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 also allows filmmakers to meet and discuss their work with their peers, strengthening bonds with not just the Midlands filmmaking community but with international filmmakers alongside public screenings curated by partners.

Over the last sixteen years, The Short Cinema has grown from a small grassroots pop-up screening to a much bigger international (but still grassroots) festival. It aims to continue this growth, exploring and providing new opportunities for anyone involved in Midlands film to develop and exhibit their work, both in the region and worldwide, and celebrate short film as an art form in its own right.

During the pandemic, we pivoted to a quarterly event called The Short Cinema Show and Tell, which has been running since 2021, but this year sees a return to the festival programme.

The 2024 edition of the festival will take place at Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, Leicester, UK, between 24th– 28th April 2024.

Best International Narrative Short
Best International Animation Short
Best International Documentary Short
Best International Experimental Short

Best UK Narrative Short
Best UK Animation Short
Best UK Documentary Short
Best UK Experimental Short

Other Awards:
Best Sound
Best Performance
Audience Choice Award
Special Jury Mention

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

You may submit short films of all production techniques and genre including drama, documentary, comedy, animation and experimental films.

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. The entry of a film is binding and implies the 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A beautiful, diverse and well organized festival. Definitely one of my favorite experiences.

    July 2024
  • What a festival! Great atmosphere all week, great screenings (looked and sounded fantastic) Excellent culture in the surrounding area and just next level hospitality.

    July 2024
  • Margaret Schmueck

    Fantastic festival, great audience, venue is brilliant- picture and sound at the screening was top quality.

    July 2024
  • Cally Trench

    A great festival with excellent films in a wonderful venue. Thank you very much for including 'Dancing'.

    July 2024
  • Roberto Strazzarino

    I thank The Short Cinema Leicester for including my film PENTACLUB in the official selection for 2024. I also thank the jury for awarding the film the Best International Narrative Short. It is a great joy and at the same time a great honor for me to receive this wonderful news. Thank you all and in particular... thank you Alex!!

    July 2024