Filmmaking Challenge
Now in its fourth year, Folkestone Documentary Festival Filmmaking Challenge is a county-wide creative programme that encourages people across Kent to make short, accessible documentary films rooted in their local environment, communities and stories. The Filmmaking Challenge is facilitated in partnership with Screen South and Klip Films.
The Challenge is open to filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds, including schools, colleges, community groups and all aspiring filmmakers. Films must be documentary in form, no longer than five minutes, and made by Kent-based people about Kent-based stories. There are very few rules; you can shoot on any camera, and participants are encouraged to film on their phones to keep the process simple and inclusive. There are two prizes – one for Best Film and one for Best Environmental Film.
The closing date for applications is Monday, 21 September.
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
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. Whether you’re completely new to filmmaking or already have some experience, these friendly, informal sessions are a chance to pick up tips, ask questions and meet other people taking part in the challenge.
You don’t need any specialist equipment or technical knowledge to take part - just curiosity, ideas and a willingness to give it a go.
Monday 15 June, 12.30pm-1.30pm (online) – Intro to Filmmaking Challenge with Q+A An informal online introduction to this year’s Filmmaking Challenge. Meet the team behind the project, hear more about how the challenge works and find out what kind of films we’re looking for. We’ll talk through the timeline, the submission process, and share ideas about how to find a strong documentary story close to home. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, however big or small.
Wednesday 8 July, 6pm-8pm – Meet the Makers Three shortlisted filmmakers from previous years will screen their films and talk honestly about their process - from first ideas and filming challenges to editing and finding the heart of the story. Expect practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights and reassurance that great documentary films can come from simple ideas and limited resources. Followed by a Q&A and an opportunity for informal 1-2-1 chats with the team afterwards.
Wednesday 15 July, 6pm-8pm – Film It on Your Phone! A practical, hands-on workshop exploring how to shoot and edit a compelling short documentary film using just your smartphone. We’ll cover framing, sound, interviews, simple editing techniques and how to make the most of the equipment you already have in your pocket. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to build confidence and keep the filmmaking process simple and accessible.
Wednesday 22 July, 6pm-8pm – Production Workshop An introduction to the Screen South camera and sound kit with an opportunity to get hands-on experience using professional filmmaking equipment in a relaxed and supportive environment. We’ll cover the basics of cameras, microphones and recording good-quality sound, as well as offering advice and troubleshooting across all areas of the challenge, including story development, filming, editing and working in teams. A great opportunity to build confidence, test ideas and get tailored guidance from the Filmmaking Challenge team before filming begins.
Workshops (apart from the online webinar) will take place at Screen South, The Glassworks, Mill Bay, Folkestone, CT20 1JG. Capacity is limited, so sign up in advance via Eventbrite here.
PRIZES
We are awarding two prizes this year – BEST FILM and BEST ENVIRONMENTAL FILM. For Best Environmental Film, we welcome documentaries that explore Kent’s natural environment—its geology, wildlife and plant life - or address climate change. Shortlisted films will be screened as part of Folkestone Documentary Festival on Saturday 24 October, and the two winning films will be screened as part of the festival’s Closing Gala on Sunday 25 October. Winners will be selected by our esteemed jury of filmmakers and industry professionals, plus the winner of last year’s Best Film.
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.
NETWORKING & COLLABORATION
Our hope is for you to connect 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.
DEADLINE
To be certified as an Official Film Entry, you must complete an Official Entry Form and submit your film via the portal by midday on Monday, 21 September 2026.
RULES
Films must be:
● Documentary genre
● Maximum 5 minutes duration
● Made between 27 May - 21 September '26
● Shot within Kent, England
● Made by a filmmaker or team based in Kent
● You must own the rights to all footage and music
● Link to full rules here.
FILM SUBMISSIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
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!
Making Chasing the Cheap Needle was a real film making challenge and an exciting collaboration to undertake. Oli, Rhiana and I got to find ways to communicate complicated ideas within the short space of five minutes, as well as engage with local people who share our passion and commitment. I really recommend it as an exercise in conceiving and birthing a creative idea, solving problems and building community on the way.
The challenge and the deadline gave me the fire I needed to get it done. It was a chance to finish a project I felt strongly about. I wasn't expecting to win. I just wanted to make something and complete it. The support from Screen South afterwards has been incredible too. My advice? Don't go in expecting to win. Go in to make something, have fun and finish it. you'll come out the other side having learned so much and having a film to show for it. It's definitely scary sharing your work, but you grow so much from doing so!