All Senses Film Festival

Submission Criteria

  • Films should be up to 30 minutes long and can focus on unusual stories, creative techniques, or distinctive visuals.

  • Entries must be original works made on or after 1st January 2018.

  • Filmmakers are encouraged to challenge the boundaries of traditional genres and embrace innovative interdisciplinary approaches. We also welcome submissions that explore ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) as a unique storytelling technique.

  • The festival accepts international entries, but non-English films need to have English subtitles to be considered.

Film Categories

To fully capture the diversity of sensory experiences, the festival will include four film categories matching its experimental form and immersion theme. These categories encourage filmmakers to explore new storytelling, technology, and visual ideas.

  1. Experimental Short – Films that challenge conventional storytelling techniques, embracing innovative narrative styles and non-linear plots. We welcome works highlighting the interplay between sound and visuals, emphasising sensory and emotional responses. Additionally, films that explore ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) are highly encouraged.

  2. Sensory Documentary and Environmental Cinema – Documentaries that evoke strong emotional and sensory responses through real-life stories and experiences. Films could highlight the human connection to nature, exploring how our environment shapes our perceptions and emotions. We particularly encourage submissions that blend artistic expression with scientific inquiry, showcasing innovative storytelling approaches that amplify the subject's sensory impact.

  3. Installation Film – This category celebrates films integrated into larger art installations or interactive experiences, merging the worlds of cinema and visual art. We invite submissions that require audience participation to enhance the narrative or overall experience, employing technology and innovative techniques. Artists are responsible for articulating their concepts in the submission form, as well as covering production costs and setting up their installations (maximum dimensions: 2m x 2m x 2m). It is essential that the installation is thoughtfully designed to engage the audience and create an immersive experience. Our team will be available to provide support throughout the process.

  4. Animation and Stop-motion – This category features visually striking and experimental animations that use creative techniques to captivate multiple senses. We encourage filmmakers to experiment with unique art styles and the newest technology, like generative models, to create compelling animated works that explore all senses.

Selection Process

The film selection process for the All Senses Film Festival is designed to ensure a diverse and high-quality programme. Here’s how it works:

  1. Submission Period: The festival opens for film submissions on 10th October 2024. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their works.

  2. Initial Review: The submission period closes on 30th June 2025. Following this, a dedicated panel of reviewers begins the initial evaluation of all entries. Each submission is assessed based on its artistic merit, thematic relevance, and technical execution.

  3. Selection Committee Meeting: By 15th July 2025, the selection committee convenes to discuss the reviewed films. They aim to curate a balanced programme that reflects the festival’s commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking cinema.

  4. Final Selections Announced: Filmmakers are notified of the selection outcomes by 20th July 2025. Selected films are invited to participate in the festival, which will take place in September (exact dates TBC).

  5. Official Programme Release: The official festival programme will be published on 06th August 2025, providing audiences with detailed information about the films, schedules, and special events.

This structured approach fosters transparency and ensures that the festival highlights a wide range of voices and perspectives in film.

30th June 2025

Submission Deadline

September 2025

Notification Date

by 20th July 2025

Event Date

Central London,

United Kingdom

venue TBC

Location

Rules and Terms

  1. Eligibility:

    • Theme: All submissions must align with the festival’s overarching theme of sensory and experimental cinema, focusing on the engagement of multiple senses and pushing the boundaries of conventional film.

    • Open to All: The festival welcomes submissions from filmmakers of all levels, including students, emerging talents, and established professionals.

    • International Submissions: Films from any country or region are accepted. However, non-English language films must include English subtitles to ensure accessibility.

    • Completion Date: Films must have been completed on or after 1 January 2018 to qualify for entry into the festival.

    • Original Work: All films must be original works. Any adaptation must have the necessary rights secured by the filmmaker.

  2. Submission Guidelines:

    • Digital Submission Only: All films must be submitted digitally through the festival’s official submission platform (FilmFreeway; link available on the festival website). No physical copies or DVDs will be accepted.

    • Screener Requirements: Submissions should include a high-quality digital screener on FilmFreeway or a link (such as Vimeo or YouTube) with a password if required. Please ensure that the video is accessible to festival reviewers throughout the selection period (10/10/2024 - 20/07/2025).

    • Submission Fees: A non-refundable submission fee applies, which must be paid in full at the time of submission. Fees vary depending on the category and submission deadline (e.g., early-bird, regular, or late deadline).

    • Student Submissions: If you select the student fee, you are required to send proof of your student status to info@allsensesfilmfestival.co.uk. Failure to provide this may result in disqualification.

    • Multiple Entries: Filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple films; however, each film must be submitted individually with a separate submission fee.

