We are non-elitist and non-political, and welcome entries from all filmmakers around the globe irrespective of age or experience.

WHY CHOOSE US?

There are many perks to submitting your project to the 'International Celebration of Cinema', which include: -

Automatic selection (for all complete submissions).

A guarantee that your project will be viewed and judged by an international panel of industry professionals from the world of film and television, from both in front and behind the camera, with a wealth of connections to numerous main-stream television networks, distributors and media outlets.

The potential for publicity through interviews on established genre-specific YouTube channels, podcasts, and magazines.

The potential for reviews to be published in a range of media forms with a range of media outlets, including British national newspapers.

A non-elitist approach which will offer constructive feedback to every submission.

Discount on submission for FilmFreeway Gold members.

The creators of the most exceptional submissions may be invited to join the judging panel for the next season of the festival, offering a potential opportunity to gain experience behind the scenes of the judging process and live film screenings.

A great opportunity to network with industry professionals and have your project catch the eyes of international distributors.

SUBMISSIONS ENTERED INTO ONE SINGLE CATEGORY WHICH THE JUDGING PANEL DEEM TO FIT IN OTHER CATEGORIES MAY BE MOVED INTO ANOTHER CATEGORY OR JUDGED IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR EVERY SELECTION TO BE SCREENED AT THE LIVE EVENT.

Short submissions are less than 45 minutes in duration; feature submissions are more than 45 minutes in duration.

Awards & Prizes

We have many submission categories to celebrate a wide range of genres. In our previous seasons there was a multi-level award structure, however for the 2026 season there will now be one single winner for each category.

The 'Judge's Award for Best of Show' will be presented to the submission which our jury deem to be the overall best entrant in the festival.

There will also be an 'Audience Choice Award' which attendees of the live event will be able to vote for in-person

Rules & Terms

Entrants are responsible for ensuring that any material submitted is appropriately licensed for use and public screening.

All films submitted must be in English or have English subtitles included.

We will accept links to online versions of your film. You may enter a password protected link for Vimeo, or an unlisted/private link for YouTube when completing the submission form via FilmFreeway. Links must remain active for the duration of the festival.

All entrants must consent to having their work downloaded.

All films which are officially selected will be scored by the judging panel, but not all selections are guaranteed to be screened at the live event.

We reserve the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met including if eligibility status changes post-submission.

SUBMISSION CHECKLIST: -

Completed submission form, submitted electronically via FilmFreeway.

For best chance of selection entrants should aim to include a poster for their film, an electronic press kit, and a trailer (where possible); as well as a link to a secured online screener for your film that is accessible for the duration of the festival.

Ensure that entry fees are paid; these are non-refundable.
33 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anne Trenning

    Super grateful for this recognition of our film "Faith and The Christmas Star" and for the added recognition of our soundtrack excellence. A wonderful experience.

    January 2026
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  • Jason Verney

    So far, all very good and communications have been sent out to us duly. It's an honour to have our feature documentary, "S.E.W.O.L. - Sealed Eternally With Our Love" at your festival and we thank you for giving an Honorable Mention in recognition for this film.

    January 2026
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  • MATHIOTE Pierre

    Dear Festival. I was honored for my documentary feature The River’s song to be selected into your Festival. So proud to be part of this programme. As a French producer and director, and given the difficulties in making I am very touched to be able to present my work outside of France. I hope this selection will help the film to be distributed and purchased by a broadcaster in your country. Thank you very much again to your entire team and the quality of your communication. Pierre

    December 2025
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  • Evyh Cerhus

    I am genuinely over the moon that my debut film, Jane and the Rose, has been recognised with nine awards. It means a great deal to me that the festival connected so warmly with my work. My team and I are incredibly grateful for this encouragement, which truly lifts my heart and motivates me to keep creating and sharing the stories I care about.

    December 2025
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  • Gregory Mallard

    A massive thank you to International Celebration of Cinema for awarding Masters and Vices (2025) Best Movie (Feature) Silver Award at the 2025 Edition-much appreciated. The festival was very efficient in communicating with me at every step of the judging process. Thank you for supporting independent filmmakers.

    December 2025
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