✨ A Night Where Cinematic Excellence Takes Center Stage ✨

The International Film Gala is a prestigious event dedicated to celebrating cinematic excellence from around the world. Bringing together filmmakers from all backgrounds, the Gala honors exceptional talent across various categories.

With an esteemed panel of judges, featuring Academy Award (Oscar®) and BAFTA-winning/nominated filmmakers and industry experts, the event spotlights diverse storytelling and outstanding artistry in film.

Held in the heart of London at one of the city’s most iconic, state-of-the-art venues, this exclusive gathering promises a night of glamour and recognition for the finest talents in filmmaking.

Venue:

The May Fair Theatre (The May Fair Hotel), situated in the heart of London's Mayfair, offers a stunning blend of elegance and cutting-edge technology, making it the perfect venue for our special evening.

With 201 luxurious Italian leather-trimmed seats and generous legroom, the theatre provides a comfortable and sophisticated experience. Its premium cinema screen, paired with two state-of-the-art projectors (Christie CP4230 4K and NEC 3240S 4K 3D) and a 7.1 THX-certified surround sound system, ensures an immersive cinematic showcase worthy of celebrating excellence in filmmaking.

Steeped in a rich history linked to Hollywood’s golden age under the Danziger brothers, the May Fair Theatre remains a symbol of glamour and innovation. This unique fusion of heritage and modernity makes it an ideal setting to honour the artistry of the silver screen.

Awards & Prizes

At the International Film Gala, we don’t just celebrate cinematic brilliance—we reward it! In the autumn of 2025, our esteemed panel of judges will honour 23 exceptional artists from around the globe with prestigious awards. The selected projects will receive over £20,000 in cash and various prizes. Winners in selected categories will also receive the exclusive Celestel statuette, a symbol of artistic excellence and global recognition.

Each category shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talent shaping the landscape of the very best in cinema. Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or an industry veteran, this is your chance to receive an award that aims to become one of the most respected in the world of film, elevating your work to new heights.

Awards & Prizes:

• Grand Prix Award (£1,000 + Celestel statuette)
• Social Impact Award* (£500 + statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature (£500 + statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Documentary Feature (£500 + statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Animation Feature (£500 + statuette)

• Grand Jury Award for Narrative Short (statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Documentary Short (statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Animation Short (statuette)

• Grand Jury Award for Best Director - Feature (statuette)
• Grand Jury Award for Best Director - Short (statuette)
• Best Cinematography Award (statuette)

• Grand Jury Award for Best Student Film (statuette)
• Best Analogue Film Award (statuette)

Subcategories:

(Winners will be selected from all submitted projects.)

• Best Actor Award
• Best Actress Award
• Best Sound Award
• Best Editing Award
• Best Score Award

Music Video Category:

• Best Music Video Award (£200)

Screenplay Competition:

• Best Feature Screenplay Award (£200)
• Best Short Screenplay Award (£100)
• Best TV Pilot Screenplay Award (£100)

All winners will also be honored with a 'Certificate of Excellence.'

*The Social Impact Award recognises films that drive meaningful societal change, celebrating filmmakers who courageously address significant social issues and inspire audiences through powerful, transformative storytelling.

In addition, winners will receive special awards and discounts from our industry partners. It’s also important to highlight that both nominated and winning projects will be showcased to influential industry leaders, offering invaluable exposure and opportunities for future career advancement.

Hall of Honour (Celestel Statuette for Lifetime Achievement):

At the Gala, we are proud to induct an iconic figure into our Hall of Honour, presenting them with the esteemed Celestel Statuette for Lifetime Achievement. This award celebrates their unparalleled contributions to the cinematic arts and the lasting impact they’ve made on both the film industry and audiences around the globe. The name of this extraordinary artist will be revealed prior to the event, marking a momentous occasion in the celebration of filmmaking excellence.

Celestel Statuette:

The Celestel statuette embodies the spirit of cinematic excellence, honouring the artistry and creativity that illuminate the film industry. Inspired by the celestial beauty of the night sky, this elegant trophy symbolizes the stars of our time—those filmmakers and storytellers who shine brightly through their work. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Celestel represents not only achievement but also the limitless potential of imagination and storytelling. As we gather to celebrate diverse voices and exceptional talent, the Celestel stands as a beacon of inspiration, recognizing those who dare to dream and create.

In the realm where visions gleam,
Celestel a sculpted dream.
A beacon of artistic grace,
shining bright in cinema's embrace.

With every tale, a journey unfolds.
In silver light, the magic holds.
A symbol of passion, talent, and art,
Celestel, where dreams depart.

For every frame, a story to tell.
In the heart of film, we honor Celestel.
A tribute to those who dare to inspire,
igniting the world with cinematic fire.

Rules & Terms

1. Important Dates

• Opening Date: November 21, 2024
• Super Early Bird Deadline: January 16 2025
• Early Bird Deadline: March 12, 2025
• Regular Deadline: May 14, 2025
• Late Deadline: July 16, 2025
• Extended Deadline: September 10, 2025
• Notification Date: October 10, 2025
• Event Date: November 17, 2025

2. Submission Format

All entries must be submitted through the FilmFreeway platform.

