The Stafford Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of global storytelling, creativity, and cinematic excellence. Set in the heart of Staffordshire, the festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world for a unique cultural experience.
What Filmmakers Can Expect:
🎬 Grand Prize: $500 | 2nd Prize: $250 🎬
Showcasing Your Work:
Your film will be presented to an engaged audience in a professional venue, alongside a curated selection of outstanding films spanning diverse genres and perspectives.
Networking Opportunities:
Meet fellow filmmakers, industry leaders, and festival attendees during dedicated networking sessions before and after screenings. Exchange ideas, form connections, and explore potential collaborations in a friendly, supportive environment.
Interactive Q&A Sessions:
Engage with audiences during post-screening Q&A sessions, offering insights into your creative process and receiving valuable feedback directly from viewers.
Exclusive Filmmaker Interviews:
Finalists and winners will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive online video interview or an in-person interview at the festival. These interviews will delve into their project, creative motivation, and filmmaking process, providing valuable exposure and a platform to share their journey with a wider audience.
Recognition and Awards:
Compete for prestigious awards across multiple categories, including our Grand Prize of $500 and a 2nd Prize of $250. The festival honours achievements in feature films, documentaries, shorts, animation, experimental works, and more.
Community and Culture:
Immerse yourself in the local culture and community of Staffordshire, a region steeped in history. Experience the warmth of its people and the beauty of its surroundings while sharing your art with an appreciative audience.
The Stafford Film Festival is more than an event—it’s a platform for filmmakers to share their vision, connect with a global community, and gain recognition for their creativity and hard work. Join us and let your story shine!
At the Stafford Film Festival, films are evaluated by a panel of esteemed industry professionals, including experts from institutions like the BBC and individuals who have contributed to Oscar-nominated films. Our judges bring a wealth of experience and a keen eye for quality storytelling, ensuring that every submission is assessed with the highest standards of professionalism and respect.
All films are judged using a comprehensive point-scoring system, where each project is evaluated across key criteria such as creativity, technical execution, originality, and audience impact. The films with the highest average scores progress to the final selection, giving all submissions a fair and transparent opportunity to shine.
The Stafford Film Festival celebrates creativity and storytelling by recognising exceptional achievements in filmmaking. With diverse award categories and valuable prizes, the festival offers filmmakers an incredible opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience and gain meaningful recognition.
Award Categories
Filmmakers can submit their projects in the following categories:
Best TV Pilot/Web Series
Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Student Film
Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Student Documentary
Best Animation, Best Short Animation, Best Student Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best AI-Generated Film
Best Music / Performance
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best One-Minute Film
Best Feature Script, Best Short Script
Best Original Song
Audience Choice Award
Awards and Prizes
Winners in each category will receive:
🔹 Official Stafford Film Festival Trophy
Each category winner will be awarded a beautifully crafted festival trophy to commemorate their success and recognition at the festival.
🔹 Industry Recognition
Your work will be highlighted on our website, social media platforms, and press materials, offering excellent exposure.
🔹 Networking Opportunities
As a winner, you’ll gain access to filmmakers, industry leaders, and festival attendees during exclusive events.
🔹 Screening & Potential Future Screenings
Selected winners may be featured in screenings, additional screenings, or have opportunities for collaborations with festival partners.
🔹 Potential Distribution
All films selected as finalists will be presented to our friends in distribution to help promote the possibility of distribution deals for the selected films.
🔹 Receive Official Festival Merchandise
Winners will receive exclusive Stafford Film Festival merchandise as a token of appreciation for their achievement.