Cambridge Film Festival

About the Cambridge Film Festival

Founded in 1977, the Cambridge Film Festival (CFF) is the UK’s third-longest-running film festival and one of the country’s most respected celebrations of independent cinema. As a BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying event, the festival showcases bold and imaginative filmmaking in all its forms — from international discoveries and UK premieres to artist cinema, restored classics, and emerging voices.

Now entering its 45th edition, CFF continues to spotlight fresh perspectives, challenge cinematic boundaries, and connect audiences with powerful stories from around the world. Whether you are a debut filmmaker or an established director, the festival offers a supportive and high-profile platform for your work.

CFF also embraces the future of storytelling, welcoming innovative formats and supporting global creators through an open submission process. With a strong commitment to accessibility, representation, and filmmaker development, the festival remains dedicated to creating meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

What Sets CFF Apart

• Industry Day – A hub for filmmaker development featuring talks, panels, and workshops led by respected industry figures. It provides opportunities for filmmakers at all career stages to learn, grow, and connect.

• CFF Youth Lab – Led by young programmers aged 16–24, Youth Lab empowers the next generation through workshops, mentoring, and active participation in the festival, including selection of the Youth Lab Jury Award.

• A Culture of Inclusion – CFF champions underrepresented voices both on and off screen. Many screenings include relaxed formats, descriptive subtitles, and BSL interpretation to improve accessibility.

With a rich legacy of showcasing groundbreaking cinema and a reputation for warm hospitality, CFF continues to be a welcoming space for filmmakers worldwide.

Awards & Prizes

CFF presents a range of jury and audience awards to celebrate outstanding filmmaking.

Golden Punt Jury Award – Best Discovery Feature Film

Named after Cambridge’s iconic river punts, this is the festival’s highest honour. The award recognises an outstanding discovery feature film selected by an invited jury of critics, curators, and filmmakers.

Audience Awards

All UK premieres are eligible for audience-voted awards:

• Best Fiction Feature

• Best Documentary Feature

• Best Short Film

Youth Lab Jury Award

Presented by the CFF Youth Lab — a team of young film lovers and emerging programmers who participate fully in the festival experience.

Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award

Presented to a filmmaker or industry figure whose work has made a lasting impact on film culture.

Cambridge Film Festival is a BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festival.

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility

Feature Films (60+ minutes)

• Must not have been released in the UK in any format, including online.

• UK premiere required.

• Exceptions may be made for films of exceptional quality or those premiering at the London Film Festival, at the discretion of festival staff.

Short Films (under 30 minutes)

• No premiere requirement, but films must not be publicly available online in the UK.

• UK premieres are eligible for Audience Awards.

General Requirements

• Films must have been completed within 18 months of the festival start date.

• Non-English language films must include embedded English subtitles.

• Closed captions are encouraged for accessibility.

• Films previously submitted to CFF will only be considered if significantly reworked.

• All rights, permissions, and clearances must be secured before submission. Submission fees are non-refundable.

A.I. & Machine Learning

CFF requires filmmakers to declare any significant use of AI, including:

• AI-generated imagery, dialogue, or sound design

• AI-simulated performances

• AI tools used in scripting, editing, or post-production

The festival does not accept submissions that:

• Replicate or simulate real individuals without explicit consent

• Use AI-generated material that violates copyright, licensing, or data protection laws

Films using AI will not be judged more or less favourably based solely on AI use. Selection continues to prioritise originality, storytelling, technical quality, and emotional impact.

Submission Platform

• All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway as a secure online screener.

• Filmmakers are encouraged to include pronouns in their bios (e.g., “Elle Haywood (She/Her)”).

• The festival reserves the right to adjust deadlines or close submissions early.

Selection & Communication

• Submissions are reviewed by the CFF programming team.

• Individual feedback cannot be provided.

• All selected filmmakers will be contacted by 16 September 2026.

• Filmmakers should remain contactable during August–September.

• Selected films will be announced publicly as part of the full festival programme.

• Press materials should only be sent after official selection.

Screening Format & Delivery

• Screenings take place at the festival’s discretion, and schedules may change without liability.

• Selected films cannot be withdrawn once confirmed and must not screen elsewhere before CFF without approval.

• Films must be available in DCP format for cinema presentation.

• DCPs must be delivered at least one month before the festival.

• The festival cannot cover format transfer or subtitling costs.

• The Cambridge Film Trust accepts responsibility only for technical damage while materials are in festival possession; filmmakers should ensure adequate insurance during transit.

Submission Fees & Waivers

CFF is a non-profit charity (Registered Charity No. 1120059), and submission fees help support the reviewing process.

Waivers and discounts include:

• Free submissions for filmmakers based in Cambridgeshire (proof required)

• Free submissions for directors or producers who have previously screened at CFF

• 25% discount for Global Majority directors

To request a waiver:

Email: su*********@***********************rg.uk
Subject line: (FILM TITLE) – (DISCOUNT/WAIVER)

Include one of the following:

• Proof of address

• Film name and year previously screened at CFF

• A note requesting the Global Majority director discount

Please note: no other waivers are available, and submission fees are non-refundable.

Organized by:
Cambridge Film Trust (Registered Charity No. 1120059)