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!

Dragonfly International Film Festival – Quick Rules

📌 Submissions
Only via FilmFreeway – no email or physical submissions accepted.

🎬 Film Categories (Max Length)
Short Film – 20 mins
Short Comedy – 20 mins
Women in Film – 20 mins; key crew must include female/female-identifying members
Short Horror – 20 mins
Music Video – 10 mins
Underrepresented Filmmakers – 20 mins; significant representation in cast or crew
Student Short Film – 20 mins; key crew still in education
North West UK Short Film – 20 mins; produced/filmed in North West England
Short Documentary – 20 mins
Short Animation – 20 mins

✅ Eligibility
Completed since 1 Jan 2023
Premiere status not required
Previously submitted films only eligible if significantly updated

💾 Format & Language
Digital files only (.mp4 or .mov)
English subtitles required for non-English films

💰 Fees & Rights
Submission fees non-refundable
Filmmakers must hold all rights to the film
Dragonfly may use up to 30 seconds of your film for promotion

🏆 Selection & Screening
Festival may disqualify films not following rules
Winning films screened in Preston, UK

🤝 Code of Conduct
Festival is inclusive and respectful
Harassment or discrimination not tolerated

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carling Ernstzen

    The team at the festival were absolutely wonderful, and we felt warmly welcomed from the moment we arrived. Lancashire provided a beautiful setting, and it became a memorable road trip experience with the actors. It was a pleasure to be part of such a supportive and friendly festival community. Thank you to Susan and John a for their kindness and care throughout.Excellent festival! Would recommend

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Carling! It was lovely to meet you and so many of your actors on the night! Thanks to all of you for making the trip to Preston, and we're really glad you enjoyed the night!

  • Luke Roberts

    Su and John have created a proper film festival. Their communication throughout was exemplary. Their care and dedication to detail, not to mention their love of creating brilliant trailers, shone through. The evening was so well put together and the standard of selection was really high. Thrilled to have won Best Cinematography and runner-up for Best Score. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Well done team Dragonfly!

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Luke! It was great to meet Shelly at the screening after chatting on Instagram, and congratulations again on your awards... very well deserved 👏

  • Ross Cawton

    A massive thank you to Su, John and the rest of the amazing Dragonfly International Film Festival team for selecting 'Do You Want To' and nominating it for the 'Best Writing' Award! Unfortunately we were not able to attend but the communication was first class! It was an honour to be a part of the very first programme this year and deeply flattering to be nominated! Thank you so much again team! If you have a film, then I highly recommend you submit to this festival! 5*

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for this Ross! Hopefully we'll cross paths somewhere soon!

  • Jacob Williams

    The Dragonfly team were incredibly supportive and professional throughout the whole process. The festival was well organised, full of high-quality films, and you could really feel the team’s genuine love for filmmaking.
    It was a pleasure to have my film screened at this festival and it'll be one to come back to in the future.

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Jacob! It was great to see you all at the screening, and we're looking forward to following your future projects. Congratulations again to your whole team!

  • My first film festival submission and screening and it couldn't have been better! Organised by people who you just know have such a tangible love for film and short form filmmaking. I was highly entertained throughout and thank you so much to the whole team. Hopefully see you next year!!

    March 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Tom! It was great to meet you and Benito at the screening, and massive congratulations again for Leek - we can't wait to see what you do next!