Can I submit more than one film?

Yes! You can submit as many films as you like.

How much does it cost to submit a film?

For the Super Early Bird Submissions are open until 31st of October 2025 and cost £10 per film. Early Bird Submissions run between 1st of November 2025 and 1st of January 2026 and cost £15 per film and Standard Submissions are open between 2nd of December and close on the 28th of February and cost £20 per film. Unfortunately, the submission price isn’t refundable if your film isn’t selected.

When do submissions close?

Submissions close on 28th February 2026 however, if your film film will be completed after that date but before the festival opens in May, then you can submit the unfinished film although we can’t promise that we will show it!

My film isn’t about the UK, is that a problem?

OffBeat is about looking at folk and working culture in Britain today. Unfortunately, it is therefore extremely unlikely that we will accept films which don’t look specifically at folk culture in Britain. If you have a folk film about another country that you would like us to help promote, just get in touch.

Does my film have to be a documentary?

No, not at all! It can be anything at all. In 2025 we screened everything from music videos to feature-length narrative fiction.

If my film is selected, will it automatically be up for an award?

Yes! We awards several prizes including Best in Folk, Best Sound and Music, The Community Award and The OffBeat Film Award. If you submit your film it is automatically entered for the awards selected by ourselves and our jury which, in 2025, was Maxine Peake, Lally  MacBeth, Laura Venning, Angeline Morrison and Nick Duffy.

How can I find out more information about The Festival?

Submissions and film - rita@offbeat.film
Collaborations and opportunities - mike@offbeat.film
Venues and filmmaker support - sophie@offbeat.film