Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Why You Should Submit Your Short Film to Norwich Film Festival
There’s no shortage of film festivals out there. From the international giants to the hyper-local newcomers, the submission landscape can feel like a maze – and sometimes, an expensive one. So when we say Norwich Film Festival is worth your submission, we mean it. Because what we offer isn’t just a slot on a screening schedule. It’s a platform, a community, and a celebration of everything that short film can be.
Founded in 2009, Norwich Film Festival has grown from a two-night local screening into a BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying event that regularly showcases the very best in short filmmaking – from debut directors to rising stars. But while our reputation has grown, our ethos hasn’t changed: we’re a filmmaker-first festival, run by a team that genuinely cares about supporting the next wave of talent.
A Festival That Opens Doors
First things first: yes, we are BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying. That means your short film – if selected and eligible – could be on the radar for two of the UK’s most prestigious awards bodies. Several of our alumni have gone on to be nominated for, and even win, major awards after screening with us.
We’re also one of the Top 100 rated festivals worldwide on FilmFreeway.
But for many filmmakers, what stays with them isn’t the prestige – it’s the personal experience.
We often hear from past participants that what makes Norwich different is how it feels. We’re big enough to have industry recognition, but small enough that you’re not lost in a crowd. We watch every submission with care. Our programmers champion risk-taking, originality, and underrepresented voices. And once your film is in, you’re not just a name on a schedule – you’re part of the story.
What Our Filmmakers Say
Each year, we receive hundreds of messages from filmmakers who’ve taken part. Here’s a quote from one of last year’s alumni, Sean Pecknold, director of Tennis, Oranges:
“An incredible festival run by incredible people supporting incredible films! I don’t have enough good things to say about Norwich, all I can say is don’t miss out on one of the best stops in any film’s festival journey.”
Tennis, Oranges – Winner of Best Animated Film 2024
We’re currently collecting more testimonials from past filmmakers, and you’ll see some of them appearing across our blog and social channels in the coming weeks. But trust us: when people come to Norwich, they remember it.
Stories We’re Excited to See in 2025
Every year, we try to broaden the kinds of stories and storytellers we spotlight. This year, we’re especially keen to receive:
- LGBTQ+ stories that reflect a range of perspectives and experiences
- Short documentaries that reveal, provoke, or inspire
- Regional films from voices outside of the capital – especially East Anglia, the North, and underrepresented communities across the UK
We don’t have a single “festival type” of film. If your story is told with heart, craft, and a point of view, we want to see it.
Why Norwich?
It might surprise you, but Norwich is one of the UK’s most creative, independent cities. With a UNESCO City of Literature designation, a thriving arts scene, and a passionate local audience, it’s the perfect home for a festival like ours. Screenings take place in venues that are central, welcoming, and equipped to do your film justice.
Cinema City, current home of Norwich Film Festival
If your film is selected, we do everything we can to make you feel part of the event – even if you can’t travel here in person. Our social platforms and active filmmaker Q&As give you space to talk about your work and connect with fellow creatives.
Prizes and Recognition
We award a £1,000 cash prize to the winner of each category, along with a beautifully crafted custom glass trophy. As a BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying festival, selection alone can be a career milestone—but winning brings added visibility, recognition, and momentum. Awarded films are promoted across our platforms, reaching audiences that include fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and decision-makers.
Winners at NFF2024
Ready to Submit?
If you’ve been sitting on a finished film, editing your first doc, or gearing up for a festival run, we’d love to see your work. Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway, with a variety of categories including:
- British Short Film
- International Short Film
- Student Short Film
- Animated Short Film
- Documentary Short Film
- And more…
Our early deadline offers reduced entry fees, and we often post on our socials about any additional discount codes we offer. Our next deadline is May 25th, 2025.
This Could Be the Start of Something
We know how much it takes to get a short film across the finish line. The late nights. The favours. The rewriting. The reshoots. The hustle. So when you finally submit that film, you want to know it’s going somewhere that gets it. That values it. That might even help you take your next step.
That’s what we aim to be.
So if you’re ready, we’re here – and we can’t wait to see what you’ve made.
Submit now via FilmFreeway
Deadline info and categories all listed on the site.
Posted in: Advice
