Cambridge Film Festival
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-30 | Cambridge Film Trust, 38-39 St. Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AR
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

Premiere Policy
While premieres are not mandatory, preference is given to UK premieres.
Organized by:
Cambridge Film Trust (Registered Charity No. 1120059)

Cambridge Short Film Festival
2026-07-11 | Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way England, CB1 7GX, United Kingdom
The Cambridge Short Film Festival is an international event dedicated to celebrating short-form cinema from around the world. It provides a welcoming and inclusive platform for both emerging and experienced filmmakers to present bold, original short films to audiences, peers, and industry professionals. The festival takes place in Cambridge, UK, with screenings hosted at the Cambridge Junction, a vibrant arts venue known for its creative and community-focused programming.
About the Festival
The festival’s mission is to discover and promote exceptional short films while supporting filmmakers at all stages of their careers. It highlights imaginative storytelling and diverse voices, fostering connections between creators and audiences. Filmmakers from all backgrounds and levels of experience are invited to submit their work.
The next edition of the festival is scheduled for July 11, 2026, continuing its tradition of showcasing ambitious and innovative short films in the historic and culturally rich city of Cambridge.
Award Categories
The Cambridge Short Film Festival honors outstanding short films across a variety of categories, which may include:

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary Short
Best Indie Short (low budget)
Best Animation
Best Comedy
Best Drama
Best Romance
Best LGBTQ Film
Best Horror
Best Thriller
Best Action
Best Sci‑Fi
Best Fantasy
Best Experimental
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Music Video

These awards recognize creative excellence and help raise the profile of filmmakers in the industry.
Submission Rules

Films that are not in English must include English subtitles.
There are no fee waivers; all submission fees are non‑refundable.
Multiple entries from the same filmmaker are accepted, but each entry requires a separate submission and fee.
Submitted films must be the original work of the entrant and must not infringe on any third‑party rights.
The festival may retain copies of submitted films for its own library and promotional use, including broadcast or online exhibition.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates, venues, awards, and categories without prior notice.

How to Submit
Filmmakers can submit their work through the festival’s online submission platform on FilmFreeway. Check the official festival page for the most up‑to‑date deadlines and entry details.
For more information, visit the official Cambridge Short Film Festival website or its FilmFreeway profile.
