The OffBeat Folk Film Festival celebrates cinema that explores folk, heritage and working culture, with screenings across London in May 2026. The festival features documentary, narrative, experimental, music videos and other film forms that engage with contemporary and vernacular culture in Britain. Submissions are automatically considered for multiple festival awards.

Eligibility:
• Open to filmmakers of all nationalities, including South Asian artists (as long as the film engages with festival themes)
• Films must explore relevant cultural topics (folk culture/working lives) — Britain-focused themes are prioritised but filmmakers with folk films from other contexts can enquire with organisers

What’s Offered:
• Screening at the festival across venues such as Cecil Sharp House, The Mildmay Club, Walthamstow Trades Hall, The Moth Club and others in London (May 2026)
• Automatic entry into award consideration (e.g., Best in Folk, Best Sound & Music, Community Award, OffBeat Film Award)
• Opportunity for visibility among curators, audiences and industry peers in a growing UK festival platform

How to Apply:
Submit your film via OffBeat’s online submission channel, adhering to submission guidelines including rights, original work, and relevant metadata. Submission fees apply and vary by submission period (Super Early Bird, Early Bird, Standard).