Swindon Independent Film Festival is a festival of filmmakers for filmmakers & film lovers, for 4 days, back to back.

Swindon Independent Film Festival showcases the best in independent cinema, giving film makers a platform regardless of background.

We'll be based in a venue that is both brimming with Swindon History, and the local arts and culture.

For Swindon and District Filmmakers and our, World twinned towns and cities (Salzgitter in Germany, Ocotal in Nicaragua, Torun in Poland and Disney World in Florida!) entry is free! However - ALL are welcome.

We have several categories and awards all for 1 entry fee!

Discounts are available for previous entrants. We try to keep our fees low, including the one entry fee which enters films to all relevant Awards.

We also provide extra support for those who are protected by the UK Equality Act 2010 - so, if you require assistance with submission, please contact us via email at swindonfilmfestival@gmail.com

Awards & Prizes

Best Short (Under 20 minutes)
Best Long Short Film (under 21 - 49 minutes)
Best Drama
Best Documentary
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best International film
Best Young Film/Student Filmmaker
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Lead Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best Supporting Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best in the South West (UK)
Festival Favourite Film

Rules & Terms

Films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English.

You must own the copyright or have permission from the author to submit the film.

We accept films produced in the last 2 years.

We accept films already released on internet, we understand filmmakers NEED to promote their work - However if selected please do not promote this fact or any links along side your Selection / Nomination until after the screening event.

Submission fees WON'T be refunded if you decide to withdraw your film from the festival whether your film is selected or not.

Anyone using a pre existing discount waiver after the deadline will not qualify and the festival will not issue any refunds for these submissions.

The Festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to the circumstances. The number of projects in our Official Selection and Special Mentions could also change with the amount of submissions received each year.

The Festival reserves the right to change the venue where the event takes place or the festival dates for reasons beyond our control.

The official exhibition formats for the festival are .mov/.mp4 file or Blu-ray.
Sound should Peak at maximum -6 dbs
Once a film gains Official Selection a copy must be sent to us in order to be screened.

55 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nik Coleman

    Slightly pointless, poor comms, not something we’d do again.

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Nik,

    Thank you for your review. SWIFF endeavors to communicate with film makers regularly through the festival season and have done so through the use of Film Freeway from the infancy of the festival. We can only apologise that at this time, you do not feel our comms lived up to the standard you were expecting. If you have more thorough feedback you'd like to share with us, please can you email swindonfilmfestival@gmail.com. We'd like to review your concerns and take any feedback to ensure we engage with film makers in the best way possible.

    Kind regards,

    Bobbie
    SWIFF Team

  • João Estrada

    The good work invested in this festival was evident in its competent communication, interesting programming and, from what I could see from afar, dedicated audience. Even from a distance, you can tell when a festival is a labor of love – this is certainly the case with SWIFF, a festival with soul. Submit your film here, their selection is very diverse and complete. Thank you for welcoming our work!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi João , thank you so much for leaving us this lovely review! We are so thrilled that In Our Care was part of SWIFF 2024.

  • Parker Croft

    Being part of the Swindon Independent Film Festival was an amazing experience. Although we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were really impressed by the festival’s outstanding support and dedication to both the films and the filmmakers. Their professionalism truly stood out.

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for submitting to us Parker, we loved having As Easy As Closing Your Eyes as part of SWIFF 2024.

  • Sai Karan Talwar

    Thank you for having our film GHANIMAH screen this year, we are very grateful to have been a part of your festival.

    October 2023
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Sai! GHANIMAH was fantastic and we would love to see you at SWIFF 2024.

  • Rachel Fowler

    Thrilled STILLNESS was chosen for Swindon this year, and won best drama. I wish I could have attended!!! Excellent communication, very friendly and supportive festival! Hope to come next year!!!

    August 2023
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Rachel. Stillness really stuck with our audience and we felt privileged to be able to share it with them. We look forward to seeing what you do next and hope to see you in 2024.