The Sandbox Showcase is a quarterly short film screening event hosted by Let’s Make Films CIC, dedicated to giving emerging and first-time filmmakers the opportunity to screen their work in a professional cinema environment. Held at the prestigious Liverpool Picturehouse, this showcase is not a traditional film festival or competition—it’s a platform designed to celebrate and spotlight innovative storytelling and bold new voices in filmmaking.

What Makes Us Unique:

• We focus on independent, grassroots filmmakers who are looking for a chance to have their work seen by a live audience in a cinema setting.
• Filmmakers can submit their short films for a one-time fee of £10, and their film will remain on our protected short film database, eligible for consideration in all future themed showcases.
• Each showcase will feature 10-12 short films, creating an intimate yet diverse lineup of films that span genres, styles, and creative approaches.

Why Submit to Sandbox Showcase:

• Films will be screened at the Liverpool Picturehouse, one of the most respected independent cinemas in the city, with seating for 260 audience members.
• The event encourages interaction between filmmakers and audiences through open discussions, allowing for deeper engagement with the stories and processes behind the films.
• We offer filmmakers an opportunity to join a growing creative community where they can network, collaborate, and share their passion for filmmaking.

If you’re looking for a chance to screen your short film in front of an enthusiastic audience and be part of a supportive filmmaking community, the Sandbox Showcase is the place for you!

You can get tickets for the event via the Picturehouse Cinema website - https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/013/HO00015306/lmf-presents-the-sandbox-showcase

Submit Your Film:

Films submitted before 20th April 2025 will be considered for our first event on 21st May 2025.

The Sandbox Showcase is a non-competitive event focused on allowing filmmakers to screen their work in a professional cinema setting. There are no awards or prizes; instead, the emphasis is on offering filmmakers a platform to:

• Showcase their short films in front of a live audience at the Liverpool Picturehouse, with a seating capacity of 260 people.

• Participate in post-screening discussions, where filmmakers can engage directly with the audience, share insights about their work, and receive valuable feedback.

This is a unique opportunity for filmmakers to gain exposure and connect with a community of film enthusiasts and fellow creatives.

1. Eligibility:
• We accept short films of all genres with a maximum runtime of 15 minutes.
• Films must be the applicant's original work, and the applicant must have all necessary rights to submit the film.
• The Director or Producer of the short film must be based in the North West of England.

2. Submission Fee:
• A one-time submission fee of £10 is required. This fee guarantees that your film will remain considered for all future Sandbox Showcase events, beyond the first submission.

3. Submission Format:
• All films must be submitted digitally via the Let’s Make Films website or FilmFreeway. We do not accept physical submissions.

4. Content Restrictions:
• The event is 18+, meaning we may screen films containing adult themes, strong language, and other content that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

5. Rights & Permissions:
• By submitting your film, you grant Let’s Make Films CIC the right to screen your film publicly at the Sandbox Showcase events. You retain all rights to your film, and Let’s Make Films CIC will not distribute your film without explicit permission.

6. Selection Process:
• Films will be selected by our internal team for inclusion in the showcase. Participants will be notified within a week of the first submission deadline (20th April 2025) if their film has been selected for the 21st May 2025 event.

7. No Refunds:
• Submission fees are non-refundable, even if your film is not selected for the current showcase. However, your film will remain eligible for future themed showcases.