We’re inviting budding and emerging filmmakers to submit short films exploring the theme of access to nature. Please carefully read the terms and conditions below before entering. We can’t wait to see what you create!
Theme
Your film should explore what access to nature means to you.
All films should include or be inspired by the line:
"I came here and this place said to me..."
Film length and format
Film length must be between 60 seconds and 3 minutes, including credits.
You can shoot on anything you like e.g. phone, camcorder, DSLR whatever works.
All films must be new, created in 2025 and made specifically for this competition
Any style is welcome documentary, poetic, experimental, fiction and everything in between!
Prizes and screening
By entering, you're in with a chance to:
Win a £150 cash prize
Receive more exciting prizes (to be announced)
Have your film screened at an online event on the 22nd of October
Share your voice and vision with a wider audience
Key dates
The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm on Sunday the 5th of October.
Entry requirements
To enter, you must have the rights to use all music, images, and voices in your film.
Your film must be your original work.
By submitting, you give us permission to screen and promote your film as part of this project. You retain full ownership of your work.
What's the judging criteria?
Here's exactly what our judges will be looking for...
1. Tell it from the heart – Is your story authentic and heartfelt? Does it convey your passion, the message you want to tell and the impact you want to make?
2. Be bold and creative – Does your film show an original or fresh approach? We’d love you to try new ideas and discover fresh ways of expressing yourself.
3. Show us your perspective – Are you sharing a point of view we don’t usually see? Does your film help us notice something new?
4. Craft it with care – Technique doesn’t need to be perfect or high budget, but how can you show care and attention to the craft, whether that's the visual, words, sounds or pacing?
5. Connect to the theme – Does your film reflect the theme or celebrate the natural world in a meaningful way?
Content Guidelines
By submitting your film, you agree that your entry:
Does not contain graphic or explicit content, including but not limited to extreme violence, sexual content, or harmful material.
Is suitable for a general audience and aligns with the spirit of the competition.
Respects all copyright and intellectual property laws.
Submissions that violate these guidelines may be disqualified at the discretion of the Mafia Weekend.
And just a note to say that you need to complete the full form to be able to submit your film. Thank you!
Got questions? Get in touch at cocreate.mafiaweekend@gmail.com
We can't wait to hear your story!