SUBMISSIONS FAQ
How do I submit my film for consideration?
The preferred entry method is online via FilmFreeway (www.filmfreeway.com/festival/SotonFilmWeek). FilmFreeway allows you submit via a secure Vimeo or Youtube screener. Please contact us if you are unable to submit via FilmFreeway.
What is the time limit for my short film?
The SFW: Shorts competition has a 15 minute limit (including opening/closing credits).
My short film is slightly longer than 15 minutes. Can I submit?
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.
Is the the SFW: Shorts competition open to international filmmakers?
Yes! We’ll consider all films from any filmmaker of any age or location.
Can I submit more than one film?
Yes! Filmmakers may submit as many films as they’d like.
Which Category should I submit to?
You can submit your film to one of the three following categories – it is up to you to decide which category to submit to.
The Best Artists’ Moving Image category is for experimental and artist films, that can be narrative or non-narrative. Any style of film is accepted including animation, live action, music, dance, 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.
Best Music Video category is for narrative and non-narrative short films set to music. They can be of any style or genre of music and film, including animation. Note: You must have permission to use the music featured.
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 within a year of the competition, and in the organisers’ opinion be appropriate for a public audience.
What awards is my film eligible for?
Prizes will be award to the Best Artists’ Moving Image, Best Documentary 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 Prize.
My short film isn’t completed. Should I submit?
You may submit uncompleted work however SFW will judge the short film based solely on the version submitted.
My short film has already been screened at another festival, can I still submit?
Yes. Films can have already been entered into other film festivals. SFW does not require it to be a premiere.
Do you require a DVD screener of my short film and/or any additional information.
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.
What is the cost to submit a short film?
Earlybird deadline – £15/£10
Regular deadline – £20/£15
Late deadline – £25/£20
Regional* Filmmakers can submit for £15 at any time.
Why is the submission currency is in dollars?
FilmFreeway, the service we use to accept submissions, is American and therefore accepts US dollars. FilmFreeway will automatically make the conversion to GBP when you submit.
I missed the deadline for submitting.
Sorry! Unfortunately we’re unable to extend the deadline any further . SFW: Shorts will be open for submissions again next year.
When will I be informed if my film has been shortlisted?
Southampton Film Week aims to inform all entrants whether they’ve been shortlisted.
