5th Edition · Entries Open

Submit your film.

Features and shorts, fiction, documentary or animation — from anywhere in the world. Everything runs through FilmFreeway.

Enter on FilmFreeway
How It Works

Three steps.

Create a FilmFreeway project

Upload your film and its details once — it's free to set up an account.

Submit to LowDown

Choose your category and deadline, and pay the entry fee shown at checkout.

Hear back by 26 April 2027

We notify everyone, selected or not. Shortlisted films are screened across the village.

The Rules

What we accept.

Features — 40 min +Feature films must run at least 40 minutes.

Shorts — up to 30 minShort films must be 30 minutes or under.

English or subtitlesFilms must be in English, or carry English subtitles.

UK premiere prioritisedNot compulsory, but a UK premiere is given priority.

!

No withdrawals once shortlistedShortlisted films can't be withdrawn after selection.

Any genreFiction, documentary and animation are all welcome.

Key Dates

Deadlines for the 5th edition.

Submissions run from summer 2026 to the festival in summer 2027. Enter early — the fee steps up at each deadline.

27 July 2026
Opening DateSubmissions open on FilmFreeway.
6 August 2026
Earliest DeadlineOur lowest entry fee — for the early birds.
27 August 2026
Earlybird Deadline 1Still a great rate; the smart time to enter.
29 September 2026
Earlybird Deadline 2Earlybird pricing holds through the autumn.
29 October 2026
Earlybird Deadline 3Last of the earlybird tiers.
30 November 2026
Regular Deadline 1Standard entry fee begins.
29 December 2026
Regular Deadline 2Fee steps up a notch.
29 January 2027
Regular Deadline 3Last of the regular tiers.
26 February 2027
Late DeadlineFinal call — last chance to enter the 5th edition.
26 April 2027
Notification DateEveryone hears back, selected or not.
28 June – 2 July 2027
The FestivalFive days in Holme, near Cambridge.
Good To Know

Questions.

Entry fees depend on your category (feature or short) and the deadline you hit. Current rates are always on our FilmFreeway page — earlier deadlines cost less.

Yes — each film is a separate submission on FilmFreeway. There's no limit.

No. A UK premiere isn't compulsory, but films offering one are given priority in selection.

Absolutely — that's the whole idea. Selected filmmakers are warmly encouraged to attend, network, and even host a panel or workshop if they'd like to.

You'll be notified by 26 April 2027 with details for sending your screening file. Note that shortlisted films can't be withdrawn after selection.