The Keswick Film Festival is held annually in Keswick, Cumbria, England. The first festival was in 2000, initially as part of the Keswick Film Club spring season. Both organisations are still dedicated to bringing the best of world cinema to audiences in and around Keswick.
Short films have always played an important part of the Festival. In 2008 we started running a competition for local film makers which became the Cumbrian Short Film Awards in 2009 and since 2011 have been known as the Osprey Short Film Awards.
The awards are a way of celebrating and rewarding the amazing range of talent in the region. We've been joined by a number of professional filmmakers and actors who have all provided insightful advice to the new filmmaker including Rayna Campbell, Greta Scacchi and John Hurt (twice) who said:
“I feel it's very important for those of us who are established in films to make sure that we put ourselves out to encourage the next link in the chain. It's not difficult to put oneself out and it was greatly enjoyable watching their films and sharing their pleasure at the awards.” - John Hurt, 2012
The date of the 2023 event is still to be confirmed but is likely to be a Saturday 25th February.
A panel of judges shortlist the best films to screen at the festival where a number of prizes will be awarded.
At the screening the audience will also cast their vote for the Audience Award.
The exact details of prizes is still to be decided and may depend on the number and quality of entries.
In the past
- All shortlisted films received a "Official Selection" certificate
- Shortlisted films were screened at a public event at the Festival
- Cash prize(s) awarded by the judges
- Certificates for best film in each category (including the Audience Award)
- Winning films may be screened before closing films of the festival
- Complimentary tickets to other festival events
ALL PRIZES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL BE CONFIRMED CLOSER TO THE FESTIVAL