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

With new Festival Directors for 2023 expect a new twist, but of course, still including our famed Gala Night! However, we always have the same admiration for the films shown and the people who have made them, plus some fun along the way.

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 identify as neurodivergent and those who are protected by the UK Equality Act 2010 - so, if you require assistance with submission, please contact us via email.

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 Youth film (under 18) sponsored by Student & Young Filmmaker Awards
Best Student Film (over 18) sponsored by Student & Young Filmmaker Awards
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Post Production
Best Cinematography
Best Sound design
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Lead Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best Supporting Actor (Gender Neutral)
Best Local Film
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.

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. Ideally digital down-load Any Blu-Ray copy will not be returned.

47 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Güni Koçak

    Thank you so much for selecting and screening our short film GREEN LANES! Thank you so much for the support! It's been an honour!

    August 2022
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  • Rene Nuijens

    Thanks so much for selecting our film: 'Covid Love' to your festival.

    August 2022
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  • Jason Gregg

    Amazing festival!!!! Although I couldn't be there in person the communication throughout was outstanding. One of the best festivals going and much kudos to Doug and his team.

    August 2022
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  • Tamila Nesterenko

    Thank you festival for choosing our film "There is Hope". Unfortunately, we were not able to attend the festival, but the communication was good!

    August 2022
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    Response from festival:

    We hope you can visit in the future, thank you for submitting a fun dark and finally uplifting film.

  • Remy Archer

    We had a fantastic time and would recommend this festival to anyone. It was run by and for filmmakers and was a joy to attend, depsite incredibly difficult circumstances for Doug and the core team.

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you we hope to see you next year with another fab Film!