Celebrating bold storytelling and emerging voices in independent cinema — right in the heart of London's West End.

Our team will review all submissions and give feedback to filmmakers.

Nominees
Up to 85
Up to 5 films per category can be nominated, giving a maximum of 85 nominated films.

Prize Winners
17
From this pool of nominees, one winner per category is selected, resulting in 17 prize-winning films showcased at the festival.

Viewing & Scoring
All films are watched by a viewing panel and graded RADA style from 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest) across six craft areas. Each category contributes to a total score out of 30. Films scoring above 18 points qualify for consideration for a nomination. Every film submitted will receive its score and a brief report from the viewing panel, which filmmakers are free to use for their own publicity.

Grading Categoryies: Directing Cinematography Design Acting Music / Sound Editing
Max Score RADA-style grading: 1–5 1–5 1–5 1–5 1–5 1–5
Maximum possible score per film: 30.
Qualification threshold for nomination consideration: above 18 points.

Awards & Prizes

A total of 17 prizes will be awarded. Five films in each category will receive nominations and a laurel (for example, “BEST SHORT FILM – NOMINATION”) by 16th September 2026. Winners will be announced on 4th November 2026, and each winning film will receive a screening at the festival followed by an award ceremony and prize giving that evening.

Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Animated Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Production / Art Design (Production Design)
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Sound
Best Visual Effects

Rules & Terms

Films must be original works by independent creators, with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes including credits. Submissions must be completed within the last two years and may be in any genre. Non-English films require English subtitles. Entrants must own all rights, releases, and permissions. By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival nonexclusive rights to screen and promote excerpts. Works containing unlawful, defamatory, or harmful content may be disqualified. Submission fees are nonrefundable. Decisions are final. The festival accepts no liability for loss or damage. Selected filmmakers must comply with screening requirements and schedules.