Shorts::Cut began in 2005, screening short films as part of Portsmouth's Film Festival. It screens short films created by regional filmmakers.

This year's event will open on March 1st,, with a submission deadline of September 20th. An extended deadline will be the 17th of October, with the festival date being October 25, 2024.

Best Local Short Film
Best Script of the Year (connected with social or community issues).
Best Student Project (under 25yrs - from UK only)

Entry Regulations

For each film entered you must complete a separate entry form and a payment of £8 . We do not accept cash. All entrants will be given two free passes to the final screening.
You have to allow us to download your film for festival screenings.
Portsmouth Film Society, its partners and its judges cannot assume liability for damage or loss. No submissions will be accepted if postmarked after the last entry date of 30 September, 2023 . If the submission fee is not completed, the submission will not considered for the festival entry.

All submission forms must be completed in English or with English subtitles . Maximum running time is 15 minutes including titles, end credits and music. Longer films will not be considered for the screening.

For the screening, at least one of the principal cast, writer, director or producer should reside or study in Hampshire, West Sussex or the Isle of Wight, or the film should have been produced in this area.

Entrants must have clearance for all copyrighted material (such as music) in the submitted film. We will not accept films that have already be submitted to Shorts::Cut in previous years, including updated or re-edited versions of older films.

Films made in, or by residents or students in The News’ circulation area (including Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant, Chichester, Waterlooville, Bognor Regis, Petersfield, Gosport and Bishops Waltham) are also eligible to be submitted to The Guide award for the best local film. Only films completed after or had their first public screenings after January 1, 2023 Please indicate on the form whether you wish the film to be submitted as an entrant to the Guide awards.

Entrants should submit photographs or other images for Portsmouth Film Society to use in promoting the screening. The organisers cannot be held responsible for compatibility problems, and will not use images that are of poor quality or are deemed to be unsuitable. Please include names of the photographers, designers or artists, with the images.

There will be a selection process, so entrants should understand that submission in accordance with the rules does not guarantee the film’s inclusion in the final screening.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Edward Lyon

    It was excellent in a lovely venue with lovely people.

    January 2024
  • Corinna Elleschild

    It was a wonderful spectacle with a fantastic atmosphere. I really enjoyed the day and it was great meeting people in the industry as well as seeing a load of fantastic films.

    November 2023
  • Rebekah Louisa Smith

    A lovely festival with a friendly team, thank you for celebrating our film THE TICK

    October 2021
  • Joaquim Haickel

    Muito bom ter sido selecionado para esse evento!...

    November 2020
  • Anderson Lwaba Lwabeya

    Portsmouth Short : Cut Film Festival thank you for the consideration and keep doing your fine work. I am very happy and proud for the judgment made which allowed the selection of our Short Film (BullyProof)

    November 2020