    • Re-Submissions: Films that have been previously submitted to the festival and not selected may only be re-submitted if significant changes or updates have been made.

  3. Film Lenth:

    • Short Films: Maximum runtime of 30 minutes, including credits.

    • Installations and Performances: Films intended for an art installation or live performance will be judged according to their integration with other media and the overall immersive experience they create. Artists are responsible for articulating their concepts in the submission form, as well as covering production costs and setting up their installations onsite (maximum dimensions: 2m x 2m x 2m). It is essential that the installation is thoughtfully designed to engage the audience and create an immersive experience. Specific runtime limits may be discussed depending on the technical needs of the work. Our team will be available to provide support 

  4. Content and Technical Requirements:

    • Technical Quality: Films should be submitted in high-resolution formats (minimum HD). Lower-quality files may result in disqualification.

    • Language: All dialogue must be in English or subtitled in English for non-English language films.

  5. Selection Process:

    • Review Committee: Each film will be reviewed by a committee of industry professionals, artists, and festival curators who are experts in experimental cinema, sensory filmmaking, and cutting-edge technology.

    • Judging Criteria: Films will be judged based on innovation, creativity, sensory engagement, narrative structure, technical execution, and how well they fit within the festival’s theme.

    • Notification of Acceptance: Filmmakers whose works are selected for screening will be notified via email. The official selection list will also be published on the festival’s website and social media platforms.

    • Screening Rights: Selected films grant the All Senses Film Festival the right to screen the film during the festival dates and in associated promotional events. Filmmakers retain full ownership and copyright of their work.

  6. Prizes:

    • Film Grants: Three separate film grants will be awarded to selected artists/collectives to support their next experimental project.

    • Art Mentoring: Each selected artist will receive two art mentoring sessions with professionals and artists involved in the All Senses Film Festival. The sessions will take place individually, online or onsite in London to support experimental artistic practice and expand new or current projects. Mentoring will be arranged via email with selected artists.

    • there will also be opportunities to participate and showcase your skills in further exhibitions, workshops, artist panels, Q&A sessions, and networking events. 

  7. Exhibition Formats:

    • Screening Formats: Selected films must be provided in the format required by the festival for screening (DCP, HD digital file, .mp4, .mov, etc.) alongside three high-quality stills (300 dpi, .jpg or .png) for promotional purposes. We will request the files via email with full instructions. Failure to provide the appropriate format may result in disqualification.

    • Installations and Performance Films: For installation or performance-based films, filmmakers are responsible for coordinating the setup of any special equipment to present their work.

  8. Copyright and Intellectual Property:

    • Ownership: Filmmakers retain all rights to their submitted films. The festival does not claim any ownership over the work.

    • Clearances: Filmmakers must secure the necessary permissions and rights for all content included in the film (including music, footage, images, or scripts). The festival will not be held responsible for any copyright infringement or legal disputes arising from the content of the film.

    • Promotional Use: By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, or stills from the film for promotional purposes, including use on the festival website, social media, and press coverage.

  9. Screening Venue and Dates:

    • Location: The festival will take place in London, with the exact venue still to be confirmed. Filmmakers will be notified as soon as the location is finalised.

    • Dates: The festival dates will be announced closer to the event, and selected filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in Q&A sessions, panels, and networking events. The festival reserves the right to amend the festival dates or postpone the event if necessary.

  10. Filmmaker Attendance:

    • Encouraged but Not Mandatory: While attending the festival in person is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Filmmakers who cannot attend may still participate in digital panels or Q&A sessions if applicable.

    • Travel and Accommodation: The festival does not cover travel or accommodation expenses, but filmmakers will be provided with a list of recommended hotels and venues offering discounts for festival participants.

    • Press and Industry Access: Filmmakers whose works are selected may receive invitations to special industry events, press interviews, and networking sessions during the festival.

  11. Audience Engagement:

    • Interactive Submissions: Films requiring audience interaction must clearly outline how the participation will work. If special technical equipment or setup is required for this interaction, filmmakers must liaise with the festival team in advance.

    • Q&A Sessions: Selected filmmakers will be invited to participate in post-screening Q&A sessions in person.

  12. Disqualification:

    • The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not meet the above criteria, including films that fail to submit the correct format, do not secure the necessary clearances, or are found to have violated copyright laws.

    • Films that promote hate speech, violence, or discriminatory content based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability will be immediately disqualified.

  13. Code of Conduct:

  • Respectful Environment: The All Senses Film Festival is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all attendees, filmmakers, and staff. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated, and those found in violation of this policy will be asked to leave the event.

By submitting a film, you agree to adhere to the rules and terms outlined above. The festival reserves the right to modify these terms at any time.

Show us your work!