Filmmaking Challenge

Folkestone Documentary Festival Filmmaking Challenge returns for a 3rd year to inspire, engage and celebrate local filmmakers and this year we’ve extended the challenge to the whole of Kent! We encourage all levels of filmmakers to pick up a camera this summer and make a documentary.

Are you up for the challenge?

Working in partnership with Klip Films and Screen South, we’ve devised the competition to encourage seasoned and budding filmmakers to come up with ideas in the documentary form based on the local environment, stories and communities in Kent.

The competition is open to both professional and novice filmmakers and is an opportunity to have some fun with the form or try out something new. The jury will be looking for imaginative interpretations of subject matter rather than perfect technique. Films can be shot on multiple cameras or on your phone - it’s up to you. The main thing is to pick up a camera and get shooting!

"Last year's competition was the incentive I needed to get out with a camera and realise my dream of making a documentary. It made me appreciate that it's imagination and an appreciation for the world around us that makes a good film, not the expensive equipment." Mark Thomas, Best Environmental Film 2024

“Filmmaking Challenge gave me the opportunity and excuse to create something for myself. It motivated me to flex my creative muscles and try to push the boundaries of my work beyond what I thought I could achieve!” Max Burton, Best Film 2024

RULES

Films must be:

• Documentary genre
• Maximum 5 minutes duration
• Made between 11th June and 22nd September 2025
• Shot within Kent, England
• Made by a filmmaker/team based in Kent
• Filmmakers must own the rights to all footage and music, and have all other necessary consents and permissions

 Read the full requirements before you make your film.

PRIZES

We are awarding two prizes this year – BEST FILM and BEST ENVIRONMENTAL FILM plus two highly commended runners-up. For BEST ENVIRONMENTAL FILM, we welcome documentaries that address climate change or explore Kent’s natural environment—its geology, wildlife and plant life. The ten shortlisted films will be screened as part of Folkestone Documentary Festival from 22-26 October 2025 and the two winning films will be screened as part of the festival’s Closing Gala. Winners will be selected by our esteemed  jury of filmmakers and industry professionals.

 The winning films will also be awarded a voucher for £1000 worth of free film gear and supported post-production hire from Screen South including cameras, sound equipment, editing suite and professional advice.

DEADLINE

Films must be submitted by Monday 22nd September 2025 at midday via the submission portal.

JURY

This year’s jury will consist of a group of professionals from the film industry plus the winner of last year’s Best Films.

WORKSHOPS

New to filmmaking or need to brush up on your skills? Fear not. Screen South is hosting a series of FREE workshops designed to equip you with the basics to shoot and edit a short documentary film:

• Monday 30 June, 1pm-2pm – Intro to Filmmaking Challenge webinar with Q+A This is an opportunity to meet the team and ask your questions.
• Tuesday 8 July, 6pm-8pm – Intro to Documentary Filmmaking A practical workshop covering lighting, sound and managing ambient conditions.
• Wednesday 16 July, 6pm-8pm – Intro to Documentary Interviewing A practical workshop covering where best to shoot an interview and what to ask.
• Wednesday 23 July, 6pm-8pm - Intro to Documentary Film Editing A practical, hands-on workshop in Screen South’s state of the art editing suite.

The webinar will take place online - you'll need to sign up to receive the link. Workshops will take place at Screen South, The Glassworks, Mill Bay, Folkestone, CT20 1JG. Capacity is limited so sign up in advance via Eventbrite.

NETWORKING & COLLABORATION

Our hope is for you to connect and share resources with other filmmakers. If you seek help, need crew or have questions, we invite you to become a member of our Facebook Group where you can connect and network with other filmmakers in Kent. You will need a Facebook account to become a member.

FILM SUBMISSIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

In search of inspiration? Unsure whether to take part? Watch some of the submissions from the last couple of years here to see the range of films and filmmakers who took part.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are the End Credits counted as part of the 5 min duration?

A: No, the maximum duration of the “story” must be under 5 minutes. The End Credits are allowed to run for 30 seconds on top of the 5 minutes. Please note, any Start Credits are included in the 5 minutes.

Q: What music can I use?

A: You can use composed music but you must have written permission from the composer to use their music. If music has been released by a record label it is often very difficult to obtain the rights and it will most likely be expensive. We suggest teaming up with a composer or musician, or using free library music, which you may be able to find online, but make sure to check the terms of use very carefully.

Q: Can I use archive material that I have shot prior to the competition’s timescale?

A: You are allowed to use a reasonable amount of archive pictures and footage so long as you own the rights to use them and it is clear that the documentary at large was made during the challenge timescale between 11 June to 22 September 2025.

Q: Do I need to be a professional filmmaker to take part?

A: No, the Filmmaking Challenge is open to both professional and non-professional filmmakers and we welcome a range of stories, experiences and abilities.

 CONTACT

If you have any questions, you are welcome to drop us a line: info@screensouth.org

 It’s time to start planning your film. We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Good luck!