EALING FILM FESTIVAL 2026 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
1. Introduction
Before submitting your film, please read these Terms and Conditions of Entry carefully. By submitting a film to the Ealing Film Festival (EFF), entrants agree to abide by all of the following conditions.
2. Festival Dates
Screenings will take place at cinemas within the London Borough of Ealing 15-18 October 2026, followed by an online showcase via the Ealing Film Festival website (www.ealingfilmfestival.com) from 18 October to 21 November 2026. Films shown here will become eligible for 'The People's Choice Award 2026'.
3. Submission Deadlines
Submissions will be accepted from 8 November 2025 until 31 July 2026. The final submission deadline is 23:59 on Thursday 31 July 2026.
4. Submitting Your Film
• Films can be of any length up to 20 minutes, including titles and credits.
• Entries are accepted worldwide, exclusively via FilmFreeway: www.filmfreeway.com/EalingFilmFestival.
• Non-English films must include English subtitles.
• Your film must be viewable in full via a browser at the time of submission (direct upload, Vimeo, or YouTube links accepted).
• Submissions without a watchable film will not be considered.
• You may submit more than one film and enter each film in more than one category.
5. What to Include with Your Submission
• A watchable version of your film (browser viewable)
• A brief synopsis (maximum 100 words)
• Key production and cast credits
• A short director’s biography (maximum 100 words)
• Four high-resolution stills from the film
• (Optional) A director’s statement
6. Categories and Awards
Awards will be presented for the best film in each of the following categories:
Homegrown, Comedy, Narrative Drama, Documentary, Horror/Suspense, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Animation, Green Planet, Student Film, Experimental, and Short Cuts.
‘Short Cuts’ is a new category for 2026 featuring films of 3 minutes or less. These can include VFX showcases, Smartphone videos, proof-of-concept pieces, single scenes, or music videos — but you must tell a story and engage the viewer – and your film must be shot in landscape format (for any potential cinema screening).
To qualify for the ‘Homegrown’ award, a film must have been made predominantly in Ealing or a neighbouring borough, or by filmmakers living or studying in the area at the time of production. The qualifying neighbouring boroughs are Hounslow, Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham.
7. Eligibility Requirements
• Entrants must be 16 years of age or older at the time of submission.
• Films must have been produced after 1 January 2025.
• Commercial or promotional films are not accepted.
• The film must be the entrant’s own work; if submitted on behalf of another person, this must be clearly stated.
• Work-in-progress films may be submitted if picture-locked or requiring only non-editorial post-production (e.g., grading, mixing).
• Entrants must clear all rights for music and copyrighted material used in the film and may be asked to provide written permissions.
• Entrants are responsible for all intellectual property rights in their film.
• Written permission (‘Release Form’) must be obtained from all participants appearing in the film.
• Any filmmaker using AI should be transparent and this should be fully declared and added to film credits where possible.
• Entries must be made electronically via FilmFreeway only.
• Entries must be received by the final deadline of 31 July 2026 for consideration.
• Filmmakers may submit multiple films and enter each in multiple categories.
• EFF may consider a film for additional awards at no extra cost.
• Receipt of submission will be acknowledged via FilmFreeway.
• Selected filmmakers will be contacted directly and announced on www.ealingfilmfestival.com.
• Entry is at the filmmaker’s own expense. EFF cannot reimburse submission or production costs.
• EFF reserves the right to use up to 45 seconds and still images from selected films for promotional, media, or archival purposes.
• EFF reserves the right to refuse entry at its discretion.
• Submissions from EFF committee members, their immediate families, or event sponsors will not be accepted for competition (but may be screened out of competition).
• Submission fees are non-refundable if a film does not meet these conditions.
8. Official Selections
Each submission is viewed by at least three members of the judging panel. If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide a digital screening copy (maximum 10GB).
