Official Short Film Selections, Screenings & Awards Sunday 25th October 2026 4:30-7PM
Our festival will culminate on Sunday 25th October from 4:30–7:00 PM, Venue TBC. bringing together filmmakers, writers, creatives, and audiences for an afternoon celebrating independent storytelling and outstanding creative talent. Featuring screenings of our Officially Selected Films, followed by the Festival Awards, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of this year's exceptional work.
Recognising excellence in feature-length filmmaking, this award honours a film that demonstrates outstanding storytelling, compelling performances, and strong directorial vision. Celebrating emotional depth and cinematic impact, it recognises one of the standout films in the Smug Llama Film Festival Official Selection.
Presented to the short film that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, artistic vision, and technical execution. This award recognizes a standout work that delivers maximum impact within a limited runtime, showcasing the filmmaker’s command of craft and narrative economy at the highest level.
Honors an emerging filmmaker whose work signals a bold new creative voice. This award recognizes outstanding promise, inventive storytelling, and a distinctive artistic perspective that demonstrates the filmmaker is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
Celebrates the most compelling piece of commercial or branded storytelling. This award recognizes work that seamlessly aligns creative vision with brand objectives, delivering high-impact visuals, clear messaging, and strong audience engagement while exemplifying excellence in craft and narrative strategy.
Recognizes a director whose vision, command of craft, and leadership elevate every aspect of the film. This award honors exceptional artistic direction, coherent stylistic execution, and the ability to unify performance, cinematography, sound, and narrative into a singular, impactful cinematic experience.
Celebrating the filmmaker whose visual storytelling transforms a film through masterful use of lighting, framing, camera movement, and composition. This award honors creativity and technical skill that bring mood, emotion, and narrative to life on screen, leaving a lasting visual impact.
Honors outstanding achievement in creating the visual world of a film. This award recognizes production designers and their teams for exceptional artistry, cohesion, and detail in sets, locations, props, and overall environment—crafting spaces that enhance narrative, deepen character, and elevate the film’s cinematic impact.
Celebrating the artistry and precision of film editing, this award recognizes the editor whose work demonstrates exceptional skill in shaping the story, pacing, and rhythm of a film. From seamless continuity to inventive transitions, the recipient’s editing elevates the narrative, enhances emotion, and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Honoring the writer whose script stands out for originality, storytelling, and compelling dialogue. This award celebrates the vision, structure, and creativity that bring characters and worlds to life, forming the foundation of a film that captivates and resonates with audiences.
Honoring a performer whose talent, presence, and emotional depth bring a character vividly to life. This award celebrates outstanding acting that captivates, moves, and resonates with audiences, elevating the story through skill, nuance, and authenticity.
Celebrating the film that resonates most with festival-goers, this award is determined by audience votes. It honors the story, performances, and filmmaking that captivate, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Got questions about next year’s festival? We’ve got answers! From tickets and line-ups to food, fun, and everything in between, our Q&A is your go-to guide for planning the ultimate festival experience. Stay in the know and get ready to make every moment unforgettable!
Online 3-5 July 2026, Screenings & Awards 5th July 2026, Soho
For 2026 we are hosting the inaugural screenings and awards on the 5th of July 2026 5pm-7pm We will expand the programme to 2-3 days in person for 2027.
No, this is a level playing field and will be judged on story, quality of production and creativity. Members will however get a discount on entries to the festival.
Workshops , Masterclasses, Films and Q&A's will be programmed in 2027. This years festival will hold a selected shorts screening and awards session.
Yes, Members will get preference to tickets, however there will be a small amount available to explorers.
Turnpike House 1208/1210 London Road Leigh on Sea Essex SS9 2UA
Key Responsibilities Development & Planning Collaborate with writers, directors, and executive producers to develop concepts and scripts. Assemble the core creative and production teams. Prepare budgets, schedules, and production plans. Financing & Logistics Secure funding and manage financial resources. Oversee contracts, permits, and legal clearances. Ensure compliance with union regulations, health and safety guidelines. Production Management Supervise day-to-day operations during filming/shooting. Coordinate between departments (camera, sound, art, etc.). Troubleshoot issues and keep production on schedule. Post-Production Oversee editing, sound design, visual effects, and final delivery. Approve cuts and ensure the project meets creative and technical standards. Team Leadership Support and mentor production staff and crew. Maintain strong communication across all departments. Foster a positive, collaborative working environment.
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