Lights. Camera. Stamford!

Calling all visionary filmmakers! Our festival is back and we want you to be part of it! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Stamford - England’s most beautiful town and just a short train ride from London - this is more than just a festival. It’s a movement.

This isn’t your typical industry event. We’re here to celebrate bold storytelling, amplify underrepresented voices, and champion the future of cinema. Partnering with Across The Street Productions, a trailblazing queer-female-led company, and the British Film Institute (BFI), this festival is designed to spotlight groundbreaking talent and create real opportunities for filmmakers through our panel talks.

And our Grand Jury? It’s nothing short of spectacular.
Judges are:
🎬 Alan Mckenna
🎬 Becky Rooney
🎬 Derrick King

This is your chance to screen your work in front of industry leaders, network with like-minded creatives, and put your name on the map in a town that has inspired artists for centuries.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or an established director, Stamford’s film festival is the place to be. Submit your film, join the movement, and experience cinema in a setting like no other.

🎥 SUBMIT NOW. STAND OUT. SEE YOU IN STAMFORD. 🎬

Awards & Prizes

Each finalist will receive a laurel, a certificate and a unique award.
Best Short Film - Masterclass & 1year membership for Female Film Club (open to all genders)
Best Comedy - Masterclass
Best Drama - Masterclass
Best Horror - Masterclass

Monologue Competition 'Rising Star'
Winner $5,000 scholarship to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts & Merchandise gift bag.
Each Finalist $2,500 scholarship to The American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Rules & Terms

1. You are at least 18 years of age.
2. All films selected must be under 20 minutes.
3. Monologues must be under 2 minutes
4. All films, not in the English language, are required to have subtitles.
5. Films must have completed post-production after January 2020.
6. By submitting your film, you confirm you own the rights to distribute and showcase the film.
7. Stamford International Film Festival will not be held responsible for any copyright issues or infringements.
8. All filmmakers will retain legal ownership of their own film.
9. By submitting your film you acknowledge that Stamford International Film Festival reserves the right to promote your film on our website and social media, including linking back to you the link you provided and/or uploading the film natively to any of our social media platforms including, but not limited to, Instagram, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.
10. Submitting your film does not guarantee that it will be showcased. Stamford International Film Festival reserves the right to make the final decision on whether or not to screen any particular film.
10. Stamford International Film Festival has the right to make decisions about matters not provided by these rules.
11. Rules and terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of Stamford International Film Festival
12. By submitting you agree to be put on our mailing list.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jasmine De Silva

    I wasn't able to attend in person, but I heard such great things about the festival and I was so happy that our short film Beauty Sleep won two awards at SIFF!

    October 2025
    Helpful