The SHORT SOUNDS FILM FESTIVAL is dedicated to celebrating the craft and artistry behind the cinematic soundscapes which immerse, inspire and captivate us.

Back - with a BANG!

After a three-year hiatus, THE SHORT SOUNDS FILM FESTIVAL is relaunching for 2025 with a special STUDENT TAKEOVER event.

We will continue to focus and celebrate the power of sound and music in film, but this time around the festival will be open exclusively to student film productions with outstanding sound and music. We are the only student short film festival dedicated to sound design and music composition and we’re here to champion the craft that brings film to life.

This 6th iteration of this festival will be held on the 21st May 2025 at BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY, UK as part of the University's Festival of Media Production. We will once again be delivering an exciting programme of awards, industry talks, networking opportunities and of course, film. The films we feature put sound at the centre, blending bold and vibrant creativity with the highest quality sound and music production.

The SHORT SOUNDS FILM FESTIVAL prizes the creators and innovators whose dedication to their craft has produced the world of sounds which keep us on the edge of our seats, fully immersed in the cinematic experience.

SSFF is an opportunity to both celebrate and learn from the masters.

Cinematic sound has the power to hold us in stasis. For a short while, the incessant background noise of life fades to black as we are suspended outside of time and space, transfixed. It is an integral part of the stories which enchant so many, yet it too-often goes unrecognised and undervalued. SSFF gives the sounds of cinema their time in the limelight.

AWARDS & PRIZES

"JURY AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM"

"SHORT FICTION"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT NON-FICTION" (Documentary)
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT ANIMATION"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT EXPERIMENTAL"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

Awards & Prizes

"JURY AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM"

"SHORT FICTION"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT NON-FICTION" (Documentary)
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT ANIMATION"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

"SHORT EXPERIMENTAL"
Best Sound Design
Best Score

Rules & Terms

We are looking for exceptionally crafted student films that demonstrate an authentic understanding of sound and music. Submissions for this award will only be considered for an award if the person(s) responsible for that category (Sound Design/ Score) was a student at the time of production. Films must have been made by students during academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. We will accept films under 25 mins in length, any genre from any country.

We have no premiere requirements or prior screening restrictions, and your film can have previous screenings at other festivals and/or be available on other platforms; however the committee will favour films with less exposure.

All deadlines (Earlybird, Regular and Late) are the dates by which films must be submitted to the festival. Your digital upload, Vimeo link, or the physical disc must be received by the festival before the final deadline date for. All submissions are handled identically, regardless of which deadline you choose.

All films must be submitted via the Online Screener System on FilmFreeway, by way of a Vimeo link entered directly on the submission application. Submitting your film early is encouraged to take advantage of lower fees but please allow up to 24 hours for processing of digital video uploads.

We wish you the best of luck with your submission!

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ali Khan

    Such a fun and friendly festival run by people who actually care. My film won best score, and I am thankful to the board and to Stephen for their support. Looking forward to come back in the future.

    July 2025
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  • Michael Rawlins

    So glad to see a festival acknowledging that Sound is as crucial as the image. Very communicative & pleasant. We look forward to attending in the not too distant future!

    July 2025
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  • Simeon Costello

    We've just got back from Short Sounds and my god, what a festival! The festival was incredibly professional, well run and hospitable. The communications in advance was very clear and friendly. The Festival was kind enough to invite us to talk after our screening and looked after us really well. We got to go to loads of the events and managed to do lots of networking at the wrap party. Would certainly recommend submitting to Short Sounds, and definitely attending if you've got an interest in film, specifically sound and music. Thanks again Short Sounds!

    February 2022
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  • A D Cooper

    Such a welcoming and friendly festival run by folks who know their onions about sound and music. Lots of useful insights about the business as much as screening interesting films.

    As a festival, it must be unique in focusing on the aural aspects of film making. I'll go again another year - whether or not I'm selected.

    March 2020
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