After a fantastic event in July 2025 we are working on 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 entry details for 2026 are now confirmed and you may register your interest by completing the form below. This does not commit you to anything at this stage but we’ll keep in touch with you and remind you of entry dates.
We will be open for entries on 1st March, closing date is 31st May.
Exhibition Details 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).
- 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.
- Judging will be based on all aspects of production value such as originality, storytelling, editing, soundtrack, script etc.
- As well as the Judging Panel prizes, there will also be two Audience Awards voted for on the day of the exhibition.
- If you are interested and plan on taking part, we ask that you register your interest by completing the 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.