Your film belongs here. Big screen, social media shoutouts, trailers, awards - and a whole community cheering you on. Come be seen!
After an incredible first year, Dragonfly International Film Festival is back for round two - and trust us, it’s going to be bigger, bolder, and even more filmmaker-friendly!
Our very first Screening and Awards Presentation SOLD OUT, bringing together filmmakers and film lovers for a brilliant night celebrating independent cinema. The energy in the room was amazing, and we can’t wait to build on that momentum.
For our second edition in February 2027, Dragonfly will expand to two days of screenings culminating in our red carpet awards night, giving even more films the chance to shine on the big screen - and giving filmmakers the opportunity to meet, network, celebrate their work… and yes, walk the red carpet.
Dragonfly is all about celebrating creative and diverse filmmaking from around the world. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to share your work with an engaged, enthusiastic audience right in the heart of Lancashire, UK.
Having spent over fifteen years in the independent film world and worked on around 400 narrative films and music videos, we know how important festivals are. They’re not just about screenings - they’re about making connections, getting your work seen, and sharing your talent with a wider audience. And that’s exactly what we’re here to help you do.
That’s why the Dragonfly experience starts the moment you submit your film. We actively promote every submission, sharing your posters, premises, and credits across our growing social media channels. We also create regular promo trailers featuring clips from submitted films, helping shine a spotlight on the amazing work filmmakers are creating.
In short: we shout about your film.
(Don’t believe us? Check out last year’s posts - we come with receipts!)
Founded in the heart of North West England, Dragonfly was created to celebrate the creativity, imagination, and passion behind short filmmaking. We welcome filmmakers from the UK and across the globe - both emerging and established.
Our awards recognise storytelling, creativity, technical craft, and regional talent, but most importantly, we focus on creating a supportive, welcoming festival atmosphere where filmmakers and audiences can connect and celebrate independent film together.
Whether this is your first film or your fiftieth, we’d love you to be part of Dragonfly.
What People Are Saying:
“What sets Dragonfly International Film Festival apart is its authenticity.”
“Lancashire has long deserved a film festival that represents its creative community, and Dragonfly delivers.”
“With its filmmaker-first philosophy and genuine passion for cinema, this is a fresh approach to celebrating independent film.”
Lancashire and North West Magazine (Feb 2026)
At Dragonfly International Film Festival, we love celebrating independent filmmaking in all its forms. Whether your film is a short, documentary, animation, or music video, we want to shine a spotlight on your work. Winning an award means more than a trophy - it’s recognition, exposure, and a little extra cheer from our festival community!
Film Awards
Best Short Film – for the story that sticks with us long after the credits roll
Best Documentary Short – for storytelling that informs, inspires, or moves
Best Student Film – because fresh voices deserve to be heard
Best Animation – bringing imagination to life, frame by frame
Best Music Video – creativity that hits both visually and musically
Best Short by an Underrepresented Filmmaker – celebrating diverse voices
Best North West Film (UK) – for films set in or about our beautiful region, or made by North West UK Crew
Best Comedy Short – laughs guaranteed (or at least attempted!)
Best Horror Short – for films that make us jump, scream, or think twice
Best Women in Film – shining a spotlight on incredible female talent
Craft & Creative Awards
Best Writing, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Original Score
Best Actor, Acting Ensemble
Best Production Design, Costume, Hair & Makeup
Prizes & Perks
Winners get official certificates and trophies
Social media shoutouts and inclusion in festival trailers
Your film on the big screen in front of an enthusiastic audience
Basically, we’re here to celebrate your work, help people see it, and cheer you on!