening (UK only) on a secure and geo-protected platform.

9) Film-makers must include a logline (maximum 28 words) with their submission.

10) Selected entries will be screened during the HBFF programme, and by submitting a film, the entrant agrees that it may be screened both online and live if selected. No screening fee will be paid. The selection and scheduling of all films screened at HBFF is entirely at the discretion of the HBFF Director including variations in length or completion date. While there may be exceptions, generally HBFF will not show films that have already been broadcast or are available online in the UK.

11) If a film is selected, HBFF may make use of text, stills, trailers, and other publicity and marketing materials to publicise the festival, including using selected materials for a general festival trailer.

12) Film submission does not guarantee acceptance and no refund will be provided if the film is not selected

13) FORMAT: Any films to be shown at Hebden Bridge Picture House must be supplied as high-resolution video files (mp4). Each film must be labelled with English Film Title, Filmmaker's Name, Contact info, Running time and aspect ratio (4*3 or 16*9)
File requirements for uploading.

14) Films are shown online: Video File Requirements: H.264 @ 1080p / 10Mbps / high-resolution video file - mp4. The file requirements for projecting in theatres are typically much higher than what is needed for streaming online.

Audio Channels: two-channel stereo with optional Matrix embedded surround (Pro Logic or similar). 5.1 audio is NOT accepted.

Subtitle/Captions: .srt or .vtt files

15) Digital marketing materials must be made available within 1 week of notification of acceptance:
• Film Synopsis (100 words maximum)
• Link to the official trailer
• At least three high-resolution image (1920 x 1080 or higher) for the use of HBFF promotional brochures or publicity
• Production Still Photos
• Photo of the Director
• Biography/Filmography

16) All shipping and postage costs for materials sent to HBFF must be borne by the submitting party (if the film is selected for the Festival). HBFF will cover return postage.

17) Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films through U.K. and/or foreign customs officials

18) Every precaution will be taken to safeguard all materials sent to HBFF, but HBFF is not responsible for damage to submitted materials incurred by shipping to or from the Festival.

19) HBFF reserves the right to make any change in regulations or festival schedule.

20) HBFF is proud to be an F–rated Film Festival. An F Rating is given to any film written by a woman, directed by a woman or featuring women in significant on-screen roles. Any film that meets all three criteria is awarded a Triple F-Rating. We also follow the BFI diversity standards - The Standards focus on underrepresentation on screen, behind the camera and in film audiences, in relation to age, disability, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+, religion or belief, socioeconomic background and geographical location outside London and the South East.

NB. Please note: a film does not have to be F-rated to be screened at HBFF.

29 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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Networking
  • Emily E King

    I'd never been to a film festival before let alone believed I'd have my own short film in one! And what an introduction! I felt very supported and encouraged by the organisers throughout, so much so that it's made me believe that I have the ability to keep pursuing short film and see where it takes me, which is something I'll carry with me for some time.

    I brought some friends along and each of us were laughing and crying throughout at all the incredible films, some close to home, some inspiring and some leaving us with new perspectives entirely. It was great to see local talent and perspectives in this way, me and each of my friends felt we resonated with atleast a few of the films each in ways we hadn't before which was fantastic to see.

    Thanks for having me, I look forward to the next

    April 2025
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  • Jenny Tighe

    Wow what a beautiful day enjoyed by so many from young and old, neat and far. I am so grateful to have been at the shorts festival this year and also have my own film shown on the big screen in this iconic cinema. The range of films and creativity both on screen and from the lovely people sat in the audience felt truly inspiring and really engaging. Thank you for having me and for encouraging new talent and women into film.

    April 2025
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  • Belle Skinner

    Hebden Bridge Film Festival is a fantastic event centred around community and inclusivity. It was a pleasure to be there as both an attendee and filmmaker included in the programme. To see my own film screened in this historic setting, alongside so much incredible talent was such a special experience! The day was well organised and there was such a buzz of positivity!

    Being part of this festival programme was crucial to removing barriers for many creatives and people new to film making, myself included. Amazing work is being done to platform important stories full of emotion, alongside the provision of workshop opportunities where there has been distinct lack and connecting people thay may otherwise struggle to meet/have the confidence to initiate.

    The festival team are passionate, open, warm and extremely encouraging, and these things combined have been key to improving confidence in my creative work and networking skills. But also, just as importantly, creating a sense of belonging and acceptance in a wonderful community of creatives. That stands for those of us who are new to Calderdale, seasoned residents alongside the many people who travelled from near and far to attend and screen at the event. It really is a festival for everyone.

    My only negative feedback is that it went to quickly! But I can’t wait for next year!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Belle what a pleasure it was to have you there

  • Sarah Mason

    The Hebden Bridge Film Festival will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first time one of my films was selected, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the festival world.

    What stood out most was a deep sense of connection. The filmmakers, organisers, audiences, volunteers, all gathered to share a love for stories told in this way. Between the filmmakers, there was such a genuine enthusiasm and respect for each other's work.

    The festival team have created something really special. It’s not just a festival — it’s a community. I left feeling inspired, encouraged, and deeply grateful to have been a part of it.

    And I'm already looking forward to the next one!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thats wonderful to hear Sarah and Congratulations on your awards!

  • Anne Caldwell

    A brilliant time at Hebden Bridge Film Festival 2025. Such a warm community feeling and I was so proud to be selected as part of the Calderdale Short Film category. Excellent programming and a big thanks to all the team.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Anne it was a pleasure to have you there