The preferred entry method is online via FilmFreeway. FilmFreeway allows you submit via a secure Vimeo or Youtube screener. Please contact us if you are unable to submit via FilmFreeway.
The SFW: Shorts competition has a 15 minute limit (including opening/closing credits).
Unfortunately we’re unable to accept short films longer than 15 minutes for consideration. This is to ensure that we can screen as many short films as possible. If you’d like to submit an edited version the closing date for submissions is 1 October 2024.
Yes! We’ll consider all films from any filmmaker of any age or location.
Yes! Filmmakers may submit as many films as they’d like.
You can submit your film to one of the following categories – it is up to you to decide which category to submit to.
The Best Artist Film category is for experimental and artist films, which can be narrative or non-narrative. Any style of film is accepted including animation, live action, abstract, etc.
The Best Documentary category is for non-fiction (factual) short films of any theme or style including animation, live action, talking heads, expository or reflective documentaries.
The Best Music Video Music Videos are short films that integrate visual imagery with a song or an album, including performance, narrative, concept or animation.
Finally, the Best Fiction category is for narrative based fictional short films of any theme, style or genre including animation, drama, horror, comedy, thriller, romance, sci-fi, etc.
All films submitted to any of the SFW: Shorts categories must be under 15 minutes in length (including titles and credits), must have been made after 1st January 2022 and in the organisers’ opinion be appropriate for a public audience.
Prizes will be awarded to the Best Artist Film, Best Documentary, Best Music Video and Best Fiction films. All officially shortlisted films will be eligible to win the Michael Fuller Award for Best Film chosen by the independent judging panel, and the Audience Award, voted for at the public screening and awards Ceremony. Filmmakers from Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Isle of Wight will also be in contention for the Regional Filmmaker Award. Additionally, animated films can be submitted to any category, and the winner from all shortlisted animations will win the Award for Best Animated Film.
You may submit uncompleted work however SFW will judge the short film based solely on the version submitted.
Yes. Films can have already been entered into other film festivals. SFW does not require it to be a premiere.
When you enter through the FilmFreeway website, all the information we require should be provided when you submit. If your film makes the official shortlist for selection, we may contact you for additional information.
Earlybird deadline – £15
Regular deadline – £20
Late deadline – £25
Regional – £15 Anytime
FilmFreeway Gold Members – £5 discount on above fees
Sorry! Unfortunately we’re unable to extend the deadline any further. SFW: Shorts will be open for submissions again next year.
Southampton Film Week aims to inform all entrants whether they’ve been shortlisted by 18 October 2024
