Smart Film Festival Logo

CELEBRATING THE INNOVATION, INTIMACY & DIVERSITY OF SMARTPHONE FILMMAKING

ABOUT

We launched Smart because Smartphone filmmaking has come of age, proving to be a game-changer in film and video production, bringing fresh approaches to cinema, influencing the direction of television and completely redefining short form. You can now shoot things on your phone which you couldn’t capture in any other way. It is a device you have on you all the time, one that is familiar to people being filmed and unintimidating. It can work in intimate settings, exploit grey areas of informality, and help you work around the traditional gatekeepers of TV and video. In short, you can just do it, just go make that film you’ve been dreaming about.
Smart is based in London but is international to its core.

Festival Trailer

HOW TO ENTER

It’s really simple to enter Smart. The next festival will be open for entries in May 2022.

The Categories

There are 6 categories:

  • 1 minute or under
  • Drama/scripted – 10 minutes or under
  • Documentary/factual – 10 minutes or under
  • Drama/scripted – over 10 minutes
  • Documentary/factual – over 10 minutes
  • Experimental & Other

Entering Your Film

Entries are through FilmFreeway. It is free and really simple to set up an account (if you haven’t already got one).

The Prizes

Each category winner receives a classy trophy and a mentoring session with one of the judges (who are leading directors, producers and commissioners). They will also be offered distribution opportunities with Little Dot Studios (London/LA/Berlin) if they would like.

Eligibility

We like films made 100% on smartphones but anything shot more than 50% on smartphone is eligible.

Judging Criteria

Judging is based on concept and execution.

Concepts include:

  • Is the film fresh, imaginative and original?
  • Is its purpose clear and comprehensible?
  • Does it capture and retain the viewer’s attention?

Execution includes:

  • Are the craft and technique coordinated so as to enhance the film’s impact?
  • Do they help convey the idea effectively?

SMART reserves the right to move films into more appropriate categories if they have not been entered into an appropriate one.

Entry Fees

To help cover the costs and admin we ask for the following contribution:

– Standard Entry £25

If you are unsure about anything or have a question, just contact us through the Contact page

Our Partners

Little Dot Studios logo

Little Dot Studios

Little Dot Studios (London/LA/Munich & Berlin) is an award-winning digital content agency and media network, specialising in creating meaningful connections between premium content and digital audiences. It works with the world’s most recognised TV, sports and consumer brands, creating content for more than 500 social channels globally and delivering 6 billion video views per month.

Little Dot also runs its own digital broadcast network of more than 30 channels across social platforms and streaming services. These were watched by over 400 million viewers in 2020.

Royal Holloway University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway is a pioneering university, one of the first to admit women. It is steeped in history and culture, yet constantly evolving and adapting to the demands of modern higher education. Royal Holloway is strengthened by diversity and welcomes students and academics from all over the world, ensuring an international and multicultural perspective.

TPR Media Consultants

tpr media

tpr media is a London-based communications agency committed to creating intelligent campaigns for the creative industries and projects with a social impact. They are passionate about compelling storytelling and love to stimulate conversation and debate, offering profile and positioning that sets their clients apart from the crowd.