Celebrate the future of film with the Picturehouse Create Short Film Showcase, bringing the finalists for our short film competition together on the big screen.  Up to ten shortlisted films will screen in the festival showcase on its closing night, Saturday 18 April - on Picturehouse Central's famous Screen 1. After the showcase, we'll award two winners – the Jury Prize, and an Audience Award as voted for by you!

Early Bird passes are now on sale at picturehouses.com/create

Submissions are now open, and close Monday 16 March. Submissions are free for Picturehouse Create passholders, and £25 for non-passholders.  

Find the full competition terms on FilmFreeway.  

Myles Wheeler and Charlotte Capitelli, last year's Jury Prize winners for 'hi from a mayfly' 

For last year's inaugural competition, our Jury Prize was generously donated by Company 3, who provided a $10,000 prize in the form of in-kind services for colour and sound post-production. The jury for the 2025 competition featured Nowness Managing Director Gavin Humphries; script editor Kate Leys; and presenter, actor and writer/director Reggie Yates (Pirates).

Watch this space for announcements on our 2026 jury and prizes.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

A festival for contemporary filmmakers, producers, writers, performers and film industry pros to interact with the next wave of British talent, Picturehouse Create aims to unite the country's creative community. The programme blends the art and craft of filmmaking with the business skills necessary to make it happen – and offers a launchpad for new voices with its annual short film competition.

2025's inaugural edition included early screenings of homegrown gems The Ballad of Wallis Island and Tornado, alongside talks from actor-filmmaker Harris Dickinson, costume designer Sandy Powell and cinematographer Robbie Ryan.

Jon Barrenechea will lead the programme in his new role as Festival Producer. Barrenechea was previously vice president of global distribution at Mubi and has held several roles at Picturehouse Cinemas. He also produced the first three editions of Sundance Film Festival: London. 

Further details on the Picturehouse Create 2026 line-up will be unveiled soon. We can't wait to bring you a new line-up of screenings, panels, workshops, and chances to connect. As always, no experience is necessary. 

Find passes, announcements and more at picturehouses.com/create.