The Stratford on Avon Film Festival brings an International stage to the artistic capital of the Midlands region.

Why Stratford on Avon?

Stratford-Upon-Avon need no introduction as a market town with over 800 years of history. Of course one big part of its world famous heritage being Shakespeare. With the first theatre being a wooden structure built in 1769 and the current RSC being formed in 1961, there is no finer place to bring a world class Film Festival.
Not only renowned for its theatre production, Stratford-Upon-Avon is no stranger to TV either with programs like 'Shakespeare and Hathaway: Private Investigators' being filmed locally too.

Our aim is to bring you a wonderful friendly experience in one of the Midlands most stunning towns, where you can enjoy seeing your film on a big screen, informal Q&A's and network at the bar.

As our Forth year kicks off we are now extending over two days to allow for some Q&A sessions and also a dedicated networking area and bar that will be running throughout the 2 days.

We are already planning ways of offering more opportunities for filmmakers and there will hopefully be further workshop events running that will be announced later in 2025/2026.

Awards & Prizes

Best Film in competition
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
Best Animated Film
Best LGBT Film
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Young actor (Aged under 18, Across all categories)
Best Editing
Best Female Led Film
​Best Local Film - (Midlands based production, theme or cast and crew.)
Best International Film - (Produced outside the UK.)
Best Original Score
Best Sound Design
Best Special Effects - (Digital or practical.)
Best Hair & Make Up
Best Screenplay
Best Phone Film
Best First Time Filmmaker (This needs to be clearly stated on submission)
Best Student Filmmaker
Best Comedy
Best Shakespeare Themed Film

Rules & Terms

1. All film submissions should be made digitally, not via DVD’s in the post. If you are unable/unwilling to use digital submission, please contact us and we’ will endeavour to work something out.
2. If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received at least 3 weeks prior to the event.
3. All photos provided must be clearly identified. Photos may be used for any festival promotions.
4. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
5. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
6. Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to SOAFF.
The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers, labels, and film leaders.
7. Selected film entries will be notified by July 27th, 2025. An Awards Certificate will be awarded to the winners. Some Award categories may have co-sponsors providing prizes. One award or prize will be given to the individual designated on the official entry form.
8. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
9. Film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the SOAFF staff nor supporting theatre organisations staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of the film materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.
10. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Stratford on Avon Film Festival, without notice.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A R Rayhan

    I’m truly honoured that The Blood Connection was selected for screening at the Stratford on Avon Film Festival. Although I couldn’t be there in person, I’m deeply grateful to the organisers for including my work in such a well-curated programme. Festivals like this give independent filmmakers a much-needed platform to share stories with wider audiences, and I feel blessed to have been part of it.

    October 2025
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  • Joe Foster

    A great little festival with some lovely people hosting. Although we sadly weren't nominated for an award, we were very pleased that our short film Alleged (my first as writer/director!) was selected. I would definitely submit my next project here!

    September 2025
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  • Mary Elizabeth White

    Wonderful film festival. Felt very welcome and special and lots of great films! So happy they screened our short film, SISTERS and great to have a Q&A and meet fellow filmmakers. Thank you Stratford!

    September 2025
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  • Bella Glanville

    Wonderful friendly and welcoming film festival. Well organised, great networking and icing on the cake was for our short to win Best Phone Film! Thank you Stratford for a great day of screenings!

    September 2025
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  • Jorge Morais

    We feel immensely honoured and grateful to have been part of the third edition of the Stratford Upon Avon Film Festival, and to have received recognition for our animation, "In Half." The festival organisers have created a wonderful platform to share and celebrate cinematic and audiovisual talent. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend in person; however, the communication and promotion from the festival have been exceptionally positive.

    We sincerely thank the organisers, the judges, and the entire festival community for their support and for fostering such an enriching environment for both emerging and established artists.

    We look forward to the opportunity to return in future editions and to continue being part of this fantastic family that champions creativity and talent. Thank you very much for this marvellous opportunity! We wholeheartedly recommend the festival.

    Jorge Morais,
    Director of In Half

    August 2025
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