Underdog After Dark is an immersive short film festival taking place this autumn at Underdog Crew Studios in the stunning Colne Valley on the outskirts of Colchester, Essex.

Across two nights, audiences will experience twenty unnerving short films presented across four intimate screening spaces, alongside curated outdoor courtyard and yurt areas designed for conversation and reflection.

This is a festival for films that may not be comfortable to watch - but are necessary. Underdog After Dark showcases bold, independent voices exploring the human condition in all its complexity. These are not shock-led works, but stories that ask difficult questions around identity, trauma, power, morality, isolation, and resilience.

Between screenings, audiences are invited to pause, connect, and engage through informal discussions and reflections, transforming the studio into a living cinematic space rather than a passive viewing environment.

Underdog After Dark treats cinema as a shared experience; one that disturbs, questions, reveals and ultimately connects.

Underdog After Dark: A Festival of Uncomfortable Truths.

Coming to Underdog Crew Studios NOVEMBER 28th & 29th 2026 - 4pm till 9pm

Public attendance is limited to 40 people per day for a truly EXCLUSIVE event. Event entry includes complimentary drinks and buffet.

EVENTBRITE BOOKING VIA our website - www.underdogcrew.org

Underdog Crew founder, DB Morgan, is a multi award winning feature film Producer, Director and Screenwriter. Available feature film titles include 'Morris Men' (Apple TV) and 'Blood Highway' (Amazon Prime'. DB's passion is Resources filmmaking - get it done with what you've got!

Awards & Prizes

All selected films receive a printed 'Official Selection' award, together with standard 'FilmFreeway' laurel.

Main Prizes:

£250 Juror Prize for festival winner
Curzon cinema tickets for 5 Finalists of the 'Unflinching Truth Award'

All screened films receive: the 'Underdog: After Dark' award
For outstanding cinematic truth.'

Rules & Terms

Underdog: After Dark – Rules & Terms

Eligibility

All submitted films must have a runtime of 10 minutes or under, including credits.
Films must be produced in the United Kingdom.
Films must be presented in the English language.
Films must have been completed within the last 3 years

Content Guidelines

Underdog: After Dark celebrates bold, challenging cinema that explores the human condition and asks meaningful questions. Films may be dark, unsettling, or emotionally challenging.

Explicit content will not be accepted. This includes material deemed gratuitous, pornographic or excessively graphic in nature.

Content promoting hate speech, discrimination, or harm toward individuals or groups will not be accepted.

Films must demonstrate intentional storytelling and artistic merit, not shock for shock’s sake.

Final decisions regarding suitability rest solely with the festival organisers.

Judging & Selection

All films are judged on artistic merit, including originality, storytelling, performance, direction, and overall impact.

Selection decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Submission does not guarantee selection or screening.

Rights & Permissions

By submitting, filmmakers confirm they hold all necessary rights, licences, and permissions for their film, including music, images, and performances.

Underdog: After Dark reserves the right to screen selected films during the festival and to use stills, trailers, and excerpts (up to 60 seconds) for promotional purposes.

Screening & Awards

Selected films will be screened at Underdog After Dark at Underdog Crew Studios.

Awards are determined by an independent jury and/or audience vote where applicable.
Juror decisions are final.

General Terms

Submission fees are non-refundable.

The festival reserves the right to update scheduling, venues or programming where necessary.

By submitting, filmmakers agree to all rules and terms listed above.