Cotswolds Media Festival (1)

Festival start: 07 September 2026      Festival end: 12 September 2026

The Emerging Filmmakers Short Film Showcase is part of the inaugural Cotswolds Media Festival, celebrating outstanding independent short films from across the UK and around the world. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at the Sundial Theatre, Cirencester College, the showcase provides a platform for established and emerging filmmakers to present their work to audiences, industry guests and fellow creatives. Alongside Official Selection screenings, a range of awards will recognise excellence in filmmaking, storytelling and performance, including the festival's unique Cotswolds Story Award, celebrating films that capture the spirit, heritage and creativity of the Cotswolds.

Screening Fee Shorts: 15€

Official Festival Awards:

- Best Short Film
Awarded to the overall standout film of the festival.

- Best Director
Recognising exceptional vision, creativity and direction.

- Best Screenplay
For outstanding writing, storytelling and originality.

- Best Performance
Awarded to the strongest acting performance in a short film.

- The Cotswolds Story Award (or Spirit of the Cotswolds Award)

Presented to the film that best captures the landscapes, communities, heritage, culture or creative spirit of the Cotswolds. This award is unique to the festival and doesn't require the film to have been shot in the Cotswolds—it celebrates the region's influence, themes or connection.

To qualify for the festival, your film must meet one of the following criteria within the Cotswolds (covering parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire):

Location: The film must have been filmed on location within the Cotswolds.

Personnel: The Producer, Director, or Writer must be based in the Cotswolds.

Note: We do not accept films shot outside this area unless they meet the personnel residency rule.