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Short Film Competition 2026

The Performance Short Film Competition is back for its 9th consecutive year! This year we have five categories with a cash prize of £1,500 for each winner.

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The Performance Short Film Competition is back for 2026!

Celebrating its ninth year, the Performance Short Film Competition is back for 2026 – bigger, bolder and more creative than ever.

With a prize fund of £1,500 per category, the competition continues to recognise and reward creativity, innovation and technical excellence in short film production. Whether you are an experienced filmmaker or entering for the first time, this is an opportunity to bring your ideas to life and share your work with a wider audience.

Following the success of our previous in-person events, we are delighted to once again host an exclusive live showcase and awards event at Howden’s headquarters in London.

We look forward to welcoming another year of exceptional entries!

Enter. Win. The end.

At Performance Film & Media Insurance, we’ve played a supporting role in the film industry for more than 25 years, and we’re excited to help create new opportunities for filmmakers like you.

Since we launched this competition in 2018, we’ve helped to fund the creation of 41 short films. With the talent getting stronger and stronger each year, we are excited to see your entries.

There are just three simple rules. Your short film needs to:

  • have been completed after 1st January 2025
  • have a maximum running time of 20 minutes
  • be submitted no later than the closing date: 30th July 2026

The 2025 Performance Short Film Competition Awards Night

The categories

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Best Comedy Short
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Best ‘Short’ Short (less than five minutes in length)
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Best Documentary Short
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Best Horror Short
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Best Drama Short

Competition timeline

2026

21st May 2026

Competition opens

30th July 2026

Competition Closes

6th August 2026

Judging begins

12th October 2026

Shortlist Announced

12th November 2026

Exclusive event to announce the winners