ONLY ACCEPTING FILMS BY FILMMAKERS LIVING OR WORKING IN THE UK. Non-eligible films will not be viewed.

Short Sighted Cinema CIC is now open for submissions for THE SHORTEST NIGHTS 2020, an annual collection of cutting-edge programmes celebrating the best in British short film. In response to the global pandemic, we have decided to reschedule the festival to the Autumn and have also extended our submissions window to allow more of your films to be considered.

Short Sighted Cinema CIC is a short film initiative run by Gem Carmella and Kate Williamson. They programme unique events across the UK, working with with festivals, arts hubs and community cinemas to bring new audiences to British short film.

Films for this collection must have been created within the last 2 years by filmmakers living, working or studying in the UK, inclusive of British Filmmakers working overseas.

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THE FESTIVAL:

“If it’s film that floats your boat, take up Short Sighted Cinema’s invitation to watch all their short films in one go…. bliss.” – Time Out

“The eagle-eyed curators who run things are known for spotting the best new short films around. ” – Londonist

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FILM FEEDBACK:

"It's so rare to get feedback and to receive advice that is so specific and helpful has really spurred me on. Thank you!" Esmé Hicks. Filmmaker.

“The feedback is detailed, honest and forward-looking. This is worth it’s weight in gold…” Frederic Casella. Filmmaker.

“Genuinely very much inspired by the feedback and your advice moving forwards is something which definitely makes sense to me…excellent feedback and insight” Aaron Dunleavy. Filmmaker.

“Insightful feedback… It was great to hear from an outside perspective some confirmation of what it’s strengths and weaknesses are.” Garry Sykes. Filmmaker.

“Very useful in practical ways: both usefully informative and, again, positive and encouraging.” Ed Jones Edwards. Filmmaker.

Awards & Prizes

ALL selected films will automatically become part of THE SHORTEST NIGHTS season tour, which will premiere at THE SHORTEST NIGHTS event in London. Screenings could then could go on to include local cinemas, community events, summer festivals and cross-arts collaborations. Films have previously screened at Wilderness Festival, Shambala, In The Woods, Leeds Film City, Margate Film Festival and more.

Selected films and those that are shortlisted will also be considered for future Short Sighted Cinema events in London and around the UK.

Rules & Terms

- Only films made within the last 2 years from filmmakers working, studying or living in the UK are eligible. If you are a British filmmaker working or studying abroad, please email us after submitting with a note about your submission as non-UK addresses will be disqualified.

- There is a fee for submission feedback, which is an OPTIONAL service. This fee contributes directly to festival costs. You will receive feedback after the notification date, with a statement from the festival programmers about the selection decision regarding your film. We will give honest, direct feedback about the film's key areas of strengths & weaknesses. This may take some time to reach you depending on demand for this feature.

- Films should be under 25 minutes in length, but can be of any style, genre or theme. We’d also like to encourage family-friendly films.

- Should your film be selected, you give us permission to screen your film at The Shortest Nights and any subsequent tour or screening over the next 12 months.

- Filmmakers must obtain necessary licenses & clearances for their films, Short Sighted Cinema WILL NOT hold any responsibility for any copyright infringement.

- Submitting a film gives us permission to use publicity stills provided and up to 30 seconds of footage for use in The Shortest Nights' marketing and publicity.

- Films that do not fall within our criteria will NOT be watched. Please state clearly the UK connection if you are submitting from abroad (email to info[@]shortsightedcinema.com).
22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Monique Needham

    This was such a cool festival to be a part of. Kate + Gem are so lovely, made me feel so comfortable even before the actual screening day. Their communication with filmmakers in the run up to the day is on point. They really care about new talent and film which made the whole experience feel worthwhile. I got to see a great variety of other films too within my category. Definitely recommend this one!

    July 2019
    Helpful
  • Behnam Taheri

    Had an amazing time screening at Shortest Nights. Was super chilled and friendly atmosphere, really lovely people, and some amazing films

    July 2019
    Helpful
  • Malinda Kaur

    What a great festival to host the first screening of my short film BLIND. Great atomsphere, Great people and Inspiring films. Thank you

    July 2019
    Helpful
  • Peter Mckeirnon

    Fantastic festival with great communication from the organisers. It was an honour to have our film selected and I will definitely be looking at submitting in the future.

    July 2019
    Helpful
  • Sam Brewster

    Great fun and a lovely venue, especially in the middle of the Summer. Very welcoming and laid back atmosphere; highly recommend attendance if you've got something screening.

    July 2019
    Helpful