February 4–7, 2027 | The Arc Cinema, Preston, UK

Where bold stories ignite.
Firestorm Film Festival is a four-day celebration of cinema held every February at the state-of-the-art Arc Cinema in Preston. Presented by Lancashire Film Network CIC - the team behind the acclaimed Lytham International Film Festival and CineWyre - Firestorm is a dynamic new platform for filmmakers who dare to challenge, inspire, and spark conversation.

We welcome films of all genres and styles — from gripping thrillers to heartfelt dramas, from experimental shorts to sweeping features. If your story burns with originality, Firestorm is where it belongs.

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WHY SUBMIT TO FIRESTORM?

- Your film screens in a premium multiplex with Dolby Atmos, 4K laser projection, and wall‑to‑wall visuals

- Live Q&As after every screening

- Masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals

- Networking events designed to connect filmmakers, actors, and creatives

- A festival run by an award‑winning team with a proven track record of high‑quality programming

- Select winners and standout competitors may receive a week‑long theatrical screening at The Arc Cinema, contributing to exhibition hours for qualifying bodies

- High‑quality laurels, trophies, certificates, and promotional support for winners

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WHAT TO EXPECT?

- Live Q&As after every screening

- Masterclasses with industry professionals

- Hands-on workshops to sharpen your craft

- Networking events to connect with fellow creatives

- A vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that champions bold voices and fresh perspectives

All screenings take place at The Arc Cinema Preston, a brand-new, state-of-the-art multiplex in the heart of the city. With eight luxurious auditoriums, including two Hypersense screens featuring Dolby Atmos sound, 4K laser projection, and wall-to-wall visuals, filmmakers can expect their work to be showcased in breathtaking cinematic quality. Every screen is fitted with electric recliner seating, ensuring a premium experience for audiences and creators alike.

Located at the centre of the UK, Preston is superbly connected — with direct rail links to London, Manchester, Glasgow, and beyond. Its central position and excellent transport infrastructure make it easy for filmmakers and guests to attend from every corner of the country.

Awards & Prizes

We celebrate excellence across the spectrum of filmmaking. Awards may include (but are not limited to):

Best Short Film

Best Feature Film

Best Director

Best Actor / Actress

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Best Screenplay

Best Original Score

Best Genre Film (Comedy, Drama, Horror, Thriller, Documentary, Animation, Experimental etc.)

Best Regional Film (North West UK)

All winners receive a physical trophy, digital and printed certificates, and official laurels.
Select winners and standout competitors may also receive a week‑long theatrical screening at The Arc Cinema, enhancing exposure and contributing to cinema exhibition hours for qualifying bodies.

Rules & Terms

SUBMITTING YOUR WORK
Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway only. All entries must be accessible for viewing at the time of judging; inaccessible or broken links will result in disqualification. There is no premiere status requirement. Films may be completed in any year, though preference is given to films completed within the last two years.

CATEGORIES
Firestorm accepts submissions in two categories:

Short Film (up to 30 minutes)

Feature Film (60 to 120 minutes)

During submission, filmmakers may indicate which performer categories they wish to be considered for. The jury will determine the appropriate genre categorisation for each film.

GENRES
We accept all major recognised genres, including but not limited to: Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Science Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, and Music Video. The festival reserves the right to adjust the category or genre of your submission without notice or additional charge.

LANGUAGE & SUBTITLES
All non-English language films must include English subtitles. Submissions without accurate subtitles will not be considered.

ENTRY FEES
All fees are listed on FilmFreeway and must be paid in full at the time of submission. You may submit multiple films, but each must be submitted separately with its own entry fee. Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstance, including films not selected or disqualified for breaching terms. The festival does not issue screening fees or financial payments to selected films.

LANCASHIRE FILMMAKER FREE CATEGORY
This category is designed to support and showcase emerging talent from across Lancashire. To be eligible, at least one of the following must apply:

-The filmmaker currently resides in Lancashire; or
-The film was shot primarily in Lancashire; or
-The film’s narrative, themes or subject matter are recognisably centred on Lancashire’s communities, culture, or identity.

Filmmakers may be asked to provide proof of eligibility if requested.

By submitting to this category, filmmakers agree that their work may be selected to screen at Lancashire Film Network events, including but not limited to Lancashire Firestorm Film Festival, CineWyre Film Festival, Lytham International Film Festival, monthly screenings, community showcases, and pre‑feature placements at The Arc Cinema Preston. These screenings are intended to provide visibility, support and development opportunities for emerging filmmakers. No screening fees are paid for films selected through this category.

All films submitted to the Lancashire Filmmaker Free Category will be screened out of competition and are not eligible for festival awards. Filmmakers wishing to be considered for awards must submit to a competitive category and pay the associated entry fee.

In exceptional cases, and solely at the discretion of the festival, selected filmmakers may be invited to upgrade their submission to a competitive category by paying the difference in fee. This is an optional courtesy and should not be expected or assumed.

COPYRIGHT & PERMISSIONS
By submitting a film, you confirm you have the legal right to do so and have obtained all necessary permissions, licenses, and clearances. You agree to indemnify Firestorm Film Festival and its organisers against any claims related to copyright infringement or unauthorised use. By submitting, you grant permission for your film to be screened at the festival and for images, clips, and stills to be used in promotional materials.

CONTENT POLICY
We welcome bold, challenging, and thought-provoking storytelling across all genres. Submissions may contain difficult or controversial subject matter when handled within a legitimate artistic, narrative, or documentary context.

However, we do not accept films that are pornographic in nature, nor those that promote hate speech, discrimination, or violence with the intent to incite or harm. Nudity, strong language, and portrayals of prejudice may be accepted when essential to the story — but entries found to be overtly exploitative or deliberately inflammatory will be disqualified without refund. The decision of the festival organisers in such matters is final.

DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS
Selected films will be required to provide the following materials:

Final screening file: DCP and ProRes422 backup.

High-resolution poster

High-resolution still image

Logline and short synopsis

Director and producer names

All selected films must be able to supply a DCP suitable for cinema projection.

OFFICIAL SELECTION & JUDGING
All submissions are reviewed by the festival jury. The jury’s decisions are final and confidential. Only films marked as “Selected” will be screened at the festival and considered for awards. Selection notifications and deadlines are communicated via FilmFreeway. Due to the volume of submissions, we regret that individual feedback cannot be provided. Physical awards are presented to attending filmmakers.