We are seeking short science documentaries for the inaugural year of Ireland’s only science film festival, the Science on Screen Film Festival, taking place in Galway city, Ireland in 2020.

The festival which takes place in November will celebrate the best of scientific storytelling from around the globe in both short and feature form. Science has always been the source of some of the most astounding stories; this festival marries science and the power of the screen to bring those stories to as wide an audience as possible.

The festival will also host Q & As with filmmakers, scientists and other figures from around the world. There will be opportunities for audiences to engage with scientists and filmmakers on the topics that arise from the films. We invite the public to ‘Come join the conversation with us’ about these topics. (In accordance with the current COVID 19 restrictions in Ireland, this festival will be hosted online in 2020.)

Science on Screen Film Festival seeks to receive films that address scientific or technological themes and stories, or that have a leading character who is a scientist, engineer, mathematician or an individual whose life has been affected by science.

Now more than ever, we turn to science to yield answers and to aid us in our understanding of the world around us and beyond. We look forward to screening films which tell universal stories and that tap into the heart of our very existence.

The festival is a partnership between CÚRAM, the SFI* Research Centre for Medical Devices based at NUI Galway and Galway Film Centre. This partnership has run a funding programme for science films since 2015 – the Science on Screen film award – and it has overseen the production of documentaries which have reached audiences of over million people globally and garnered many international awards.

*Science Foundation Ireland

Logo Still image from 'A Tiny Spark'.

Awards & Prizes

A Judge’s Award of €500 for the Best Short Film will be given on the closing night.

Rules & Terms

1. The deadline for submission of films is October 1st 2020.
2. The maximum film length allowable is 30 minutes (Including title and credits).
3. Each submission must be accompanied by a HIGH RES STILL IMAGE (not a poster image) and a 15 WORD SYNOPSIS. (When you build your film profile on FilmFreeway, you can add your images at that point).
4. SOSFF seeks to receive films that address scientific or technological themes and stories, or that have a leading character who is a scientist, engineer, mathematician or whose life has been affected by science.
5. Films not in the English language must have subtitles.
6. The selection and scheduling of all films screened at Science on Screen Film Festival (SOSFF) is entirely at the discretion of the Festival Organisers and the Judging Panel.
7. We cannot enter into any discussion regarding films that are not selected for the festival. The festival is unable to send personal emails regarding films that are not selected and notification regarding the status of selection will be made via FilmFreeway notification.
8. Selected films will be announced on the SOSFF website and in the media.
9. We do not pay screening fees for any short films submitted.
10. Filmmakers are responsible for securing all copyright clearances and music rights.
11. Films must be submitted in their final form. Films cannot be re-submitted at a later date.
12. All submissions can be included in promotional material in both print and digital media, including television, radio, online media, and all other available platforms.
13. SOSFF reserve the right to refuse the screening of any film if deemed inappropriate.
14. Entry fee of €5 per film is non-refundable.
15. By submitting to SOSFF you, therefore, acknowledge and accept all SOSFF rules and regulations.
16. If selected the festival will request a high quality digital screen for the online hosting of the film.
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  • Carbonated Comet

    Really great festival to be a part of. Super proud to support the messages of science. Communication couldn’t have been better. The organizers have gone above and beyond in making a difficult situation during a pandemic a rewarding experience.

    December 2020
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