SUBMISSIONS
Every three months, we showcase 10 short films to a live audience of filmmakers, artists and the wider public.
Day Job Film Festival was created from a belief that filmmakers should be treated with care and respect at every stage of their journey. We see short films - often self-funded and made outside traditional systems - as the true foundation of independent filmmaking and artistic experimentation.
Alongside the screenings, the festival features filmmaker Q&As, live music, handmade awards and space for genuine conversation and connection.
Awards & Prizes
To celebrate the films we screen, each month we’ll present a set of informal but meaningful awards:
- The Cullinan Diamond - Breakthrough filmmaker award, spotlighting an emerging filmmaker with distinctive voice and potential.
- The Lyon Heart - For brave filmmaking
- The Day Job Award - The audience award
- The Galleria Award - For the film that resonates most strongly with the wider artistic community present at the gallery.
- The Isles Award - For the best UK film.
Winners will receive a handmade award, a laurel, social media promotion across Day Job’s channels and priority consideration for future screenings and projects.
Rules & Terms
1. All short films are welcome, regardless of length, genre, or premiere status.
2. Submissions must be provided as digital files suitable for projection.
3. Please indicate in your application if you will be able to attend the screening in London - attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.
4. By submitting, you grant Day Job Films a non-exclusive licence to screen your film at the event.
Filmmakers retain all rights to their work. Selected films may be invited for repeat screenings in future editions of the series.