Short Sighted Cinema CIC is now welcoming submissions for our 9th annual film festival, THE SHORTEST NIGHTS.

As a BIFA qualifying festival we pride ourselves on curating exciting, entertaining and high-quality programmes celebrating the best in 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

Awards & Prizes

ALL selected films will automatically become part of THE SHORTEST NIGHTS season, which will premiere at THE SHORTEST NIGHTS festival.

Screenings could then could go on to include digital events, community cinemas, 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 online and around the UK.

Rules & Terms

- Only UK films are eligible. Films must be made within the last 2 years from filmmakers working, studying or living in the UK.

- 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 2022 and any subsequent tour or screening over the next 12 months. We will always let you know in advance about additional screenings.

- Filmmakers must obtain necessary licenses & clearances for their films, Short Sighted Cinema WILL NOT hold any responsibility for 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).
44 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Duncan Moore

    A great festival. The team are really committed to giving the filmmakers the best experience possible. Recommend!

    September 2022
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  • Katherine Press

    Fabulous festival! Watching HELP! I'VE STOLEN AMY ADAMS' NOSE! up there as part of the comedy programme was a really special experience. Communication was second to none from the moment of selection. The passion and enthusiasm for filmmaking in the room was infectious, and Gem was the perfect MC - I'm so glad we made the journey to London! Thank you :)

    September 2022
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  • Yu Sun

    I would like to give Hospitality 100 stars！！！！

    September 2022
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  • Georgina French

    Gem and Janine gave us a very warm virtual welcome to the festival. Lots of fun, with great communication. Great champions of short filmmaking. Would highly recommend.

    June 2021
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  • Martin Cannon

    Gem and the team put a lot of effort into showcasing the films and pushed to bring an audience into this years virtual festival. Would recommend any filmmaker to enter their latest work!

    June 2021
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