2026 Short Film Competition
Ashbourne Film Festival 2026 Short Film Competition
Ashbourne Film Festival will host a live festival on June 21st in the Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne with screenings, talks from film and music industry experts and live film music!
Awards and prizes for best shorts will be presented on the day.
Not to be missed!
Submissions
Submissions can be made here using Film Freeway here: https://filmfreeway.com/AshbourneFilmFestival
Opening date for submissions is: March 20th 2026.
Closing date for submissions is: May 20th 2026.
Shortlisted submissions will be notified by June 1st 2026.
Categories & Fees
Cost per entry: €30
Short films produced in Ireland.
Cost per entry: €30
Can be in any language, subtitles must be provided if not in English.
Cost per entry: €30
Can be in any language, subtitles must be provided if not in English.
Cost per entry: €25
Awards & Prizes
Recording session of a short film soundtrack with the WPME orchestra.
Cash prizes for best shorts.
Live screenings on festival day of selected and award winning shorts.
Laurels and certificates for selected films.
Cash prizes for best shorts.
Live screenings on festival day of selected and award winning shorts.
Laurels and certificates for selected films.
Rules & Terms
- All film submissions should be made digitally in Pro-Res or MP4 formats, not via DVD’s in the post or via youtube/vimeo.
- If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received in advance of the festival screening which you will be given due notice.
- All photos provided must be clearly identified. Photos may be used for any festival promotions.
- Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release prior to AFF are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition.
- Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
- Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to AFF. The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers, labels, can reels and film leaders.
- Selected film entries will be notified by May 30th 2026 .Jury Award and audience award winners will be announced on June 21st at the festival awards ceremony in the Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne.
- Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
- Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted into AFF26 will receive the following: Two(2) festival passes per submitted film to see all the festival films FREE
- Film prints and other film material will be handled with upmost care. However, neither the AFF staff nor supporting theatre organisations 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.
- All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Ashbourne Film Festival without notice.
- Film titles, images, posters, excerpts and film publicity documentation and images may all be used by AFF. By entering the competition you consent to the use of such materials for promotion of AFF or to be shown at the event or at the awards ceremony
