The 'Made in Sussex' Film Festival celebrates the rich cinematic tapestry woven in the heart of Sussex. The festival is held at the Depot Cinema in Lewes and showcases the finest films made in Sussex or created by Sussex filmmakers. With a strong focus on the environment, our festival highlights the diverse landscapes and history of this unique region.

Our festival accepts entries in three categories:

▷ NARRATIVE FEATURE
• This category is for narrative films that meet our eligibility requirements.

▷ DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
• This category is for documentary films that meet our eligibility requirements.

▷ SHORT FILM
• This category is for short films that meet our eligibility requirements.

This year's festival has three core themes:

◎ THE DOWNS ◎ HISTORIC TOWNS ◎ THE SEA

Join us for a weekend of inspiring narratives and thought-provoking documentaries as we honour the talent and creativity rooted in Sussex.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers, enjoy engaging discussions, and immerse yourself in the stunning visuals that define our region.

Awards & Prizes

Each category will have a special prize, which will be revealed shortly. These awards recognise exceptional storytelling and technical excellence, highlighting each film's unique connection with the Sussex environment.

🟢 BEST DIRECTOR
• The Best Director Award honours exceptional vision and creativity, recognising the director whose work exemplifies the highest standard of cinematic artistry among all films showcased at the festival.

▷ THE WINNER OF THIS AWARD WILL WIN A CASH PRIZE TBC

🟢 BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
• This award is presented to the best film selected by the jury in the narrative feature category.

▷ THE WINNER OF THIS AWARD WILL RECEIVE AN APPLE MACBOOK PRO LAPTOP

🟢 BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
• This award is presented to the best film selected by the jury in the documentary feature category.
▷ THE WINNER OF THIS AWARD WILL RECEIVE AN APPLE MACBOOK PRO LAPTOP

🟢 BEST SHORT FILM
• This award is presented to the best film selected by the jury in the short film category.

▷ THE WINNER OF THIS AWARD WILL RECEIVE AN APPLE MACBOOK PRO LAPTOP

Rules & Terms

◎ ELIGIBILITY

▷ GEOGRAPHICAL CONNECTION

All submitted films must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• The film was made in Sussex.
• Have a solid and identifiable connection to Sussex.
• It was made by a filmmaker who resides in Sussex.
• It was made by a filmmaker who has a strong identifiable connection to Sussex.

▷ FILM TYPES

We accept narrative films and documentaries of the following types:
• Short films (under 20 minutes).
• Feature films (60 minutes and over).

◎ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

▷ SUBMISSION PLATFORM
• Submissions must be made through our official submission platform (e.g., FilmFreeway).

▷ FORMATS
• Films must be submitted in digital format.
• Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

▷ ENTRY FEES
• An entry fee must accompany each submission.
• Entry fees are non-refundable.

▷ DEADLINE
• All submissions must be received by the deadline specified.
• Late submissions may be accepted with an additional fee at the discretion of the festival organisers.

◎ SELECTION PROCESS

▷ JUDGING CRITERIA
• Films will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, technical excellence, and relevance to Sussex.
• All decisions made by the festival selection committee are final.

▷ PROJECT COMPLETION
Projects need to be completed from February 28, 2023, to be eligible for consideration for the 2025 edition of the Festival.

▷ NOTIFICATION
• Filmmakers will be notified via Film Freeway on the notification date.

▷ PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION
• By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival the right to use the film's promotional materials (stills, posters, trailers, etc.) for marketing and promotional purposes.

◎ RIGHTS AND CLEARANCES

▷ ORIGINAL CONTENT
• The filmmaker must own all rights to the film and have secured any necessary licenses, permissions, or releases.

▷ INDEMNITY
• The filmmaker will protect the festival, organisers, sponsors, and partners from any claims or damages related to showing their film.

◎ MISCELLANEOUS

▷ CODE OF CONDUCT
• All participants are expected to adhere to the festival's code of conduct, which promotes a respectful and inclusive environment.

◎ AMENDMENTS
• The festival reserves the right to modify these rules and regulations anytime.
• By submitting your film to the Made in Sussex Film Festival, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by all the above rules and regulations.