The latest big night in Liverpool took place on March 29th, 2025!
Our live screening was a sold-out success, an incredible evening of film and celebration. Check out the photos above! Weโ€™re already preparing for the next unforgettable edition, set to take place in one of Liverpoolโ€™s most iconic cinemas.

Past seasons have brought the spotlight to BAFTA-nominated gems and internationally acclaimed talent. Weโ€™ve proudly featured works from Clifford Milner (BBC), Oscar-qualifying director Ivan Goldschmidt, BAFTA-nominated Piotr Szkopiak, and Shona Auerbach. Films selected for the Academy Awards and BAFTA, like those by Luke Rex, have graced our screen, proof that this is a festival where top-tier indie storytelling shines.

The Liverpool Indie Awards is a home for aspiring filmmakers! Join us for an amazing live screening with opportunities to pitch your film to industry experts, connect with fellow creators and industry leaders, share your passion in short cinema interviews, and celebrate with filmmaker welcome drinks. The top film even wins a prestigious festival trophy ๐Ÿ† and 500 USD cash prize! Recognized as a TOP 100 Best Reviewed Festival in 2023 and 2024 on FilmFreeway, we're dedicated to supporting and celebrating the filmmaking talent in the UK.

Hereโ€™s what filmmakers are saying:
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… "Liverpool Indie Awards was a great festival to be part of. We are so grateful to Liverpool for bringing our film to a UK audience!" - Rory Duffy
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… "Great event, amazing people and crew. One of the best festivals I've seen this year! Will definitely be back! Cheers LIA!" - Patrick Norman

And who is our jury? An accomplished professionals from across the film and television industry. Among them are BAFTA-nominated filmmakers, BBC staff members, and creatives who have trained at prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Art. Their diverse expertise and deep passion for independent cinema ensure a thoughtful and high-caliber selection process each season.

Weโ€™ve featured directors like AJ Sykes, whose films played BAFTA-qualifying fests, and Mark Forbes, known from Raindance. Maybe your work follows in the footsteps of Ian Sciacaluga, Gillian Simpson, or Aaron Hosรฉ, whose films now stream on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. If so, we canโ€™t wait to see what youโ€™ve made.

Our festival home, Liverpool, is rich with cinematic spirit (hello Peaky Blinders!). With that kind of energy, itโ€™s no surprise our screenings regularly sell out. Films are shown on the big screen in a world-class venue: the Picturehouse at FACT, right in the heart of the city.

Winners receive official certificates and laurels, and one exceptional project will be honored live at the event with our Grand Jury Prize: the festival trophy and $500 USD in cash.

Ready to share your story with the world?
Submit now as this season is calling for bold, brilliant, independent cinema.

Awards & Prizes

๐…๐„๐’๐“๐ˆ๐•๐€๐‹'๐’ ๐‰๐”๐ƒ๐†๐ˆ๐๐† ๐’๐“๐€๐“๐”๐’
โฆฟ NOMINEE - Your project has been highly rated by our jury and is eligible to become an Award Winner in the submitted category.

โฆฟ SELECTED - Your project has been selected for the live screening and is also eligible to become an Award Winner in the submitted category.

โฆฟ AWARD WINNER - Your project has won in the submitted category.

โฆฟ MAIN PRIZE WINNER - The winner of the official prestigious festival trophy and 500 USD in cash.

Rules & Terms

1. All films that are not in English, must have English language subtitles.

2. We reserve the right to not refund the submission after notification day. We will solve each refund issue individually.

3. Any technical issues with the submitted films are the responsibility of the filmmakers. If, at the time of judging, your video file doesnโ€™t work or doesnโ€™t have English subtitles (if in a language other than English), it will be automatically rejected, without a refund. Please contact us ASAP, if there are any issues with the submission process and we will find a solution.

4. The decision of the project selection status is final.

5. Short films must not exceed 35 minutes.

6. We accept multiple entries from one submitter.

7. By submitting to us, you give us consent and right to screen your film in front of a live audience and, under special circumstances, at online screening.

8. Films that are submitted must be the entrantโ€™s original work and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third Parties. Contestants agree that they have obtained all required copyright permissions regarding music, sound & images, etc. presented in their film.

9. Our festival reserve the rights to change, cancel or re-schedule the dates, venue, awards & categories. All filmmakers will be informed about any changes through email and our online platforms.

10. By submitting to this festival you agree to our terms and conditions and to receiving marketing newsletters and discounts about film festivals in the form of emails. We will never sell your information to third parties.

11. The cash prize is presented each year during the Awards Ceremony at our Live Screening Event in Liverpool.

12. We reserve the right to not screen all selected projects. Additionally, we reserve the right to change the screening lineup at our discretion.
147 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Nishan Arangala

    It is an absolute privilege to have my work recognized by one of the finest film festivals in the UK. The team was extremely helpful, and communication was very good. I am glad that I submitted my work here. Thank you.

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Judith Bunting

    This is the perfect festival, not too big, not too small and super friendly. I was super surprised to win Best Screenwriter this year (2025) and could not have hoped for a better crowd to celebrate with. Thereโ€™s nothing quite like an in-person festival to get the juices flowing.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and for being a part of this yearโ€™s festival! Weโ€™re thrilled that you enjoyed the atmosphere and that your work was recognized, winning Best Screenwriter is a fantastic achievement, and weโ€™re so glad we could celebrate it with you in person. Festivals like ours are made special by passionate storytellers like you. We hope to see you again in the future!

  • Kyle Gray

    I was honoured to be awarded for Best Screenwriting for this year's LIA. Unfortunately, I could not attend in person, but it looks to have been a great festival, and the sheer quality of talent for the awards categories was second-to-none. Well done, winners, and great job to everyone responsible for putting the festival on, I'm elated to have been included.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and heartfelt message. We were truly proud to recognize your work with the Best Screenwriting award โ€” a well-deserved honour. While we missed having you with us in person, your talent was certainly celebrated, and your contribution added great value to this yearโ€™s edition. Weโ€™re grateful to have had your script in the festival and hope to welcome you to Liverpool in the future!

  • Jamie Max Lee

    Was such an honour to be nominated and gutted we could not attend the festival in person! Congrats to all the winners and hope to make it there next year! Thank you so much!!!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to have your project as part of this yearโ€™s festival, and your nomination was truly well-earned. We completely understand how busy schedules can be, but weโ€™d absolutely love to welcome you in person next year. Wishing you all the best until then, and thank you again for being part of the Liverpool Indie Awards!