The 18th London Short Film Festival will be held from 15th-23rd January 2021.
A platform for independent short filmmaking and the eclecticism of its many forms and voices, each year London Short Film Festival curates over 500 short works from across the world. As always, LSFF is proud to welcome both UK and international submissions and are looking for works demonstrating formal innovation, a uniqueness of tone, and an engagement with cultural, political and social conversations happening around the globe.
Each edition, we take over some of London’s flagship cinematic venues - from the Institute of Contemporary Arts to the British Film Institute - and award cash prizes to the UK and international short films screening in our annual Competition programme.
Each year, the festival appoints an international jury who deliberate on the following categories and award prizes of over £6000 in value.
LSFF 2020’s international jury, supported by the British Council, comprised of actor Stacy Martin (Nymphomaniac, Vox Lux), musician and visual artist Baloji (Zombies), and programmer Lydia Ogwang (Toronto International Film Festival).
BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM
Sponsored by the British Council
The Best British Short Film award champions stimulating filmmaking in the UK with the winner receiving a £1500 grant towards their next project and the opportunity to screen their work through i. A Special Mention is awarded £500 towards their next project.
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
In association with frieze
The Best International Short Film award celebrates ambitious filmmaking from across the globe and the winner receives an award of £1500.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
The Best Documentary Short Film award recognises an outstanding ability to use the documentary form engagingly. The winner receives an award of £1000.
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
The Best Animated Short Film award recognises the skillful rendering of worlds in their chosen animated form and the winner receives an award of £1000.
BEST LO-BUDGET SHORT FILM
The Best Lo-Budget Short Film award recognises work that is imaginative, resourceful and tells stories masterfully with limited to no resource. The winner receives an award of £500.
RANDOM ACTS AWARD
The LSFF Random Acts award commends independent experimental film work under 5 minutes which boldly expresses creative spirit. All films in the festival under 5 minutes are in consideration and the winner will have the opportunity to have their film screened on Random Acts platforms subject to broadcast T&Cs.