We are the Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens, a two-venue hub in Lytham. Thanks to our new DCP projector, we can now show first-run films, as well as event cinema (such as NT Live), family cinema, and continuing on with our weekly Soup and Sandwich cinema matinees.

On top of all this, we want to be able to champion upcoming and grassroots artists, so we are starting some of these films with a short film, 12 minutes or less, made by you!

New films will be chosen and screened on a weekly basis, predominantly for the Soup and Sandwich screening, with an additional Showcase evening (interest permitting), where all shorts will be played together and give local creatives a chance to network, get to know each other, and vote on the best short film of that particular run. The winner and second place may be screened for a third time, in front of another feature film, depending on programming availability.

This isn't a glamorous film festival with Oscars and red carpets, it's a weekly program dedicated to promoting upcoming artists, ending with a small showcase evening for filmmakers and film fans, which is why we're keeping the submission fee low because we don't want to price anybody out of this opportunity, and we're asking for a small amount to cover the costs on our ends.

Awards & Prizes

A new film will be selected for either the Soup and Sandwich screening, a first-run film, or a family cinema each week, providing you with a shiny new laurel to add to your poster.

Every quarter, we will have a screening event to screen and showcase our collected shorts, and our audience will decide on the Best Quarterly Film, awarding you with an even newer, shinier laurel to add to your poster.

Should this be a continued success, we will look into sponsorship opportunities and a "Film of the Year" award which will grant the winner a tangible prize.

Rules & Terms

RULES
*Films must be in the English language, or with English subtitles.
*Films must have been completed on or after 1st January 2022.
*All genres and tones accepted. Where possible, effort will be made to match the tone of your submission with the film it is screened beside.
*We have a no AI policy at The Lowther Pavilion, so any short films shown or thought to be using it will not be selected.

TERMS
*Films must be no longer than 12 minutes.
*Unless invited to do so, a film may not be resubmitted.
*A digital copy or FilmFreeway link must be provided for all submissions.
*By submitting, you give us the right to screen your film to a live audience on one or more occasions, and permit us to using your footage, clips, and stills for promotion and marketing pertaining to this event. Where possible, we will use the footage, clips, and stills provided by you for marketing purposes.
*We cannot provide refunds.
*We reserve the right to update our terms and conditions at any time.

1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anthony Carr

    Having the opportunity to show my experimental film during regular programming at a mainstream cinema was amazing. Adam and the rest of the Lowther team were a pleasure to liaise with. Impeccable communication and encouraging throughout. A grass-roots initiative with real value. Thanks for having me be part of it.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words Anthony, we appreciate your support with this program!