1. Important Dates
• Opening Date: December 15, 2025
• Opening Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Super Early Bird: February 2, 2026
• Early Bird: March 2, 2026
• Regular Deadline: March 30, 2026
• Late Entry: April 27, 2026
• Extended Deadline: May 25, 2026
• Creative Boost: June 15, 2026
• Spotlight Deadline: July 13, 2026
• Showcase Deadline: August 10, 2026
• Closing Deadline: September 7, 2026
• Notification Date: October 19, 2026
• Event Date: December 14 – 15, 2026
2. Submission Format
All entries must be submitted through the FilmFreeway platform.
3. Eligibility Requirements
• Films completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for submission.
• Films completed before January 1, 2023 are still eligible for our special “Timeless Frames” competition, where older films will be considered.
• All submissions not in English must include embedded English closed captions.
• Films submitted to previous editions of the Westminster Film Festival are not eligible for re-submission.
4. Film Duration
• Feature Films: Must be a minimum of 60 minutes in length.
• Short Films: Must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 59 minutes in length.
• Music Clips: Must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 10 minutes in length.
5. Film Classification
All entries submitted to the Westminster Film Festival will be reviewed for age classification in accordance with local regulations. Please be aware that films or music videos (or any parts thereof) classified as unsuitable for younger audiences will not be screened during the event.
6. Premiere Status
There is no premiere requirement for films submitted to the Westminster Film Festival. All entries will be considered regardless of prior screenings or premieres.
7. Submission Fee
All entries must be submitted, and the submission fee must be paid through the FilmFreeway platform. Please note that the submission fee is non-refundable.
8. Waiver Requests
Due to the high volume of requests and our commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable submission process for all filmmakers, we are unable to grant waivers under any circumstances, including for students or self-funded projects.
9. Multiple Entries
Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted. Each entry must be submitted separately, along with a separate entry fee.
10. Student Films
Best Student Film Award - This award recognises excellence in student filmmaking. To qualify, filmmakers must provide proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution during the film’s production. Acceptable documentation includes a current student ID or an official letter from the institution.
11. Screenplay Competition
• Best Feature Screenplay Award and Best Short Screenplay Award: All submitted scripts must be original works for which the applicant(s) hold the copyright. If the screenplay is adapted from another source, it is the screenwriter’s responsibility to secure the necessary permissions or copyright clearances from the original author or publisher.
• Scripts should be formatted in standard screenplay style, using 12-point Courier font.
• Full-length features should be between 80 and 140 pages.
• Short film scripts should be under 45 pages.
• TV pilot scripts should be between 45 and 60 pages.
• While scripts slightly exceeding or falling short of these page counts may be considered, we cannot accept feature scripts longer than 150 pages.
• A screenplay cannot be considered for an award if it has been sold, is under option, is in production, or is otherwise bound to a third party at the time of submission. However, if a script is sold, optioned, or produced after it has been submitted, it will still be eligible for the award.
12. Disqualification Policy
• Westminster Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any submissions determined to promote or endorse violence, hate, discrimination, or any other behaviour deemed harmful or objectionable.
• Any attempt to contact jury members or event organisers to influence the selection process will result in disqualification.
• Projects submitted to the wrong category may also be disqualified if they do not meet the specific requirements of that category.
13. Selection Criteria
Films will be evaluated based on narrative quality, production value, and overall artistic merit. The selection committee’s (jury’s) decisions are final.
14. Notification of Selection
All submitters will be notified of the selection results by October 19, 2026. Selected filmmakers will receive an Event Pack with essential information regarding their participation.
15. Deliveries
For films:
• If nominated/selected, the submitting party is responsible for all electronic deliveries of a QuickTime ProRes file and Digital Cinema Package (DCP). Additional materials—such as a trailer, poster, synopsis, credits list, and press kit (including stills, a completed short questionnaire about the production, and bios)—will also be requested.
• All films not in English must include embedded English closed captions.
• Electronic files must be received no later than December 1, 2026, prior to the Westminster Film Festival.
• No physical shipping is required.
For music videos:
• If nominated/selected, the submitting party is responsible for the electronic delivery of a QuickTime ProRes file. Additional materials—such as a credits list and a press kit (including stills, a completed short questionnaire about the production, and bios)—will also be requested.
• Electronic files must be received no later than December 1, 2026, prior to the Westminster Film Festival.
• No physical shipping is required.
16. Marketing and Promotion
By submitting your project, you agree to receive marketing emails from our partner festivals regarding upcoming events and opportunities. Filmmakers grant the Westminster Film Festival the right to use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials from their films for marketing purposes related to the Westminster Film Festival on our website and social media.
17. Scheduling
Screenings will be scheduled at the discretion of the Westminster Film Festival programmers. Once selected, projects may not be withdrawn from the program.
18. Legal Agreement
By submitting your project, you affirm that you hold all necessary rights and clearances for the project and that it is not subject to any litigation. You agree to indemnify the Westminster Film Festival against any legal claims arising from the exhibition of your work.
19. Prize Awards
The judges reserve the right to withhold prizes in any category if, in their judgment, no submissions adequately meet the expected standards of quality or merit. This policy ensures that awards reflect the event’s commitment to excellence.
20. Changes to the Event
The organisers of the Westminster Film Festival reserve the right to modify, reschedule, or change the details of the event—including dates, venues, awards, and categories—in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may impact the viability of the event. We appreciate your understanding and will make every effort to keep all participants informed of any significant updates while these terms remain legally binding.
