Phoenix Rising International Film Festival, is now in its triumphant 4th year!

We are thrilled to invite you to submit your film to what we hope will quickly become the cornerstone of independent short filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.

Our Vision: A Destination for Indie Filmmakers

Our mission is clear: we aim to create one of the go-to events for indie short filmmakers. We're here to celebrate the art of storytelling, providing a platform where emerging filmmakers can share their unique voices and visions. As a filmmaker, you're not just a participant; you're a vital part of our community.

A Date to Mark on Your Calendar

The Phoenix Rising International Film Festival isn't just another event; it's a date to mark on your calendar. Our festival is more than just screenings; it's an experience. With a focus on quality over quantity, we ensure that every film feels specially curated for your enjoyment.

IMDb Qualifying

We take pride in being an IMDb qualifying festival. This prestigious recognition underscores our dedication to the art of filmmaking and our unwavering support for emerging talent. It's not just about watching films; it's about celebrating excellence in the world of indie cinema.

What to Expect:

Intriguing Films: Discover a diverse and exceptional selection of short films that span genres, themes, and cultures. Each film is a gem waiting to be unearthed.

Creative Conversations: Engage with filmmakers and fellow film enthusiasts. Our festival is not just about viewing; it's about discussing, connecting, and exploring the magic of cinema.

Inspiration: Walk away feeling inspired by the boundless creativity of indie filmmakers. These are the stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Awards Ceremony: At the end of it all, we celebrate our filmmakers achievement in an end of year ceremony where we crown our BEST OF THE FEST!

The Phoenix is Rising, and we want you to rise with us. Be a part of something exceptional. Submit now!

Prizes
We offer fantastic prizes.

InkTIP offers 4 months Pro Membership for:

The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (Feature)
The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (Short)
The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (TV Pilot)

WriterDuet offers a Yearly Pro Subscription for:

The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (Feature)
The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (Short)
The Winner of the Best Unproduced Screenplay (TV Pilot)
The Winner of the Best Screenplay
The Winner of the Best Screenplay (Web-Series)

Awards
Awards will be awarded in the following categories:

BEST OF THE FEST

BEST SHORT FILM
BEST BRITISH FILM
BEST MICRO SHORT
BEST LGBTQ+ SHORT FILM
BEST HORROR
BEST COMEDY
BEST EXPERIMENTAL
BEST ANIMATED FILM
BEST MID LENGTH FILM
BEST WEB SERIES/ TV PILOT EPISODE
BLACK & ETHNIC MINORITY DIRECTED SHORT FILM
BEST STUDENT FILM
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
BEST WOMAN DIRECTED SHORT
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
BEST FILM BY AN ETHNIC MINORITY FILMMAKER
BEST FANTASY, SCI-FI & FAN FILMS
IMPACT AWARD

BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
BEST ENSEMBLE IN A WEBSERIES (IF ENOUGH ENTRIES)

TECHNICAL

BEST DIRECTOR (SHORT FILM)
BEST DIRECTOR BRITISH SHORT FILM
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
BEST EDITING
BEST COSTUME
BEST MUA
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
BEST SOUND EDITING

SCREENPLAY

BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAY (FEATURE)
BEST UNPRODUCED SCREENPLAY (SHORT)
BEST UNPRODUCED TV PILOT SCREENPLAY

1. Phoenix Rising International Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilise an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. By submitting to Phoenix Rising International Film Festival, the entrant agrees that images from the film can be used in Phoenix Rising International Film Festival publications, the Phoenix Rising International Film Festival website and all other media outlets related to Phoenix Rising International Film Festival publicity and you indemnify Phoenix Rising International Film Festival against any responsibilities incurred by the screening of this film.

2. All Films made from 2022 onwards are welcome to enter.

3. The Entrant confirms and warrants the required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry. This includes rights for screening of music videos without paying additional licensing costs.

4. All films must either be in English or subtitled in English.

5. Films for the exhibition must be submitted by a downloadable link to hi-res copy of the film. Please note that exhibition copies of films will not be returned after the festival.

6. All films will be judged by Phoenix Rising International Film Festival Jury Panel and all filmmakers whose films were selected for screening will be notified by email.

7. We strive to accommodate and screen as many films as possible. However, due to time constraints, not all Official Selections can be included in the final program.

8. We will request publicity materials: a poster, three stills from the film and a picture of director. These materials will be not returned.

9. We accept short films documentaries and narratives, animations, and music videos.

By MICRO FILM, we understand the film that is a minimum of 1 minute long and not longer than 5 minutes.

By SHORT FILM, we understand the film that is no shorter than 6 minutes and not longer than 20 minutes.

By MID-LENGHT FILM, we understand the film that is no shorter than 21 minutes and not longer than 40 minutes.

10. Whilst every effort will be made to run the festival as advertised, the festival reserves the right to make alterations including but not limited to the dates and the manner of the screenings. Should circumstances beyond our control prevent the festival from being held physically we will endeavour to run a digital online edition in its place or postpone the dates, and only cancel as a last resort.

Impact Award - Terms and Conditions

The Impact Award is dedicated to recognising films created in collaboration with charities or not-for-profit organizations, aiming to highlight powerful stories that address important social issues. Submissions to this category must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility:

The film must be made in partnership with a registered charity or not-for-profit organization.

Self-funded projects will only be eligible if they were commissioned by a charity or not-for-profit organisation at a later stage in production.

Submission Fee:

A minimum submission fee of £10 applies to all entries in this category. This fee helps support the growth and sustainability of the festival.

Compliance:

Each submission will be individually checked for compliance with the criteria above. Submissions that do not meet the required standards of collaboration with a charity or not-for-profit organisation will be disqualified.

Purpose:

This category is not intended for profit generation but to showcase important films that are often overlooked in the festival circuit. The fees collected will directly contribute to the festival’s ability to grow and continue providing a platform for these vital stories.

By submitting to the Impact Award, you confirm that your film adheres to the eligibility requirements, and you accept the terms stated above.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Davin Jeayes

    Lovely festival, great team, great fun. Looking forward to submitting more films to them in future :)

    December 2024
  • Very pleased to win the Best unproduced TV pilot script award with Simply Murderous but as Filmfreeway are still showing it as just 'selected' I contacted to remind them to contact them but no reply received and still just, 'selected' Disappointing.

    December 2024
  • Foi uma grande honra participar do Phoenix Rising!!!! Um abraço a todos!!!! Obrigado!!!

    November 2024
  • Curtis Krick

    Thanks so much for your warm reception of our short Quick Cuts. We had a wonderful time and truly felt welcome and appreciated.

    November 2024
  • João Pedro Frazão

    Congratulations on the magnificent festival, to the nominees and winners. It was great, Thank you for the award,

    November 2024