Heads Up London (2)

Festival start: 15 September 2025      Festival end: 24 September 2025

Heads Up was founded with a bold mission: to spotlight fearless and unconventional cinema that dares to challenge norms and elevate unheard voices. We are a platform for filmmakers who defy expectations, push artistic boundaries, and tell stories that demand to be seen.

Based in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic city, Heads Up London exists to connect curious audiences with independent films from around the globe — films that are raw, radical, intimate, and unapologetically original. We believe that great cinema doesn’t just entertain — it disrupts, provokes, and transforms.

At Heads Up, the filmmaker comes first. We are committed to celebrating creative risk-taking and giving space to the stories that don’t fit neatly into boxes. By supporting and showcasing bold new talent, we aim to build a vibrant, inclusive space for cinematic expression in the heart of London.

The 2025 edition of Heads Up London will take place in summer at a Young Actors Theatre, bringing together a bold selection of international and UK films that challenge convention and celebrate originality. This year’s program will feature narrative, documentary, and experimental works from emerging voices and established auteurs alike, alongside filmmaker Q&As, networking events, and panel discussions focused on innovation in
independent cinema.

Summer 2025
Young Actors Theatre

2025 Awards Include:

Best Narrative Short

Best Narrative Feature

Best Documentary

Best Experimental Film

Best Animation

Best UK Film

Best Director

Best Screenplay

Best Performance

Audience Choice Award

Honorable Mentions may also be awarded at the discretion of the jury in any category.

All selected films will receive official laurels. Winners and honorable mentions will be announced and celebrated during our 2025 event in London.

Eligibility:

We accept films of all genres and styles, including narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, and hybrid forms.

Both short films (under 30 minutes) and feature-length films (30+ minutes) are welcome.

Films in any language are accepted, but English subtitles are required for all non-English dialogue.

Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible, but must be clearly marked as such at the time of submission.


Submission Terms:

All submissions must be made exclusively through Festhome.

A separate entry is required for each film.

Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

We do not guarantee written feedback for submissions.

We accept films regardless of premiere status, but UK or London premieres are appreciated and may receive priority.


Selection & Screenings:

Selected films will be notified via Festhome and email.

Only a curated number of selected films and honorable mentions will be screened publicly during our one-day event.

The programming team reserves the right to assign films to appropriate categories or decline any submission that does not meet the festival’s standards.


Legal Stuff:

By submitting your film, you confirm that:

You own all rights to the work and have the authority to submit it.

You grant Heads Up London permission to screen your film publicly as part of the festival.

You allow us to use stills, trailers, and brief excerpts (under 30 seconds) for promotional purposes related to the festival.

You understand that submission does not guarantee selection or screening.