The UK’s Norwich Film Festival is gearing up for its 16th edition this fall, running November 3–16, 2025. Known as one of the most filmmaker-friendly events in Europe, the festival has become a proving ground for indie shorts with ambitions of breaking into the mainstream.
What sets Norwich apart is its BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying status. Winning here can push a short film straight into award contention, opening doors for distribution, festivals, and new opportunities. For emerging filmmakers, it’s more than a festival—it’s a fast track to recognition.
This year’s program promises more than screenings. The festival will host talks, workshops, and panels at venues across Norwich, including Cinema City and the Norwich Playhouse. It all kicks off with a special centennial screening of The Phantom of the Opera (1925), complete with a live score by the band Minima—a nod to film history as well as a celebration of new voices.
Prizes include £1,000 cash awards, software packages, and trophies across categories such as British Short Film, International Short Film, Student Short, Documentary, Animation, and East Anglian Film. Past winners have gone on to major accolades, proving Norwich is more than just a regional showcase. It’s a launchpad.
The festival also boasts celebrity patrons like Olivia Colman, Stephen Fry, Brian Cox, and Julian Jarrold, who lend visibility and support to the next generation of filmmakers. Their involvement helps grassroots creators find audiences and industry champions alike.
For Jeffrey Ikahn, a filmmaker who thrives on bold, independent storytelling, Norwich is the kind of event that keeps indie culture alive. Festivals like this remind us that independent film isn’t only about scrappy budgets—it’s about vision, community, and a willingness to push stories into new spaces.
Submissions for 2025 are now closed, but early 2026 deadlines will arrive quickly. For anyone working on shorts right now, keeping Norwich on your radar is a must.Read more about this year’s Norwich Film Festival on norwichfilmfestival.co.uk.
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