Horsham Film Festival opens for entries

Spokeswoman Tracey Grubb said: “After a fantastic debut in 2019 as part of the Horsham District Year of Culture and an equally fantastic follow-up in 2020, they are looking forward to seeing your films and celebrating them in 2021.

“The Horsham Film Festival celebrates not only local, West Sussex-based talent but also looks further afield to celebrate films from all over the UK.

“They want to see films from everyone – whether you are a film-maker who has already won awards at other film festivals or a first-time filmmaker looking to start developing your skills.

“The Horsham Film Festival is the event to enter because their judging criteria doesn’t exclude filmmakers by being based around equipment quality or technical expertise. They want to see and experience good stories first and foremost. Of course, they will consider shots, editing, acting and so on as part of the judging process but your film will not be penalised if you have shot it on your phone rather than Blackmagic gear!”

The Festival hosts four categories for both over-18s and under-18s, each with their own prizes and awards:

• Best Drama – “Move them, thrill them or maybe even scare them. This is the category for storytelling at its best. It’s open to interpretation so give them something we don’t expect!”

• Best Documentary – “Tell them about the people, places and stories that matter to you. Bring them to life on screen.”

• Best Animation – “They love animation whether it’s hand drawn, stop motion or computer generated. Make it out of paper, plasticine or pixels – whatever you want!”

• Best Comedy – “They want to see the funniest, wackiest, most off the wall entries to make them laugh!”

The event also hosts a special category with its own marking criteria, the Your District Award. This is for film-makers that have used the Horsham District in their entries, whether it’s use of the local environment, local actors or something that links the entry to Horsham district.

The Festival will be holding its awards night at The Capitol in Horsham, on February 11 2021, hosted by Nicola Hume, former Heart FM breakfast presenter and Horsham panto performer.

Silvertip Films director Geoff Cockwill said: “We are really excited to be running the Horsham Film Festival again for 2021. Each year we have been blown away by the quality of the films entered and the enthusiasm for the event from those who have entered and come along to the awards night. We can’t wait to see what the 2021 Festival brings us!”

Nicola, awards night host and judge, said: “I am so pleased to be back with the Horsham Film Festival team again. This year I’m judging and hosting! After seeing the level of creativity last year, I can’t wait to see what’s sent in this year.”

Submissions are open via FilmFreeway and close on December 18 2020. Shortlisted films will be revealed in January 2021. Head over to Filmfreeway – www.filmfreeway.com/horshamdistrictfilmfestival – to submit your film.

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