Recommended specifications:
• Video codecs: DNxHD / ProRes422 (under 10GB), H.264 or H.265 (.mov or .mp4)
• Resolution: minimum 1920×1080 (HD 16:9), ideally 2560×1440 (2K 16:9)
• Bit rate: 10–30 Mbps
• Audio: 48kHz AAC-LC, 5.1 or stereo mix
9. Awards
Each category will be judged by an industry professional. Laurels will be awarded for all Official Selections and Category Winners, including commendations at the judges’ discretion. One film will be chosen as the overall Festival Winner (EFF Grand Prix).
EFF aims to screen as many Official Selections as possible in cinemas or online via the Festival’s Vimeo platform. Due to high entry volumes, not all selections may be screened. The judges’ decisions are final.
10. Submission Fees
EFF is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation. A modest entry fee applies to cover administrative and operational costs.
All payments must be made through FilmFreeway.
A full list of fees is published on FilmFreeway.
From time to time we may offer special offers.
11. Delivery
Only digital delivery of films and related materials (e.g., stills) is accepted. Any physical materials sent by post will not be returned and will be recycled.
12. Festival Scheduling
All screenings during the Festival period will be scheduled at the discretion of the Ealing Film Festival. EFF reserves the right to alter the programme or schedule without prior notice. EFF is not liable for costs incurred due to such changes.
If the Festival is cancelled prior to the Official Selection deadline, EFF will make every effort to reimburse submitters. If cancelled after Official Selection, priority reimbursement will be given to selected filmmakers. If cancellation occurs due to circumstances beyond our control (‘Force Majeure’), submission fees will not be refunded and will be used to reschedule or adapt the Festival (e.g., move online).
13. Limitation of Liability
By entering the Ealing Film Festival 2026, entrants release and discharge EFF, its affiliates, contractors, and representatives from all claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from participation in the Festival or use of submitted films. Entrants waive any right to seek injunctive or equitable relief in connection with the Festival or its administration.
14. Rights and Permissions
Entrants retain full ownership and copyright of their film. By submitting, you grant Ealing Film Festival (EFF) a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to screen, promote, and archive your film in connection with the Festival and its publicity. This licence is granted solely for activities related to EFF and does not affect your ownership or other rights in the film.
15. Data Protection / Privacy Compliance (GDPR)
Personal data submitted via FilmFreeway will be used solely for Festival administration and will not be shared with third parties. All data will be handled securely and in accordance with UK GDPR.
16. Online Screening Rights
By entering, entrants grant permission for their film to be screened publicly and online as part of the Ealing Film Festival 2026 programme.
17. Withdrawals
Films may be withdrawn from consideration (via FilmFreeway) up to 31 July 2026. Submission fees are non-refundable.
18. Insurance Disclaimer
EFF does not provide insurance for submitted materials or screenings. Entrants are responsible for securing their own insurance, if desired.
19. Premiere Status / Previous Screenings
EFF accepts films that have been previously screened or distributed online, provided they were completed after 1 January 2025.
20. Promotional Use Beyond 45 Seconds
EFF may request permission to use extracts longer than 45 seconds from selected films for media coverage, promotional activity, or partnership features.
21. Disqualification Clause
EFF reserves the right to disqualify any film that breaches these Terms and Conditions or contains unlawful, discriminatory, or defamatory content.
22. Jury and Judging Process
All films are viewed by multiple judges and scored for quality, originality, and overall execution. The judges’ decisions are final. However, EFF will strive to provide feedback to filmmakers, if requested.
23. Festival Branding & Use of Laurels
Official Ealing Film Festival laurels may be used only for the film and year in which they are awarded. Any unauthorised alteration, reproduction, or commercial use of laurels is prohibited.
24. Archival Use
EFF may retain a copy of selected films for archival purposes, accessible only to the Festival team and not for public distribution.
25. We are a member of AIFF.
The Association of Independent Film Festivals (AIFF) is a community of like-minded festivals that support one another by sharing best practices, offering advice, and upholding the values of our charter. We promote and encourage a more equitable film festival experience for both filmmakers and audiences. We are committed to providing filmmakers with transparency and fairness in the independent film festival circuit across the UK.
Thank you for your interest in the Ealing Film Festival 2026. We look forward to receiving your submission!
