Submit your short film

Out of MCR: SCENE Queer Shorts Showcase 

SCENE is proud to partner with The Queer Filmmakers Network to launch our very first short film submission programme: Out of MCR: SCENE Queer Shorts Showcase. 

This exciting showcase will spotlight a curated selection of short films that celebrate the vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community with ties to Greater Manchester. All submissions will be reviewed by our panel of judges from the Queer Film Network, alongside the SCENE programming team. A final selection of standout shorts—totalling approximately 60 to 90 minutes—will be screened as part of SCENE Festival. 

Screenings & Awards 

Multiple showcase screenings will take place during SCENE Festival from Friday 15th to Tuesday 19th August 2025. Audiences will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite short at each screening. The film receiving the highest number of votes will be crowned the SCENE Queer Short Audience Award Winner, announced during our awards presentation on Wednesday 20th August 2025. 

Submission Guidelines 

We’re looking for compelling short films that celebrate the richness of queer storytelling connected to Greater Manchester. Submissions must meet the following criteria: 

  • A clear connection to Greater Manchester (this can include the filmmaker, writer, lead actor, or other key creative talent being from or based in the region) 

  • Alternatively or additionally, the film can be shot in and around Greater Manchester 

  • Completion date of the film should be less than 5 years ago 

  • Maximum running time of 15 minutes, including credits 

  • Open to fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental works 

Submission dates   

Submissions Open: Wednesday 14th May 2025 at 11.00am BST 

Submissions Close: Sunday 6th July 2025 at 11.59pm BST

Notification Date: Monday 21st July 2025 

What to Submit  

Please include the following with your entry: 

  • A video file upload or screener link (Vimeo or YouTube preferred) 

  • Logline 

  • Synopsis 

  • Overview of any previous screenings (festivals, events, etc.) 

  • 1 x lead promotional image 

  • Credits list (PDF preferred), including social media handles for key contributors 

Ready to submit your short?

Enter here via FilmFreeway, the world's #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests. 

For any queries ahead of submitting your film please do contact the team at queerfilmmakersnetwork@gmail.com 

For any queries relating to the wider festival please contact hello@scenefestival.com

To find out more about Queer Filmmakers Network visit  Queer Filmmakers Network