August 10, 2026

BSC Short Film Competition Open!

 

We are delighted to announce that the 2026 BSC Short Film Competition is now open for entries. The competition has three categories:

  • Cinematography In A Short Film (BSC Club);
  • Cinematography In A Short Film (Postgraduate Student);
  • Cinematography In A Short Film (Undergraduate Student).

Entries can be made via the BSC website at https://bscine.com/short-film-awards

Individual criteria for each category is listed below. The deadline for submission is Sunday 30th August (6pm BST). For any enquiries please feel free to contact me Helen Maclean (helen@bscine.com.

This year we are delighted to be joined by three Patrons in supporting the competition:

 

Who will be providing the winners with one of their award-winning Omnibars.

 

Who will be providing the winners with a 5-day rental package of a camera and lenses.

Who will be providing the winners with up to 8 hours of post-production work on a future short film.

 

On behalf of everyone at the BSC we extend our thanks to our patrons for supporting the competition and the next generation of filmmakers.

 

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. While AI is becoming a more widely used tool in our industry, this competition is focused on Cinematography and therefore AI should not be used to enhance your imagery or replace any human creativity.
  6. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.
  7. Films can be a maximum of 25-minutes in length.

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. While AI is becoming a more widely used tool in our industry, this competition is focused on Cinematography and therefore AI should not be used to enhance your imagery or replace any human creativity.
  6. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.
  7. Films can be a maximum of 25-minutes in length.

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 3rd August 2026 to enter this category.
  4. Entries are limited to one per Cinematographer, and the Cinematographer must be the entrant.
  5. While AI is becoming a more widely used tool in our industry, this competition is focused on Cinematography and therefore AI should not be used to enhance your imagery or replace any human creativity.
  6. Films should have been completed within the last 12 months.
  7. Films can be a maximum of 25-minutes in length.

Requirements

All entrants will be required to upload 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. Should your film contain subtitles these should be an optional channel that can be turned off.
  3. A still from the film (10mb or smaller, JPG or PNG, DPI 72 or 300)
  4. A headshot of yourself (10mb of smaller, JPG or PNG, DPI 72 or 300)

Note: the images you provide will be used to publicise your nomination.

 

BSC Short Film Evening

Should your film be nominated your will be required to provide a DCP by the 18th October. It is important that you ensure that you have permission from your institution or production company to screen the film.

 

Timetable

  • Monday, 10th August - ENTRIES OPEN
  • Sunday, 30th August - ENTRIES CLOSE (6pm BST)
  • Tuesday, 29th September - NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
  • Monday, 26th October - SHORT FILM EVENING

Winners will be announced on the evening of the 26th October and be invited to attend the 71st Annual British Society of Cinematographers Awards in February 2027 where they will be presented with their awards.

Patrons

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