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

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 Maker
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Post Production
Best Cinematography
Best Sound design
Best Edit
Best Costume Design
Best Lead Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best Supporting Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best in the South West
Festival Favourite Film

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thank you for having our film GHANIMAH screen this year, we are very grateful to have been a part of your festival.

    October 2023
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    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
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    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.

  • Oskar Nilsson

    Huge thank you for selecting Old Man, Con Man for the 2023 Best Director Award. I’m so disappointed that I couldn’t attend the festival in person but I thank the team and very much hope to attend next year!

    August 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Oskar! We felt incredibly lucky to have Old Man, Con Man submitted to us, and cant wait to see you in 2024!

  • Great festival, I had a really fun time attending and watching the other selected films. Very happy to take home the BEST HORROR award for my film SALESMEN!

    August 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Dylan! We were absolutely delighted to meet you and cant wait to see what you do next.

  • ELF Emerging Limerick Filmmakers

    Really impressed with the team. Very friendly and the love of what they’re doing is on display. Highly recommended.

    August 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We thoroughly enjoyed having Killer Krush as part of our festival, and cant wait to see what ELF do next.