Purgatory Film Festival

Purgatory Pictures Ltd has been up and running for a couple of years now and, having travelled the world - taking our products to film festivals, we launched our own festival.  This has been running for a couple of years now with a team of six judges watching, reading and rating all of the submissions received! 
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It might seem strange; filmmakers launching their own festival but, for us, we believe it is the most natural thing to do given our passion for films of all genres.

There are two stages to our festival! Read on for further details.
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THE ONLINE FESTIVAL:

Originally the Festival ran on a yearly basis during the second to last weekend of October. Close enough to Halloween that people are craving their horror but not on Halloween, ruining people's parties. However, recognising the need for "urgent" laurels and awards for independent film-makers, the decision was made to make it a monthly online event from late 2023 onwards, with awards being issued every month. Not only does this keep the cost down for people looking to submit but it also ensures entrants are not waiting months on end to find out if their film has been selected.
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THE IN-PERSON FESTIVAL:

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

Once a year, the festival will have a full, in-person day event. On this day, we will be showcasing the winning short films from throughout the year. There is no need to resubmit your work. If you're one of our monthly winners from that year, your film will automatically be shown to our audience (up to 300 people). The top three feature films from the year (chosen by a judging panel of 6 people) will also be shown. The audience will be asked to write the name of their favourite short and feature film. Once the cards have been counted (within the following week) the audience's choice award will be presented and the winner of each category will win yet another award.

What to expect at our in-person events:
3 feature films
12 short films
Q&As with attending film-makers
Fully stocked and licensed bar
Networking opportunities
Red Carpet picture opportunities

Where and when?

The next live in-person event will be held at:
The Holiday Inn
Eastleigh, Southampton, UK
Jan 2027

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THE FEES:
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The entry fees will always be kept modest to ensure costs are covered. There will be an option for winners to purchase their physical trophies, should they wish one be added to their collection. Otherwise, all winners (and selected films) will receive a laurel.

There is no need to enter your film twice to be in with a chance of winning the online or in-person festival. All entries which win the monthly festival will automatically be shown at the in-person festival and be in with another chance of winning.
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For transparency, the Film Festival will be run through FilmFreeway.
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RULES & TERMS:

Judges' decisions are final
Due to the amount of submissions we receive, we do not give out waiver codes
Filmmakers agree that their film is okay to be shown at the festival
Multiple entries are welcome
Only submissions via FilmFreeway are accepted
Winners will be uploaded to the Purgatory Pictures website
For winners wishing to come to the in-person festival, we can only offer two free tickets but further tickets are available to purchase. We do not cover travelling or accommodation expenses
In the unlikely event of the film festival being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, tickets will be transferred to an alternative date and the film line-up will remain the same

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE IN-PERSON FESTIVAL:
Films, networking and laughs!
The in-person festival is being put together for film fans and creatives. A day to come by and have fun watching films and getting to know one another. Who knows, perhaps you may find the next director for your film there? Or maybe you'll find your next leading actor?!

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