London Festival of Cinema (4)

Festival start: 25 June 2026      Festival end: 25 June 2026

Presented by the London Festival of Cinema in collaboration with the Northern Festival of Cinema

Our next event is a special one-day celebration of unity, storytelling, and festive spirit. The Festival That Stole Christmas brings together multiple film festivals across the UK to spotlight diverse voices and spread the magic of cinema during the holiday season. Held in London, this unique event blends the warmth of Christmas with the excitement of independent film, championing togetherness through powerful stories.

At the London Festival of Cinema, our ongoing mission is to champion the work of writers and filmmakers, and this goal has never felt as urgent as it does today. Our film competition has grown year after year, and so have our efforts to serve as an avenue into the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Known as the “Filmmakers' Festival,” the London Festival of Cinema recognizes the importance of narrative at the core of filmmaking. By celebrating the work of storytellers—those committed to crafting intricate worlds, fully-formed characters, and diverse perspectives—LFOC bolsters its reputation as a champion for the creator.

4 REASONS TO SUBMIT TO THE LONDON FESTIVAL OF CINEMA:

THE SELECTION PROCESS

We take to heart the amount of work put into each film. By submitting your work to LFOC, you’re entering into a dynamic community where new visions and untapped talent can flourish. Beyond production value, budget, and stars, we value the power of a well-told story. The LFOC screening team comprises filmmakers, industry professionals, and staff members passionate about the art of filmmaking and the craft of storytelling.

THE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

The festival is a hotspot for networking, with numerous opportunities to connect with key players in the film industry. Meet distributors, agents, producers, and fellow filmmakers in our movie theaters, conference halls, and social events. Many films find distribution deals, and important industry connections are made each year at our festival.

THE CITY

London is a vibrant hub for creativity, culture, and innovation. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultural scene, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for our festival. From historic landmarks to trendy eateries, there's something for everyone in this cosmopolitan capital.

THE LFOC HUB

LFOC isn’t your average fest. Beyond the screenings, the festival is a thriving hub of filmmakers and supporters. Our parties are where relationships are forged, and subsequent projects are born. There's no hierarchy here—just passionate individuals coming together to celebrate the magic of cinema.

NOTE:

The notification date listed is the maximum date but in most cases, you'll receive a decision 1–2 business weeks after submission.

Best Short Film

Best Student Short Film

Best Short Animation

Best Music Video

Best Writing

Best Editing

Best Acting

Best Sound

Best Music

Best Directing

No restrictions on your film’s premiere status or online screening status.

- Students will be required to prove a valid ID for films submitted to submitted under the student sections, in order to be considered for Student category awards.

- Shorts must be less than 45 minutes.

- Entries must be in English or subtitled in English.

- Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.

- You can submit again your work for the following months.

- Your submission grants London Festival of Cinema permission to use trailers, teasers, film posters and stills for promotional purpose.

- We do not require premiere status.

- The film must be submitted in one Main category before Submitting in SUB CATEGORY or else it will be directly disqualified

NOTE: The notification date listed is the maximum date you’d be notified, which is December 5th. However, in most cases, you'll receive a notification as soon as your film is judged, typically within 1 to 2 business weeks after submission.

- All submissions must provide screener link via FESTHOME.

Copyright & Permissions

By submitting your film or screenplay to our festival, you agree that your piece of work (full film, trailer, script) can be uploaded or embedded on our website. The filmmaker or institution submitting the film or script must own the rights to do so and is responsible for the content they are providing. By submitting, the filmmaker grants the London Festival of Cinema and the Festival of Cinema Collective the right to create a dedicated page for their film or screenplay without infringing on any copyright in any form. Filmmakers may request the removal of their film or script link at any time.

Additionally, by submitting, you give the Festival of Cinema Collective the right to email you regarding current and future festivals, updates, and opportunities.

DISCLAIMER

The applicant agrees to have read and accepted the rules & regulations for participation in the “London Festival of Cinema” The applicant confirms that he/she has the requisite authority or has obtained the requisite authority from the producer/right holder to enter this film in the “London Festival of Cinema” and make available the print for screening. Under NO circumstance, the authorities of “London Festival of Cinema” will not entertain or be answerable to anyone else apart from the applicant.

By submitting your Film / Screenplay to "London Festival of Cinema" via Festhome, you freely and voluntarily give and express your full and complete acceptance of all of the Rules and Regulations.

All entry fees are non-refundable