SHINING A LIGHT ON
STORIES THAT MATTER
An annual ‘shorts’ film festival that
illuminates impactful stories and
diverse narratives, turning up the
volume on voices that need to be heard.
We champion emerging talent,
sustainable filmmaking and inclusivity,
creating hands-on opportunities
to make SohoLIFF a vibrant, accessible
hub shaping the future of cinema.
SHINNING A LIGHT ON STORIES THAT MATTER
An annual ‘shorts’ film festival that illuminates impactful stories
and diverse narratives, turning up the volume on voices that need to be heard.
We champion emerging talent, sustainable filmmaking and inclusivity, creating hands-on
opportunities to make SohoLIFF a vibrant, accessible hub shaping the future of cinema.
SUBMISSIONS
OPEN UNTIL
SEPTEMBER 23rd
OPENING
January 30th, 2025
EARLY BIRD
March 1st, 2025
REGULAR
July 31st, 2025
LATE
September 23rd, 2025
NOTIFICATION
October 1st, 2025
SUBMISSIONS OPEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 23rd
OPENING
January 30th, 2025
EARLY BIRD
March 1st, 2025
REGULAR
July 31st, 2025
LATE
September 23rd, 2025
NOTIFICATION
October 1st, 2025
EVENT DATE:
JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1, 2026
EVENT DATE: JANUARY 28- FEBRUARY 1, 2026
ABOUT THE
SOHO LONDON
INDEPENDENT
FILM FESTIVAL
We are a Short Film Festival based in the heart of Soho in London's West End at the iconic 75 Dean Street.
SohoLIFF is a festival run by an ever-expanding group of passionate professionals, from both film and media backgrounds, sharing a growing platform for creative minds to come together.
The four-day festival is held in January, where our filmmakers are championed and celebrated as we screen 50+ independent films, and culminate the year’s activities with a live gala awards ceremony.
The SohoLIFF has live screenings, panels and workshops over the 4 days with the finale prize giving award ceremony on the Sunday evening. This is a red-carpet event, a chance to glam up and celebrate your films!
The panels we hold are with industry experts alongside masterclasses that are free to our filmmakers. We also promote our filmmakers with interviews in our tv studio, on social media and with our press partners.
We welcome all genres and have a particular interest in films with a social and environmental message, films that matter. We love films that could make a difference, that give a voice to those who have been marginalised. We simply love great films that are engaging, from the dark and gritty to the eccentric and flamboyant!!
The winner of the AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD, voted for by the public, will get to see their name, and film, up in lights with promotion literally being spread from one big screen to another, displayed across Clear Channel’s huge digital billboards in prominent locations across the capital.
It’s one hell of an exciting opportunity to maximise exposure for your film, in true blockbuster style.
And, alongside the live event, we also stream the festival via a private video-on-demand platform only giving ticketed access to a global audience.
Throughout the year we have our series the SohoLIFF Spotlights which is where we provide advice and insights for filmmakers from our industry professionals, everything from finance to distribution.
ABOUT THE
SOHO LONDON INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL
We are a Short Film Festival based in the heart of Soho in London's West End at the iconic 75 Dean Street.
SohoLIFF is a festival run by an ever-expanding group of passionate professionals, from both film and media backgrounds, sharing a growing platform for creative minds to come together.
The four-day festival is held in January, where our filmmakers are championed and celebrated as we screen 50+ independent films, and culminate the year’s activities with a live gala awards ceremony.
The SohoLIFF has live screenings, panels and workshops over the 4 days with the finale prize giving award ceremony on the Sunday evening. This is a red-carpet event, a chance to glam up and celebrate your films!
The panels we hold are with industry experts alongside masterclasses that are free to our filmmakers. We also promote our filmmakers with interviews in our tv studio, on social media and with our press partners.
We welcome all genres and have a particular interest in films with a social and environmental message, films that matter. We love films that could make a difference, that give a voice to those who have been marginalised. We simply love great films that are engaging, from the dark and gritty to the eccentric and flamboyant!!
The winner of the AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD, voted for by the public, will get to see their name, and film, up in lights with promotion literally being spread from one big screen to another, displayed across Clear Channel’s huge digital billboards in prominent locations across the capital.
It’s one hell of an exciting opportunity to maximise exposure for your film, in true blockbuster style.
And, alongside the live event, we also stream the festival via a private video-on-demand platform only giving ticketed access to a global audience.
Throughout the year we have our series the SohoLIFF Spotlights which is where we provide advice and insights for filmmakers from our industry professionals, everything from finance to distribution.
CATEGORIES & FEES
DRAMA shorts can't be longer than 20 minutes.
Early Bird Deadline:
Standard: £20 | Student: £17
Regular Deadline:
Standard: £35 | Student: £20
Late Deadline:
Standard: £45 | Student: £35
CATEGORIES & FEES
Early Bird Deadline:
Standard: £20 | Student: £17
Regular Deadline:
Standard: £35 | Student: £20
Late Deadline:
Standard: £45 | Student: £35
DRAMA shorts can't be longer than 20 minutes.
RULES & TERMS
RULES & TERMS
1. All film submissions should be made digitally, not via DVD’s in the post. If you are unable/unwilling to use digital submission, please contact us and we’ll work something out.
2. If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received by October the 10th.
3. All photos provided must be clearly identified. Photos may be used for any festival promotions.
4. Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release prior to The SohoLIFF are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition.
5. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
6. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
7. Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to SohoLIFF. The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers, labels, can reels and film leaders.
8. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
9. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted into SohoLIFF will receive the following:
- Two (2) festival passes per submitted film to see all the festival films FREE
- Admittance for filmmakers to the events and workshops.
10. Film prints and other film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the SohoLIFF staff nor supporting staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of the print and other film materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession of the print.
11. All stated information, eligibility, awards and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Soho London Independent Film Festival, without notice.
12. Promotion - for selected films ONLY SohoLIFF reserves the right to utilise film submissions selected, their promotional material and any associated content to promote the films and our festival on the SohoLIFF website, digital platforms and outlets, partner's platforms, printed materials, social media, and any form of advertising we choose to use for the festival. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of images and video that you provide.
13. Sales Agents & Filmmakers: Please do not submit to SohoLIFF if you require a fee for screening at our festival. As an independent film festival supporting filmmakers & independent cinema, it is not in our budget. The SohoLIFF does not pay to screen your film. When you submit to our festival you are agreeing to this. If you behave in an unreasonable manner, for example demanding money to screen your film after it has been selected resulting in you pulling the film out of the competition The SohoLIFF has the right to ask for compensation in the way of any expenses incurred for the promotion and time spent advertising and promoting your film. We are here to support our filmmakers and will not be bullied or harassed. Our staff work very hard to ensure everyone has a wonderful time and anyone looking to damage this, the festival or any of our filmmakers will be banned from this festival for life.