After a fantastic event in July 2025 we are thinking about our next annual Buxton Shorts Festival. We’ll be building on the experience of the last three years’ events and hoping that 2026 will be even better. Once again we’ll be encouraging film makers with a local connection.
The draft entry details for 2026 are shown below but we may amend them slightly over the coming weeks and before we launce the call-out for next year’s event so check back here in the new year – or, better still, let us know you’re interested (by using the form below) and we can add you to our email database and let you know as soon as we announce the 2026 event.
Exhibition Details (draft for 2026)
- You may submit a maximum of two titles with separate payment and submission forms for each.
- Films submitted must be no older than 2 years.
- The entry fee for each film submitted is £10.
- Films can be any genre: fiction, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, music videos etc. Films that promote or advertise a business or product are not eligible.
- Films must be 10 minutes or under in length (including titles and credits).
- Thought-provoking films with original ideas and good production values are more likely to be selected for screening.
- Films must be submitted in full HD (preferably in DCP format although we can convert them or show you how to do this).
- All submitted films must be completed works and include end credits.
- All submitted films must be compliant, copyright cleared, all permissions and consents sought and given.
- Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form (available when we open for entries).
- Judging will be based on all aspects of production value such as originality, storytelling, editing, soundtrack, script etc.
- Winning entries will receive cash prizes.
- Selected entries will be notified and screened in the Pavilion Arts Centre cinema during the Buxton Festival and Buxton Festival Fringe in July 2026. All submissions will receive a complimentary ticket to the event.
- If you are interested and plan on taking part, we ask that you register your interest by completing the appropriate form below. This registration will be taken as consent for us to contact you with further information in due course. Your details will not be used for any other purpose.