Rules, guidelines & code of conduct

1. Who Can Enter

CutShorts is open to filmmakers from the UK and internationally.

We welcome filmmakers at every stage of their journey, from first-time filmmakers and emerging creatives to more experienced filmmakers.

• Entrants must be 18 or over.
• Films must be original work.
• The person submitting the film must have the necessary rights and permissions to enter it.
• Films must meet the published runtime and production requirements for the relevant CutShorts submission period.
• Films must be submitted through the official submission platform.

2. What We're Looking For

CutShorts isn't about having the biggest budget or the most expensive equipment.

We're looking for films that demonstrate:

• Strong storytelling
• Originality
• Creativity
• Clear artistic intent
• Ambition
• Good filmmaking craft
• Effort and potential
• Something that leaves an impression

You don't need a huge budget, professional actors or industry connections to be considered.

We're interested in the filmmaker behind the film as much as the film itself.

3. Film Requirements

Unless otherwise stated for a specific CutShorts event:

• Films must meet the published runtime limit.
• Films must be suitable for public exhibition.
• Films must be submitted digitally.
• Films must comply with any technical requirements communicated following selection.
• Films containing significant dialogue in a language other than English must include English subtitles.

Specific runtime, budget, submission deadline and technical requirements may vary between CutShorts eventsand will always be stated on the relevant submission page.

4. Rights & Permissions

By submitting a film, you confirm that you have the necessary rights and permissions to enter and exhibit the film.

This includes, where applicable:

• Music
• Footage
• Photography
• Artwork
• Performances
• Locations
• Third-party intellectual property
• Other copyrighted material

CutShorts cannot accept responsibility for copyright or rights disputes relating to material supplied by a filmmaker.

5. Selection

Each CutShorts event will have its own selection process.

Films may be assessed on factors including:

• Storytelling
• Creativity
• Originality
• Direction
• Performance
• Technical execution
• Overall impact
• Ambition

Selection decisions are made at the discretion of the CutShorts selection team and/or appointed judging panel.

Being selected for one CutShorts event does not guarantee selection for another.

Likewise, not being selected for one event does not necessarily prevent a film from being considered for future CutShorts opportunities where applicable.

6. Cinema Screening

CutShorts is built around giving filmmakers the opportunity to experience their work on the big screen.

Selected filmmakers will be provided with the technical specifications and delivery requirements for their particular event.

Where a DCP or other cinema-ready format is required, filmmakers will be responsible for supplying the requiredscreening file by the stated deadline.

CutShorts may test submitted files before screening and may request a replacement if a file is technically unsuitable.

7. Festival Attendance

We strongly encourage selected filmmakers, cast and crew to attend their screening.

CutShorts is about more than screening films. It's about bringing filmmakers, actors, creatives and audiences together in the same room.

Attendance requirements may vary depending on the event, venue and award structure.

Where attendance is required for a particular award or prize, this will be clearly communicated to filmmakers before the relevant event.

In exceptional circumstances, CutShorts may consider alternative arrangements at its discretion.

This could include an authorised representative attending on behalf of the filmmaker where appropriate.

8. Awards & Prizes

Each CutShorts event may feature its own awards, prizes and opportunities.

Award categories, prize values and eligibility requirements may vary between events.

Details of awards and prizes will be published or communicated to selected filmmakers before the relevant event.

Cash prizes may be subject to attendance requirements.

Where physical attendance is required to receive a prize, the relevant requirement will be clearly stated in advance.

CutShorts reserves the right to apply reasonable and consistent eligibility requirements to ensure fairness to filmmakers who attend and participate in the festival.

9. Promotional Material

If selected, filmmakers may be asked to provide promotional material such as:

• Film posters
• Stills
• Trailers
• Behind-the-scenes material
• Filmmaker photographs
• Cast and crew information
• Film synopsis
• Director/filmmaker biography

By providing these materials, you give CutShorts permission to use them for reasonable promotional and editorial purposes connected with the festival and CutShorts.

Filmmakers retain ownership and copyright of their work.

10. AI & Generative Technology

CutShorts recognises that filmmakers may use emerging technologies as part of the creative process.

However, submitted films must demonstrate meaningful human creative authorship.

CutShorts reserves the right to request clarification regarding significant use of generative AI or other emerging technologies where appropriate.

11. Changes to Events

CutShorts is an evolving festival platform and event dates, venues, programmes, award categories and other arrangements may change.

Where reasonable, significant changes affecting selected filmmakers will be communicated as soon as possible.

The specific details published for each CutShorts event will take precedence over these general guidelines where applicable.

12. Submission Terms

By submitting a film to CutShorts, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood these guidelines.
• You have the authority to submit the film.
• The information provided is accurate.
• You have obtained the necessary rights and permissions.
• You agree to the relevant submission and screening requirements.

Submission fees, deadlines, runtime limits, prizes and event-specific requirements will be stated on the relevant CutShorts submission page.

PLEASE NOTE
These guidelines provide the general framework for CutShorts. Specific submission requirements, deadlines, fees, festival dates, venues, awards and attendance requirements may vary between events.

The terms published on the relevant CutShorts submission page at the time of entry will apply to that particular event.

CutShorts reserves the right to make reasonable changes to festival arrangements where circumstances require.

Have a question before you submit? Email submissions@cutshorts.co.uk.