Norwich Film Festival

Norwich Film Festival

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Norwich Film Festival combines an international short-film competition with a particular focus on filmmakers from East Anglia. Its selection spans fiction, animation, documentary and experimental work, with separate recognition for student films and regional productions. The festival dates back to 2009 and operates as a registered charity, with screenings, filmmaker Q&As and industry events in Norwich, England. Its Creative Futures programme connects young people and emerging filmmakers with professionals through talks, workshops and career-focused learning.

The 2026 festival dates are 6–15 November. The programme includes 136 shortlisted shorts across 21 themed screenings at Cinema City, alongside feature films and special events at venues across Norwich.

Country

United Kingdom (UK)

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Short, Student

Dates

6 November 2026 — 15 November 2026

Awards and prizes

The 2026 competition recognises the best British, International, Animated, Documentary, Student, East Anglian and East Anglian Student short films. The East Anglian Student award is introduced in 2026. Micro Short submissions have no separate award but may be considered in a relevant award category. Films can be considered for additional categories when eligible. Winners are chosen by the festival jury and presented in an Award Winners Showcase.

Festival rules

2026 entry: films must be completed after 1 January 2024 and run no more than 25 minutes, including titles and credits. Micro Shorts may run no more than 3 minutes. Submit a complete, browser-playable screener through FilmFreeway; email and postal submissions are not accepted. Films in languages other than English require English subtitles. There are no premiere requirements. Student entries require proof of student status; East Anglian categories cover Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Entrants must hold all necessary rights and clearances. Music videos and promotional content are not accepted. Films whose core creative elements are fully or predominantly generated using generative AI are not considered; any minor generative AI use must be disclosed. Selected films require a tested 2K DCP for screening.

Contacts

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