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 and network at the bar at the end of the screenings!.

As our second 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.

There will hopefully be further workshop events running that will be announced later in 2024.

Best Film in competition
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Director
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
Best Animated Film
Best TV Pilot
Best LGBT Film
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Costume
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
Best Student Filmmaker
Best Comedy
Best Shakespeare Themed Film
Best Comedy
Most Imaginative Film

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 by August 10th, 2024
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, 2024. Jury Award and audience award winners will be announced at the Awards Evening Party. 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. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted into SOAFF will receive the following:
One festival pass per submitted film block to see their festival film, and others in that block FREE
10. 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.
11. 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hans Obma

    Stratford on Avon Film Festival did a good job of honoring filmmakers--can I get an amen that this is the best thing ever?

    Stratford on Avon Film Festival is a desirable spot for advancing filmmakers. The festival creators are rightly setting their sights high, and this festival stands to become remarkably relevant among UK festivals.

    They've done a good job of creating current categories that are elusive at UK festivals. And in tandem, each visitor is in the midst of Shakespeare country--literally blocks from Will's birthplace and school.

    May you each enjoy as much as I did!

    November 2023
  • It was a lovely surprise and very gratifying to receive an Honorable Mention for my music documentary CONSTANTIN SILVESTRI AVANT-GARDIST, MASTER IMPROVISER, HOMME PASSIONNÉ from a festival which promotes high quality films. And I am grateful to the festival’s directors for their friendly and helpful response during our correspondence. Thank you Stratford on Avon!

    November 2023
  • Josh Rivett

    Not many people turned up for the first block, but the films that were screened were of a very high quality and I am honoured to have been a part of the official selection!

    November 2023
  • Scott Clist

    Excellent festival.
    Communication was great from start to finish. Easy to enter and great value. I would highly recommend this film festival.

    November 2023
  • Rima Lyn

    I did not attend the festival but entered their writing contest and our avant-garde script about the Shakespeare Authorship Question received an effusive honorable mention which was very affirming for us. I would like to attend in the future.

    November 2023