London Short Film Festival

London Short Film Festival

Also known as: LSFF
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London Short Film Festival focuses on independent short-form cinema, combining contemporary UK and international work with films rediscovered from archives. Its London screenings use cinemas as well as community and creative spaces, with special events that connect curated programmes and conversations. The programme includes fiction, documentary, animation, music videos and artists’ moving image, alongside industry workshops, panels and discussions. A separate Lo-Budget Mayhem strand features resourceful DIY filmmaking.

The dates for the 24th edition are 22–31 January 2027. The festival’s 2027 theme, No Barriers, focuses on access and participation.

Country

United Kingdom (UK)

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Music Video, Short

Dates

22 January 2027 — 31 January 2027

Awards and prizes

An international jury awards Best UK Short Film and Best International Short Film. Each winner receives £1,000 towards a future project; each Special Mention runner-up receives £500. The Best UK Short Film prize is supported by the British Council. A separate youth jury selects Best Lo-Budget Short Film from the Lo-Budget Mayhem programme, with a £500 prize.

Festival rules

For the 2027 edition, completed films of all genres, including artists’ moving image and music videos, are eligible if they run no longer than 45 minutes and were completed after 1 January 2025. UK and international filmmakers submit through FilmFreeway only. No premiere status is required. Entries must be in English or have English subtitles. Selected filmmakers supply QuickTime ProRes and DCP screening files, a subtitle track, clips and stills. Any use of AI must be declared and briefly explained. Only completed entries with paid fees are considered; entry fees are non-refundable. The festival does not pay screening fees for submitted and accepted films.

Contacts

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