TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards
The TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards (TYSFFA) will showcase creative films made entirely with smartphones. The festival aims to celebrate innovation, creativity, and storytelling through mobile filmmaking.
More than 50 films will be showcased during the festival, while twelve outstanding films will be selected for the main competition.
Film submissions are accepted from around the world, with emphasis on creativity, originality, and emerging filmmakers using mobile technology to tell compelling stories.
The festival will also feature musical performances, comedy performances, cultural performances, fashion night, masterclasses, talent development sessions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers.
Submissions for this maiden edition will open on 1st March, 2026.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Storytelling through smartphones has become a powerful global movement. The TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards encourages filmmakers to explore powerful themes and stories through mobile filmmaking.
Selection will be based on the following:
Films that promote African culture.
Films that address social, economic, political, environmental, or global issues.
Films about history.
Films about historic landmarks.
Films that demonstrate innovation in smartphone filmmaking.
Films made by independent filmmakers.
Students/Experimental films.
ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All entries must meet the following requirements:
All films must be shot entirely using a mobile phone.
Accepted devices include iPhone or Android smartphones.
The phone brand and model used for shooting must be clearly stated during submission. Example: iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23, Tecno Camon 20, Infinix Zero 30, Google Pixel 7, etc.
Films shot with professional cameras such as DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema cameras will not be accepted.
Minor accessories such as tripods, gimbals, microphones, lighting equipment, and mobile lenses are permitted.
All submissions must be completed works produced between 2024 and 2026.
Foreign language (non-English) films must be submitted in their original language with English subtitles.
The TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any work submitted.
Filmmakers are advised to test their films before submission in a standard player to avoid technical issues. Any unplayable file may be disqualified. The Festival may attempt, but is not obligated, to contact the applicant for a new copy.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
I, the authorized representative of the project being submitted (hereafter called the “Film”), acknowledge that I am duly authorized, on my own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights or interests in or relating to the Film (hereafter called the “Film’s Owners”) to submit the Film to the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards (TYSFFA).
I warrant and agree, on behalf of myself and each of the Film’s Owners, that the Film is being submitted voluntarily and without promise or inducement, and that the submission of the Film neither imposes nor creates any obligation or responsibility on the part of the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards to accept the Film for inclusion in the festival, to exhibit the Film at the festival, to acknowledge the submission of the Film, or to return the submission copy of the Film or associated submission materials to me or others.
I also confirm that the Film submitted was shot entirely with a mobile phone and that the phone brand and model stated in the submission is correct. Any false declaration regarding the use of a mobile phone may result in immediate disqualification.
I shall indemnify and hold harmless the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees and costs of the court) which may arise by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
I confirm that I have paid and will pay in full all license fees, clearance fees, and other obligations of any kind arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film at or in connection with the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards.
I understand that the festival reserves the right to waive or adjust any requirements outlined herein.
I understand that I am not entitled to any refund or damage claims of any kind if my film is unable to screen due to technical or operational difficulties, or if my film needs to be rescheduled, delayed, or removed from the program for any reason.
By clicking the submission button below, I warrant that I have read, understood, and accepted all the regulations and requirements pertaining to submission to the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards.
I also grant permission to the TV Yard Smartphone Film Festival & Awards to use clips of my film, poster, and making images for promotional purposes.
I further agree that the decisions of the jury for this festival are final, and no litigation may be entered against the festival for any reason relating to film selection or awards decisions. The festival does not pay rental or screening fees for submitted works.
