2025 Awards

• Best Short Film Award: After Eight, directed by Mos Hannan and Usayd Younis. Supported by The Whickers (£250)
• Audience Award: Blue Has No Borders, directed by Jessi Gutch. Supported by Harbour Decor Folkestone (£250)
• Filmmaking Challenge (Best Film): Boxed Up by Peter Sladen.
• Filmmaking Challenge (Best Environmental Film): Chasing the Cheap Needle by Leah Thorn

Open submissions are being accepted until 23 June via Film Freeway.

The 6th edition of Folkestone Documentary Festival takes place from 22–25 October 2026. Super Early Bird passes are now sold out, but you can grab an Early Bird Festival Pass before 31 July for just £40 (£25 concession).