Small Axe is back, offline and in the field! After a one-year pandemic hiatus we are back for the 9th annual celebration of short, radical films from around the world.

--------- --------- --------- ---------

Small Axe is a film competition for films with something to say.

• No film can be too political
• We accept everything - from direct polemic, to experimental film, from original fiction to observational documentary.
• We want opinion, analysis, personal stories, ideology, vision and fresh perspectives.
• Challenge, explore, celebrate, discuss…

In short, any film that you feel is radical is welcome. As long as it is short (under 30 minutes).

The Small Axe awards are given at the Tolpuddle Radical Film Festival. http://www.tolpuddleradicalfilm.org.uk/small-axe

The festival takes place alongside the Tolpuddle Martyr's festival in the village of Tolpuddle in Dorset, U.K. http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival This commemorates the foundation of the union movement, and is a major national event for left-wing groups in the U.K. Films are screened to a select audience in the only remaining 1960's ministry of technology Mobile Cinema truck. http://www.vintagemobilecinema.co.uk/

The festival runs over three days (from Friday to Sunday) showing a selection of feature films and competition shorts. On Sunday morning there is a full programme of shorts, followed by the announcement of the Small Axe awards and another screening of the winning films.

There is a charge to attend the full weekend, but there is free entry on the Sunday.

Our Patrons and supporters include Paul Watson and Ken Loach. In previous years the Smallaxe Jury has included Leila Sansour, Jeremy Hardy and Fran Higson. Award winners are invited to participate in the Jury for future years.

Films made by established activists and film-makers:

Best Factual Film
Best Fiction Film

Films made by Students and first time filmmakers:

Best Fiction Film
Best Factual Film

Best film by a filmmaker under 18 years old

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Really pleased that I was able to attend this festival. I had a fun time here and the team were absolutely wonderful. The vintage cinema bus was the perfect setting to share our film with the world.

    Thank you Small Axe!

    September 2022
    Small axe 200
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the feedback. It was great to meet you and a real pleasure to have you there in in reaql life :)

  • Excellent communication and well-organized! This festival is a great concept, supporting human rights and worker rights - I was very honored to be included!

    July 2022
  • Betsy Stern

    The Small Axe Short Film Awards is a wonderful festival with excellent communication!

    July 2022
  • Grant Gillespie

    We feel really honoured to be selected by the festival, especially considering their admirable remit. They're making a difference through promoting political (small p) awareness while celebrating art.

    July 2022
  • Tanja Holm

    Great festival! Thank you so much for including my film about Yemen. I especially appreciated the festival’s encouragement and dedication, with interviews and reviews. It was a fantastic experience!

    July 2022