Cambridge Film Festival
October 23 - October 30
About the Cambridge Film Festival
Launched in 1977, the Cambridge Film Festival (CFF) is one of the UK’s longest-running and most respected celebrations of independent cinema. The festival presents a mix of local and international stories, spotlighting both rising voices and established filmmakers from around the world.
CFF also embraces the future of storytelling—welcoming innovative formats and supporting global creators through an open submission process. The festival continues to champion filmmakers during a time of change in the industry, providing space for their work to connect with audiences and gain recognition.
Awards
The festival’s unique connection to the city is reflected in its signature “Punt” awards—named after Cambridge’s iconic flat-bottomed boats. Films that premiere in the UK at the festival are eligible for the following audience and jury prizes:
- Golden Punt – Audience Award for Best Feature Film
- Silver Punt – Audience Award for Best Documentary
- Crystal Punt – Audience Award for Best Short Film
- Youth Lab Jury Award – Selected by young cinema lovers
- Family Film Festival Audience Award
All eligible entries are automatically considered for the relevant awards.
CFF is a BAFTA-qualifying festival.
Submission Guidelines
- Eligibility
- Feature-length fiction and documentaries must not have been released in the UK, either theatrically, online, or on TV.
- Shorts should ideally be UK premieres, but this is not strictly required. They must not be publicly available online in the UK before their CFF screening.
- Only films completed within the past 18 months are eligible.
- English subtitles are mandatory for all non-English language films. Subtitling costs are the responsibility of the filmmaker.
- Fees & Waivers
Submission fees help cover administrative costs and are non-refundable.
Waivers and discounts are available for:- Filmmakers based in Cambridgeshire (proof of address required)
- Returning directors or producers who have screened at CFF
- Black and ethnic minority directors, who may request a 25% fee reduction
- Email subject line should include your film title and the appropriate waiver/discount tag (e.g., “FILM TITLE – WAIVER”)
- How to Submit
- Films must be submitted via a secure online screener
- Filmmakers are encouraged to include pronouns in bios (e.g., “Jane Doe, She/Her”)
- Please do not send press materials until requested after official selection
- Deadlines and submission windows may close earlier than published
- Selection Process
- Final selections are made by the CFF programming team
- The festival does not provide feedback or enter into discussions about selection decisions
- All selected films will be announced on the festival’s website
- Screenings & Format Requirements
- The festival will operate in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online screenings
- All selected films may be shown in cinemas, online, or both
- In-person screenings require DCP format
- A 1920x1080p digital file with closed captions (.SRT or .VTT) is required for online presentation
- Films must remain in the festival once confirmed and should not be withdrawn or screened elsewhere in the UK prior to CFF without approval