That's brilliant. Just follow these simple guidelines for submitting your film.

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Please read these rules carefully to ensure your film meets the submission requirements and that you understand everything before submitting. By submitting your project, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to all of the following rules and terms. All projects that have been submitted by our final deadline and that adhere to the following terms will be considered for inclusion in the 2026 Starling Film Festival.

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1. PREMIERE STATUS: SFF does not require a World Premiere in any category

2. Films submitted to the 'Short Feature' category will only be screened online, not at our live screening event.

3. All SELECTED films will be showcased on our website live, whereas only FINALIST films will be shown at the live screening event! Please note that whether you are a selected film or a finalist film will be made clear when you receive your confirmation email from FilmFreeway.

4. Films selected at last year's festival cannot be resubmitted this year.

5. The film must be no longer than 15 minutes (excluding Short Features, which will be up to 45 minutes). This must include a title screen and credits.

6. The film must have been completed within the last two years (beginning January 2024).

7. If your film contains any dialogue, it must include English subtitles embedded in the film.

8. The film's concept must be original. Any external materials used in the film (e.g., music, videos, etc.) must be appropriately secured by the person/group submitting.

9. The film must be submitted by the final deadline on the 31st of August at 11:59 pm (BST Time) to be counted. Any film submitted after this final deadline will not be counted.

10. Every selected film will receive a laurel and a certificate, with the chance of being screened at our live event (all selected films will be shown online).

11. Submission fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and non-negotiable!!

12. The categories 'Student', 'LGBT’, ‘North West’ and 'Short Feature' welcome films from all genres, not just one.

13. RULES REGARDING AI: Films submitted to our festival that are AI-generated will be flagged by the team and can be disqualified. Please be aware of this before submitting.

14. Upon applying for the festival, those who submit understand and consent that they are solely responsible for their films being as accurately described and that all criteria are met. Starling Film Festival and all those associated with and/or in charge of the festival will not take legal responsibility for any film submitted under false information or use of unsecured external materials. This responsibility falls to the individual/group submitting to the festival.

15. ​Once selected, filmmakers will receive an email regarding written consent about participating and being screened at the live/online festival. SFF will set a deadline for all selected filmmakers to meet. If the deadline passes and SFF has not received formal written consent, then your film selection will be revoked.

16. Any film discovered to be submitted under any false information will be immediately removed from the festival, regardless of where the film stands.

17. All final decisions our programmers and juries make are final and cannot be disputed.

18. If chosen for our in person screening it is a requirment that the subtitles be on the picture at the bottom rather than underneath the picture. 

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To recap how the Festival plays out:

• Submission Period - 1st Dec to 1st August 2026

• Selected Filmmakers - All films are showcased on our online website

• Finalist Filmmakers - Only finalist films are then shown at our in person event (excluding Short Feature Films). These films will also be in the chance to win our Aviary Audience Award. The winner for this award will be selected by those who attend on the night. Please note that whether you are a selected film or a finalist film will be made clear when you receive your confirmation email from FilmFreeway.

• Festival week - 9th to the 15th November 2026

• Our in-person screening at the Light Cinema in New Brighton will take place on Thursday 12th November. 

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Best of luck to all who submit to the festival.

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