3. Eligibility Requirements

• Films completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for submission.
• All submissions not in English must include embedded English closed captions.
• Films submitted to previous editions of the Gala are not eligible for re-submission.

4. Film Duration

• Feature Films: Must be a minimum of 60 minutes in length.
• Short Films: Must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 40 minutes in length.
• Music Clips: Must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 10 minutes in length.

5. Film Classification

All entries submitted to the International Film Gala will be reviewed for age classification in accordance with local regulations. Please be aware that films or music videos (or any parts thereof) classified as unsuitable for younger audiences will not be screened during the event.

6. Premiere Status

There is no premiere requirement for films submitted to the International Film Gala. All entries will be considered regardless of prior screenings or premieres.

7. Submission Fee

All entries must be submitted, and the submission fee must be paid through the FilmFreeway platform. Please note that the submission fee is non-refundable.

8. Waiver Requests

Generally, no fee waivers are offered.*

*Waivers may be considered in exceptional cases, such as for filmmakers from countries under U.K. economic sanctions or those classified by the United Nations as Least Developed Countries. Waivers are not available for students or self-funded projects. For waiver inquiries, please contact us at info@filmgalas.com.

9. Multiple Entries

Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted. Each entry must be submitted separately, along with a separate entry fee.

10. Student Films

Grand Jury Award for Best Student Film: This award recognises excellence in student filmmaking. To qualify, filmmakers must provide proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution during the film's production. Acceptable documentation includes a current student ID or an official letter from the institution.

11. Screenplay Competition

• Best Feature Screenplay Award and Best Short Screenplay Award: All submitted scripts must be original works for which the applicant(s) hold the copyright. If the screenplay is adapted from another source, it is the screenwriter’s responsibility to secure the necessary permissions or copyright clearances from the original author or publisher.
• Scripts should be formatted in standard screenplay style, using 12-point Courier font.
• Full-length features should be between 80 and 140 pages.
• Short film scripts should be under 30 pages.
• TV pilot scripts should be between 45 and 60 pages.
• While scripts slightly exceeding or falling short of these page counts may be considered, we cannot accept feature scripts longer than 150 pages.
• A screenplay cannot be considered for an award if it has been sold, is under option, is in production, or is otherwise bound to a third party at the time of submission. However, if a script is sold, optioned, or produced after it has been submitted, it will still be eligible for the award.

12. Disqualification Policy

• The International Film Gala reserves the right to disqualify any submissions determined to promote or endorse violence, hate, discrimination, or any other behaviour deemed harmful or objectionable.
• Any attempt to contact jury members or event organisers to influence the selection process will result in disqualification.
• Projects submitted to the wrong category may also be disqualified if they do not meet the specific requirements of that category.

13. Selection Criteria

Films will be evaluated based on narrative quality, production value, and overall artistic merit. The selection committee's (jury's) decisions are final.

14. Notification of Selection

All submitters will be notified of the selection results by October 10, 2025. Selected filmmakers will receive an Event Pack with essential information regarding their participation.

15. Deliveries

For films:

• If nominated/selected, the submitting party is responsible for all electronic deliveries of a QuickTime ProRes file and Digital Cinema Package (DCP). Additional materials, such as a trailer, poster, synopsis, credits list, and press kit (including stills, a completed short questionnaire about the production, and bios) will also be requested.
• All films not in English must include embedded English closed captions.
• Electronic files must be received no later than November 10, 2025, prior to the International Film Gala.
• No physical shipping is required.

For music videos:

• If nominated/selected, the submitting party is responsible for the electronic delivery of a QuickTime ProRes file. Additional materials, such as a credits list and a press kit (including stills, a completed short questionnaire about the production, and bios) will also be requested.
• Electronic files must be received no later than November 10, 2025, prior to the International Film Gala.
• No physical shipping is required.

16. Marketing and Promotion

By submitting your project, you agree to receive marketing emails from our partner festivals regarding upcoming events and opportunities. Filmmakers grant the International Film Gala the right to use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials from their films for marketing purposes related to the International Film Gala on our website and social media.

17. Scheduling

Screenings will be scheduled at the discretion of the International Film Gala programmers. Once selected, projects may not be withdrawn from the program.

18. Legal Agreement

By submitting your project, you affirm that you hold all necessary rights and clearances for the project and that it is not subject to any litigation. You agree to indemnify the International Film Gala against any legal claims arising from the exhibition of your work.

19. Prize Awards

The judges reserve the right to withhold prizes in any category if, in their judgment, no submissions adequately meet the expected standards of quality or merit. This policy ensures that awards reflect the event’s commitment to excellence.

20. Changes to the Event

The organisers of the International Film Gala reserve the right to modify, reschedule, or change the details of the event, including dates, venues, awards, and categories, in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may impact the viability of the event. We appreciate your understanding and will make every effort to keep all participants informed of any significant updates while these terms remain legally binding.

Thank you for considering the International Film Gala. We look forward to seeing your work and wish you good luck on your journey toward success!