The Short Cinema is an annual short film festival held at Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, Leicester showcasing established and emerging talent from across the world with a strong focus on Midlands makers.

Offering an exciting mix of films irrespective of genre, style or budget, The Short Cinema provides writers, producers and directors with the opportunity to exhibit their work on the big screen to a discerning audience of film-lovers.

The festival provides filmmakers with an opportunity to meet and discuss their work with their peers, strengthening bonds with the Midlands film-making community alongside screenings curated by partners such as ICA, FlatPack and Random Acts.

Over the last twelve years, The Short Cinema has grown from a small grassroots pop-up screening to a much bigger (still grass roots) festival. Its aim is to continue this growth, exploring and providing new opportunities for anyone involved in film to develop and exhibit their work, both in the Midlands region and around the world and celebrate short film as an art form in its own right.

The 2018 festival takes place at Phoneix Cinema and Art Centre, Leicester, UK, between 20th– 25th August.

Awards & Prizes

Best in Festival 2018

Rules & Terms

Please make sure you submit your film into the correct category in relation to duration and origin of the film.

The closing date for entries is 1 June 2018.

You may submit short films of all production techniques and genre including drama, documentary, comedy, music, animation and experimental films. However, exploitation and pornography genres are not eligible.

The main contact completing the application form must be authorised to submit the film for consideration including permission from a distributor or sales agent representing the film and must have obtained necessary permission for the inclusion of copyrighted music and/or images within the films.

The Short Cinema does not require any premiere status but please note that this may come into consideration during the selection process.

If the original language of any dialogue or text featured in the film is not English, the preview and screening copy must be subtitled in English or be accompanied by an English transcription.

All films are viewed by more than one person to be given a non-subjective decision but after that all programming selections are final.

If your entry is chosen for the programme, you will be asked to supply a DCP or MPEG-2 (H.262) file for screening at the festival.

Participants are not entitled to claim for rights or other fees for the screenings of their films at the festival.

At the point of payment on your submission, you will be asked if you have read and agree with the Terms and Conditions laid out on this page. By agreeing to proceed with your submission, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions and your application can then be processed. Entry of a film is binding and implies acceptance of these regulations.

In the event of disagreement concerning the interpretation of the regulations, the interpretation of the festival will take precedence and failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions may result in the submission being disqualified.

These regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vikram Ahluwalia

    Very pleased that our film thepianistofyarmouk.com was part of this important festival and its wonderful selection of films. It's great there's such an event in Leicester, encouraging and showcasing local filmmakers. I was especially honoured to be part of a Q&A. Special thanks to Alexzandra and her brilliant organising. Thanks again!

    November 2017
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  • Jess O'Brien

    The Short Cinema is an amazing festival that gives you the chance to watch work from all over the world and from the region. The communication is excellent and their focus is on ensuring the artists work is shown in the best possible quality. I submit my films every year and would recommend it to any filmmaker to do the same.

    September 2017
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  • John McCourt

    Very honoured to have one of my films shown at TSC for the 4th year in a row, particularly as the standard of films selected improves year on year. Always a fun event to attend, and that's in no small part due to the mighty Alexzandra Jackson's work in making sure that it all runs so smoothly. Great venue, great communication from the organiser, and incredible value for money. tl;dr: Boffo. A good one.

    September 2017
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  • Michael Lane

    Lovely Festival. The team takes a lot of detailed care over everything. Meet and greet, photos and chats excellent. The three evenings were clear but varied in content and approach. Very committed to films and filmmakers. Go to this if possible.

    September 2017
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  • Lee Charlish

    A fantastic festival. Very good communication and really welcoming. It's great to see a festival so well organised and with such a friendly vibe. I attended every day of the festival and my film, ninetofive, was shown as part of The Shortish Cinema event, in which I also took part in a lively Q and A.. A brilliant selection of films in a really cool venue. Thank you so much. I hope to be there again!

    August 2017
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