Rules & Submissions

Films submitted to Screen Culture International Film Festival must comply with the following rules and conditions.

Categories

Open to All

Best Narrative Short (max. 30 minutes)

Fictional short films driven by storytelling, direction, and a clear cinematic vision. This category welcomes both classical and unconventional narrative approaches, as long as the film shows intentional creative choices.

Best Animated Short (max. 30 minutes)

Animated short films of any technique or style, including experimental animation, with a strong visual and authorial identity.

Best Experimental Short (max. 30 minutes)

Short films that explore or challenge the language of cinema through formal experimentation, hybrid forms, or unconventional approaches to image, sound, and structure.

Student Categories

Best Student Short (max. 30 minutes)

Short films produced within an academic context, including narrative, experimental, documentary, or hybrid works, with a focus on emerging voices and personal research.

Best Student Animated Short (max. 30 minutes)

Animated short films created within an academic context, using any technique or style, with particular attention to experimentation, process, and creative exploration.

Screen Culture Award

Awarded to the film that best embodies the spirit of Screen Culture International Film Festival through experimentation, critical engagement with the moving image, and a distinctive contemporary voice.

This cross-category award recognises the overall vision and artistic achievement that defines the festival's identity.

Awards & Recognition

Recognition

Award Winners will receive official certificates from Screen Culture International Film Festival, along with official laurels for use in the promotion of their film.

All films selected for the Official Selection will also receive our official laurels.

Partner Recognition & Festival Presentation

Award Winners will receive special recognition and free access to partner platforms supporting emerging filmmakers, including:

Award Winners will also be invited to present their projects during the festival days, both online and in person, reinforcing Screen Culture's commitment to exchange, discussion, and growth.

General Requirements

  1. All submitted films must not infringe copyright or third-party rights, including footage, music, images, or other materials. Any breach will result in disqualification. Responsibility for rights clearance lies solely with the filmmaker or submitter, not with the festival, its staff, or volunteers.
  2. All films must be original works, submitted in an accepted format and clearly labelled.
  3. Films must be submitted exclusively via FilmFreeway.
  4. Student submissions must have been produced while the filmmaker was enrolled as a student. Proof of student status may be requested.
  5. Fully AI-generated films are not accepted.
    The use of AI as a supporting or assistive tool is permitted, provided the film remains the result of a human-driven creative vision.

By Submitting Your Film, You Confirm That:

  1. You grant Screen Culture International Film Festival the right to use excerpts, stills, posters, and film titles for promotional purposes, including trailers, social media, and the festival website.
  2. Films not in English must include English subtitles.
  3. English subtitles are strongly recommended for English-language films.
  4. If selected for the Official Selection, you agree to keep this information confidential until the festival publicly announces it.

If Your Film is Selected, You Will Be Asked To:

  1. Provide a digital screening copy of your film.
    • QuickTime ProRes 422 or higher is the preferred exhibition format, though other formats may be accepted.
    • For technical questions, please contact: info@screenculture.uk
    • Use MP4 or MOV containers for delivery.
  2. Prepare a short video introduction (under 1 minute) for the live-streamed festival event. This is optional but strongly encouraged.

Marketing Agreement

The festival reserves the right to use images and screenshots from selected films for marketing and promotional purposes.

Official Selections and Award Winners may also be featured on the festival's online channels (including YouTube), unless the filmmaker explicitly requests otherwise.

Confirmation

By submitting your film, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions, and that all information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.