Skip to content
Stafford Film Festival logo
FILMMAKERS

SUBMIT YOUR FILM

Submissions are handled through FilmFreeway. Entries for the 2026 selection are closed. The next call for entries will be announced on the newsletter first.

VIEW US ON FILMFREEWAY HEAR WHEN ENTRIES OPEN

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

We look for diverse stories from around the world: films our audience would not otherwise encounter, told with craft and conviction. Features, shorts, documentaries, animation, scripts and songs are all welcome, from first time filmmakers to established professionals.

Every submission is evaluated by an international jury of industry professionals using a point based scoring system, so selection rests on the work itself. See the full list of award categories.

WHAT SELECTED FILMMAKERS RECEIVE

★Professional screening
★Post screening Q&A with the audience
★Filmmaker interviews for finalists and winners
★Networking with peers and industry professionals
★Festival trophy for winners
★Official laurels for use in portfolios and marketing
★Point based scoring evaluation by the jury
★Cash prizes for the Grand Prize and Second Prize winners

Please note: prize money can only be paid to a PayPal account.

HOW SUBMISSION WORKS

01
ENTER ON FILMFREEWAY

All submissions go through our FilmFreeway page. We also accept entries through FestHome. Choose your category and upload your work there.

02
THE JURY WATCHES

Every entry is scored point by point by our international jury. Selection and awards rest on the scores, not on connections.

03
IF YOU ARE SELECTED

We contact you with a materials checklist for the screening. Your film may screen at a physical venue or digitally, and finalists and winners are invited to interview.

04
FESTIVAL TIME

Come if you can. Take questions after your screening, meet the audience and the other filmmakers. That conversation is what we are known for.

Before entering, please read the terms and conditions. Questions? Contact us, the festival director answers his own email.

BE FIRST TO HEAR WHEN SUBMISSIONS OPEN
BE FIRST TO HEAR WHEN SUBMISSIONS OPEN