The Sandbox Showcase is a quarterly short film screening event hosted by Let’s Make Film, dedicated to giving emerging and first-time creatives 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 & Creatives 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 pieces of work, creating an intimate yet diverse lineup of films that span genres, styles, and creative approaches.

Why Submit to Sandbox Showcase:

• All the work 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 fosters interaction between filmmakers/creatives and audiences through open discussions, enabling deeper engagement with the stories and processes behind the work.
• We offer filmmakers/creatives an opportunity to join a growing creative community where they can network, collaborate, and share their passion for filmmaking & creativity.

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

We accept Narrative Shorts, Documentaries, Experimental Pieces, music videos, and art films.

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 Work:

Films submitted before 19th July 2026 will be considered for our next event on 19th August 2026.

Awards & Prizes

The Sandbox Showcase is a non-competitive event focused on allowing filmmakers & creatives of all mediums 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.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility:
• We accept short films of all genres & mediums with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes.
• Films must be the applicant's original work, and the applicant must have all necessary rights to submit the film.

2. Submission Fee:
• A one-time submission fee of £10 is required. This fee guarantees that your work 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 work, you grant Let’s Make Films CIC the right to screen your work publicly at the Sandbox Showcase events. You retain all rights to your work and Let’s Make Films CIC will not distribute your film without explicit permission.

6. Selection Process:
• Your work will be selected by our internal team for inclusion in the showcase. Participants will be notified within a week of the first submission deadline (19th July 2026) if their work has been selected for the 19th August 2026 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.
1 Review
Overall Rating
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  • Heather Elise Nelson

    My short film 'The Heavy Pencil' played at The Sandbox Showcase alongside some incredible innovative films from the North West. This event is so well organised, the organisers are great with communication and attention to detail, the venue is lovely and the whole atmosphere is positive and encourages networking. Would highly recommend! Thanks for having me!

    November 2025
    Helpful