Pompey Wood Genre Film Festival 2026!

The Pompeywood Film Festival returns for its 5th year! Pompeywood is to highlight the work of independent, low or no budget, filmmakers in Portsmouth, Hampshire, the UK, and across the world. The principal focus of the festival is within the Horror genre and for short films (under 17 minutes) but also invites submissions for awards for other genres including science fiction, thrillers and comedy.

The format of the event will be a screening before a live public audience and will include screenings of selected short films, question and answer panels with filmmakers cast and crew, two feature films, and networking opportunities all hosted at our brand new venue, more information soon!

Awards & Prizes

The Short Film Competition is for films no longer than 17 minutes in all categorys

Short Film Awards will be made for the following categories:
- Best Horror Film
- Best Comedy
- Best Sci Fi
- Best Thriller
- Best Local Film (Portsmouth and surrounding solents)
- Best Actor
- Best Story
- Best Cinematography
- Best Director
- Audience Award

Rules & Terms

Entries to the Short Film Competition will be limited to a length of 17 minutes.
Films can be in either Horror or Non-Horror genres.

Films can be of any age (no limits on date of production or release) and can be of any rating or unrated.

All short films will be considered by the judging panel against all Award categories (other than the Audience Award which will be selected based on audience votes during the screening).

Films can be submitted to other Festivals or be available on-line elsewhere or have any form of distribution.

The Festival is managed by TrashArts Ltd. Income for the Festival will come from short film submission fees which will be kept low to encourage entries.

9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kebe Iwara

    A great event celebrating local and international filmmakers. A broad variety of genres all high quality and inspirational. Looking forward to next year already.

    September 2025
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  • Dave Gardner

    Lovely festival - thanks so much for our award and nominations for 'surprise!'

    September 2025
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  • James Plumb

    Expertly run festival, friendly and clear communication from the organisers. A brilliant event itself, with great catering. An amazing selection of shorts and features, with great representation from the filmmakers themselves. And a brilliant appreciative audience. Would attend again even without a film submitted. Highly recommended.

    September 2025
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  • richard kearney

    The team here are great with communication and very accomodating. We were delighted our short screened and won an award at Pompeywood Genre. Would highly recommend

    September 2025
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  • Geoff Harmer

    Wow!!! What a great event! Really well organised! Completely blown away that my film 'Dead Air' won Best Cinematography, Best Horror Film, as well as the Audience Choice Award.... so humbled! Roll on next year!!!

    October 2023
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