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We love film and we'd love to watch yours! To become one of our 2025 winners, please submit your film by 03rd March 2025. To enter click on submit my film button below and submit your film onto filmfreeway for a chance to win!
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All information on categories and fees can be found below. For more information please visit us on FilmFreeway.
A story told by giving life to inanimate objects or character designs using computer technology or frame by frame animation.
Requirements: Your submission must be an original animated short video that illustrates the art of animated storytelling. Submissions may include the following styles of animation: 3D, 2D, mixed media, or any form of stop motion.
Judging considerations: We are looking for animation that deploys a high level of technical, conceptual, and aesthetic innovation in order to enchant the viewer with a strong, engaging story.
This category in for any short film made in the following Celtic Nations. Wales, Ireland North or South, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Scotland or Brittany. It can be on any subject. We would prefer it was in the National language of the Celtic Nation but it's not essential.
A film where one or more viewers can interact with the film and influence the events that unfold in the film.
A video that experiments with new ideas and/or techniques, often characterized by the absence of a linear narrative.
Requirements: Submissions may include video art, abstract works, or any other non-narrative-based work that breaks new ground in moving image.
Judging considerations: We are looking for videos that explore new ideas or techniques to further film making as an art form, free from the constraints of the traditional narrative form.
This category celebrates films that evoke laughter and joy through humour, wit and clever storytelling. Entries in the Comedy category should use a variety of comedic techniques, including but not limited to satire, parody, slapstick, dark humour, or situational comedy, to entertain and engage audiences. Whether the comedy is light-hearted or laced with social commentary, films in this category must prioritise the goal of making audiences laugh, while showcasing originality, creativity, and an understanding of comedic timing and delivery.
A Documentary Feature is defined as a theatrically released nonfiction motion picture with informative, cultural, artistic, historical, social, scientific, biographical or other subject-matters.
It can be Poetic, Expository, Participatory, Observational or Performative.
It must have a running time of more than 40mins and less than 90mins including all titles.
The feature can be on any subject or theme. It must not run more than 90mins including titles. If it's not in English it must have subtitles.
This category honours short films produced in a language other than the English language. Entries in the Foreign Language Short category should be under 50 minutes and showcase the diversity of global storytelling. These films must convey their narratives, emotions, and themes predominantly through a foreign language, while demonstrating excellence in filmmaking, cultural authenticity, and artistic expression. Submissions are evaluated on their ability to transcend language barriers, offering universal appeal and insight into the human experience through the lens of a different culture.
A no-budget film is a film made with very little or no money. Young directors starting out in filmmaking and several older ones commonly use this method because there are few other options available to them at that point. All the actors and technicians are employed in these films without remuneration. These films are largely non-profit. Usually the director works alone on such films, or uses a very minimum "crew" of volunteers to assist him/her on such projects, where no money or financing is available, not including the cost of equipment's and software used in production and post-production. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia The film’s final running time is more than 2 minutes and less than 40 minutes including credits if any.
The Music Video is presented to the music video with the strongest or most original concept; with remarkable execution and interpretation of a song. Rewarding the author of the concept.
The aim of the Rising Star Award is to encourage new and emerging film-makers and actors by publicizing their talent and supporting their future work.
You must be a full or part time student either at a School, College or University.
The short film running time must be more than 2 minutes and less than 40 minutes including credits if any.
Short film made in Wales. This will be open to any filmmaker who has made their film here in Wales in either Welsh or English. This can be a live-action narrative fiction or a factual report on a chosen subject or idea. This must have a running time of, no longer than 40 mins including titles.
The short documentary can take any of the following forms.Performative, Participatory, Expository or Poetic.It must have a running time of less than 40mins including all titles.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits". The term featurette originally applied to a film longer than a short subject, but shorter than a standard feature film.
Short film made in Wales. This will be open to any filmmaker who has made their film here in Wales in either Welsh or English. This can be a live-action narrative fiction or a factual report on a chosen subject or idea. This must have a running time of, no longer than 40 mins including titles.
The short documentary can take any of the following forms.Performative, Participatory, Expository or Poetic.It must have a running time of less than 40mins including all titles.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits". The term featurette originally applied to a film longer than a short subject, but shorter than a standard feature film.
The Best Original Score is presented to the best substantial body of music in the form of dramatic underscoring written specifically for the film by the submitting composer
All information on categories and fees can be found below. For more information please visit us on FilmFreeway.
Our policy regarding refunds is as follows:
No Refunds on Submissions: We do not offer refunds for submissions under any circumstances, including but not limited to:
Submission Retractions: If you choose to retract your submission after it has been made, no refund will be issued.
Disqualification: Submissions that are disqualified for any reason will not be eligible for a refund.
Non-selection: If your submission is not selected, no refund will be provided.
Non-nomination: Submissions that are not nominated will not be eligible for a refund.
Failure to Upload Assets: If you fail to upload the required assets by the communicated deadline through our partner, Spaqrfest, no refund will be issued.
Important Notes
Clarity and Communication: We strive to provide clear guidelines and deadlines to ensure you have all the necessary information to meet submission requirements. If you have not received any communication from us, please email support@cbff.org.uk.
Valid Contact Information: The submitter must provide a valid email address that is active and monitored by them or a member of their team to ensure receipt of all communications. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these terms. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@cbff.org.uk.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these terms. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@cbff.org.uk.
Minimum Requirement Statement for Uploading Assets to Sparqfest. To ensure a smooth and efficient upload process, filmmakers must adhere to the following minimum requirements when submitting their assets to Sparqfest:
1. File Formats
Film Files: MP4
2. File Size
Maximum File Size: 5 GB
3. Poster Specifications
Landscape Poster:Dimensions: 1920x1080 pixels - Media Types: JPG, PNG
Portrait Poster: Dimensions: 508x752 pixels - Media Types: JPG, PNG
4. Metadata Requirements
Title: Provide a clear and concise title
Description: Include a detailed description of the content
Tags: Add relevant tags for better discoverability
Credits: List all key contributors (director, producer, actors, etc.)
Release Date: Specify the release date of the film
5. Legal Requirements
Copyright: Ensure all uploaded content adheres to copyright laws and regulations
Licenses: Provide proof of licenses for any third-party content used
6. Technical Considerations
Naming Conventions: Use alphanumeric characters and underscores. Avoid spaces and special characters.
File Integrity: Verify the integrity of each file before upload to prevent corruption.
By adhering to these minimum requirements, filmmakers can ensure their content is processed efficiently and made available on Sparqfest without any issues. For any questions or additional support, please contact our technical support team at support@cbff.org.uk.
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