Free International Competition for Beginner Filmmakers via FilmFreeway
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- AgeNo specific age required
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- Opportunity FieldPhotography and Filmmaking , Others
- Deadline2026-10-25
Opportunity description
Lift-Off Global Network invites filmmakers from around the world to participate in First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 12, an international online film competition and screening program primarily designed for first-time filmmakers and emerging talent.
The program is held monthly and gives independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase short and feature-length films from a wide range of genres to an international audience through Vimeo On Demand. Submitted works are evaluated by both an official judging panel and the audience.
The initiative aims to give filmmakers at the beginning of their careers a platform to present their work, gain exposure, and engage with the international independent filmmaking community.
Benefits
Participating films are screened online through Vimeo On Demand.
Films are evaluated by both the official judging panel and the audience.
Audience Choice Awards are presented based on audience ratings.
Winners selected by the judging panel receive a 12-month professional Lift-Off membership.
The membership gives winners access to free submissions to Lift-Off festivals and screenings, as well as professional development content.
Winners are added to the shortlist for the Lift-Off Season Awards.
Films nominated for the Season Awards may be screened at Lift-Off’s headquarters at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom.
Participants gain the opportunity to connect with an international community of independent filmmakers and engage with the work of other participants.
Eligibility criteria
The film must meet at least one of the following conditions:
It is the first filmmaking project of one of the key members of the production team, such as the director, writer, or producer.
Or it is the first project completed by one of those key members within 5 years of their previous project.
The competition does not impose restrictions on:
The age of the film.
Premiere status.
Whether the film has been screened previously.
Whether the film is already available online.
Available Categories
Feature Films:
Films with a budget between USD 0 and USD 5,000.
Films with a budget above USD 5,000.
The film must be longer than 45 minutes.
Fiction, documentary, animation, music videos, web series, and other formats are accepted.
Short Films – New Voices:
Designed for new filmmakers whose film has not previously participated in festivals. Eligible films must be under 45 minutes.
Shorts – Trendsetters:
For films that have already screened at at least 3 festivals and for filmmakers who are still at an early stage of their careers.
Shorts – Trailblazers:
For films that have participated in several festivals and have already received awards.
Student Shorts – Students of Storytelling:
For films produced through a school, college, or university, making this category suitable for students and beginner filmmakers.