Early Bird Submission
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Student Fee: £20.00
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Opens: 1 July 2026
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Deadline: 1 August 2026
Regular Submission
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Student Fee: £20.00
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Opens: 2 August 2026
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Deadline: 1 November 2026
Late Submission
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Student Fee: £20.00
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Opens: 2 November 2026
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Deadline: 1 December 2026
All awards will be presented at the festival’s closing gala.
All films selected for screening will be eligible for our Best in Category Awards which are decided by a jury of industry experts.
In addition to the Best in Category awards, EIFF will also present a number of special awards.
Category Awards
- Best Drama
- Best Comedy
- Best Horror / Thriller
- Best LGBTQ+
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best Experimental
- Best Sci-Fi
- Best Student Film
Special Awards
All selected films will be automatically considered for the following:
- Best International Short
- Best UK Short
- Best Essex Short (Essex Films only)
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Director
- Best Cinematographer
Plus
All submissions will be considered for the Film of the Festival and will be presented with THE BOUDICA AWARD created by Essex sculptor Alison Bournes.
If you are a filmmaker attending EIFF and have access requirements related to Q&A sessions, the Gala closing night, or any other element of the festival, please get in touch before the event. We want to make sure your experience works for you.
- The festival accepts only short films (20 minutes and under).
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- There are no completion date requirements, but films completed in the three years prior to the festival are preferred.
- Films must be submitted in their original language, with English subtitles if not in English.
- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to clear all rights for their film.
- The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that is not in compliance with the rules and regulations.
- The festival will not be responsible for any damage or loss of the films during the selection or screening process.
- The festival will notify all entrants of the selection results by email.
- The festival may request additional materials from selected films such as press kits, posters, and photos for promotional purposes.
- The festival may use clips from the films for promotional purposes.
- All submissions are watched in their entirety and given the full attention of our team of programmers.
- The date of submission has no reflection on our selection decisions.
Awards
Best Animation
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Drama
Best Experimental
Best Horror
Best LGBTQ+
Best Sci-Fi
Best Student Film
FILM OF THE FESTIVAL
THE BOUDICA AWARD
(Designed by
Alison Bournes)
Special Awards
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematographer
Best Director
Best Essex Short
Best UK Short
Best International Short