The 24th London Short Film Festival (LSFF) will be held over ten days in January 2027. As the UK’s leading short film festival, LSFF is a BAFTA and BIFA-affiliated event that screens up to 500 British and international films across London’s iconic cinemas and creative spaces.

Submissions are open to short films of every genre (fiction, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, music videos, and artists’ moving image works) under 45 minutes in length. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025.

Awards & Cash Prizes

Best UK Short Film: £1000 (approx. $2,100 NZD) / Special Mention: £500

Best International Short Film: £1000 (approx. $2,100 NZD) / Special Mention: £500

Best Lo-Budget Short Film: £500 (approx. $1,050 NZD)

Submission Deadlines & Fees

Early Bird (March 31, 2026): £25 (approx. $53 NZD)

Regular (June 2, 2026): £35 (approx. $74 NZD)

Late (August 18, 2026): £45 (approx. $95 NZD)

Note: Films under 5 minutes have discounted entry fees ranging from £15–£30 depending on the deadline.

Submission Guidelines & Rules

Language: All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.

Accessibility: If selected, all films will be required to provide a subtitle track.

Formats: If selected, you must provide a Quicktime ProRes file and a DCP of your film.

AI Declaration: All use of AI must be declared. A brief explanation of how AI tools were creatively used to deliver the vision or make artistic choices is required.

Premiere Status: LSFF does not require any specific premiere status.

(Note: LSFF only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway. Entry fees are non-refundable, and LSFF does not pay screening fees for accepted films).

London Short Film Festival 2027

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