ELIGIBILITY
1)
a) All entries for HBFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION must have been completed between 1 January 2023 and 8th February 2026. Films must be between 1min - 20mins long.
b) All entries for CALDERDALE SHORT FILM COMPETITION - must have been completed between 1 January 2022 and 15 February 2026. NB the deadline showing on FF is incorrect.
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 for the HBFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION and between 1 minute and 9 minutes for the CALDERDALE SHORT FILM COMPETITION.
5) The final deadline for entries is 8th Feb 2026 (Features and Shorts inc YP) and 15th Feb 2026 (Calderdale and CC Student Shorts), 2026.
6) All cash prizes for feature films or shorts are awarded to the Director.
7) Entries in the Young Person's Film category are eligible for the Best Short and the Runner up prize. Note: The Runner up 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.
