Film Weston, the organisers of the festival, are a non-profit film organisation, based in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

We are a community-inspired initiative, created by and for, lovers of independent filmmaking with an interest in using the artistic, political, social and cultural power of film/video to bring the community together; to question, reflect and inspire at an individual, local and regional level.

Our aim is to encourage people to think about Weston, how it is perceived, its social and cultural history and, also, to think about exploring our roles as individuals in the community, helping to develop ourselves, and in turn, shape the image of, and contribute positively to, the future of Weston.

We provide opportunities for local groups and individuals to engage with each other through the subjects and themes of the films we screen as well as the sharing of filmmaking skills and related training and experience.

As part of the Free Film Festivals network (www.freefilmfestivals.org), our film festival is free for everyone and we encourage and promote access and engagement by all sectors of the community.

In this inaugural year, we are particularly keen to screen short films - docs, dramas and other forms - that celebrate explore, challenge, inspire or otherwise engage with the life of Weston and its community. Whilst we welcome the work of all filmmakers, priority will be given to works created by or for local people or connected with the local area and the community. Ideally, films submitted should have an obvious and demonstrable link with Weston-super-Mare or the immediate region (by personnel, characters, geography, themes or other demonstrable means).

Good luck with your entries!
Please follow us on Facebook.com/filmweston and on Twitter @filmweston

Awards & Prizes

Best Film
Best Director
Film Weston Special Prize

Rules & Terms

Submission Dates|
Films must be submitted by Midnight on Friday 17th April 2015

Successful filmmakers will be notified by Monday 27th April. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Genres|
Films can be of any genre - but should have an obvious and demonstrable link with Weston-super-Mare or the immediate region (by personnel, characters, geography, themes or other demonstrable means which must also be explained in your entry submission).

Duration|
Films can be as short as you want up to a maximum of 10 minutes in duration.

Production formats|
Films may be originated on any format from a smartphone to 35mm Film.

Screening Formats|
Films must be of an MP4 or MOV format and/or YouTube or Vimeo links

Publicity|
You should provide a publicity still image with each film submitted.

Copyright|
By submitting a film, the filmmaker(s) guarantees that they have obtained any and all necessary permissions, licences and copyright clearances. Any claims made by a third party pertaining to any moral or ethical right including copyright, infringed by the film, are entirely the responsibility of the filmmaker(s)

Agreement|
By submitting a film, the filmmaker(s) is deemed to have granted Film Weston non-exclusive rights to reproduce the film in part or in whole, and to exhibit the film in any medium for the purposes of the festival.

Disclaimer|
Not all films submitted will be selected to be shown at the festival. The Film Weston panel will have final decision on those films selected; both as suitable to be shown at the festival, and those deemed to be prize-winners. The decision of the Film Weston panel will be final and they will not be able to offer any feedback or enter into any correspondence with those whose films have not been selected.