Indie Leeds

Indie Leeds Film Festival: Rules and Regulations

Submission Format
Filmmakers must submit their films exclusively via FilmFreeway. Please note that we do not accept updated cuts or revised versions after submission. Therefore, changing or updating the originally submitted link is not allowed. Our programmers will review only one version of each film.

Submission Eligibility
All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
There is no premiere requirement for either feature or short films.
Work-in-progress films and films with distribution are accepted.

Film Classification
All films selected and screened at the Indie Leeds Film Festival will receive an official classification from the relevant council. Due to this, audiences under the permitted age may not be admitted to certain screenings. Please consider this when submitting.

Submission Fee
All submissions must be paid through the FilmFreeway platform. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

Quality of narrative and production values
Independent nature of the production

Selected films will be screened as part of the Indie Leeds Film Festival program.

Notification
Indie Leeds aims to complete all selection procedures by April 20, 2027. All applicants will be notified in writing after this date regarding the status of their submission.
Successful applicants will receive a Filmmaker Festival Pack containing important information about delivery, press and publicity, guest accreditation, contact details, and tips for making the most of their participation.

Delivery Requirements – for Selected Films ONLY
Selected films must be delivered in a high-quality digital format for screening.
Accepted formats:

MP4 (H.264 codec)
Apple ProRes 422

Additional technical specifications and delivery instructions will be provided upon selection.

Scheduling – for Selected Films ONLY
Screenings are scheduled at the discretion of Indie Leeds. While every effort will be made to follow the published schedule, the festival reserves the right to make changes at any time. Indie Leeds will not be liable for any costs incurred due to schedule changes.
Once selected, films may not be withdrawn from the festival program.

Promotion – for Selected Films ONLY
By submitting, filmmakers agree that Indie Leeds may promote selected films on its website and social media using provided images and video materials.

Festival Awards
Jury prizes for feature films and short films will be announced at a later date.
If a film is shortlisted for a Jury prize, online screeners must remain available to all jury members for the duration of the festival.

Legal & General Information
By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights and have the authority to submit the material. Submission implies full acceptance of these rules and agreement to comply with them throughout the selection process.

We look forward to seeing your film and wish you the best of luck with your submission.