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?

Super Early Bird Submissions are open until 31st of October 2025 and cost £10 per film. Early Bird Submissions run between 1st and 30th of November and cost £15 per film and Standard Submissions are open between 1st of December and close on the 15th 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 15th 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.

Are there premiere requirements?

No! We are happy to accept films which are already online or at any stage of their festival run. If you would like to premiere your film at the frestival, let us know in your submission.

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

Yes! We award 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.

Will there be a screening fee?

No, unfortunately we aren’t able to pay a screening fee to filmmakers at this time.

When will I be notified if my film is selected?

We will notify everyone who has submitted by the 22nd of March 2026.

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