August 20, 2025

BSC Short Film Competition Now Open

 

The 8th Annual British Society of Cinematographers Short Film Competition is now open for entries. 

This year the society has made several changes to make the awards more accessible:

  • We have decided to expand the number of categories from two to three, splitting the student competition. Entries will now be available for "Cinematography In A Short Film (BSC Club)", "Cinematography In A Short Film (Undergraduate Student)", "Cinematography In A Short Film (Postgraduate Student)".
  • Previously the maximum length of entries was 20 minutes, this year we have expanded that to 25 mins running time to allow more film to be eligible.
  • You will no longer be required to submit a "cut-down" version, simply to submit the short film. 
  • You will no longer be required to sent up a Vimeo account to submit, simply send a link for us to download your film.
  • As with previous years, the Student competition is completely free to enter with a limit of one entry per Cinematographer.

We are also delighted to say that our partners in this competition have now expanded and this year we will be welcoming not only Arri Rental but also The Look. This will allow for winners prizes to not only include a camera rental package but also access to grading facilities for your next short film.

 

To enter visit: https://bscine.com/short-film-awards

 

Timetable

Sunday, 31st August - ENTRIES OPEN

Sunday, 28th September - ENTRIES CLOSE

Monday, 20th October - NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, 12th November - SHORT FILM EVENING

Winners will be announced on the evening of the 12th November and be invited to attend the 70th Annual British Society of Cinematographers Awards on the 7th February 2026 where they will be presented with their awards.

 

Criteria

Cinematography In A Short Film (Undergraduate Student)

  1. All current Undergraduate Students (BA or similar) and recent graduates (up to 12 months after graduating) from a UK institution are eligible to apply and do not need to be BSC Club Members.
  2. The submission should be a film produced as part of the Undergraduate Course Curriculum of your institution.
  3. Student submissions are only eligible from films produced while studying a UK institution.  
  4. Entries are limited to one per Cinematographer, and the Cinematographer must be the entrant.
  5. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.

Cinematography In A Short Film (Postgraduate Student)

  1. All current Postgraduate Students (MA, MFA or similar) and recent graduates (up to 12 months after graduating) from a UK institution are eligible to apply and do not need to be BSC Club Members.
  2. The submission should be a film produced as part of the Postgraduate Course Curriculum of your institution.
  3. Student submissions are only eligible from films produced while studying a UK institution.  
  4. Entries are limited to one per Cinematographer, and the Cinematographer must be the entrant.
  5. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.

Cinematography In A Short Film (BSC Club)

  1. Only films photographed by BSC Club Members are eligible to be entered for this award. 
  2. Previous BSC Club winners are eligible to submit again.
  3. You may join the BSC Club up until 27th September 2025 to enter this category.
  4. Entries are limited to one per Cinematographer, and the Cinematographer must be the entrant.
  5. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.

 

Requirements

All entrants will be required to provide the following:

  1. A copy of your Film (This should be a HD file with a Maximum bitrate of 2200kbps, H.264, mp4. Audio: 128kbps, AAC, 2 channel stereo. Please ensure to present your film in the final aspect ratio). Please note: Maximum file size is 8GB.
  2. A still from the film (10mb or smaller, JPG or PNG, DPI 72 or 300)
  3. A headshot of yourself (10mb of smaller, JPG or PNG, DPI 72 or 300)

 

BSC Short Film Evening

Should your film be nominated your will be required to provide a DCP by the 3rd November. It is important that you ensure that you have permission from your institution or production company to screen the film.

---

Should you have any questions please email helen@bscine.com

Patrons

View all patrons