UK Asian Film Festival 2026

Location
London and other UK cities, including Leicester and Glasgow

Open to
UK and international filmmakers. Eligible works must have a cultural connection to South Asia or involve South Asian talent in leading creative or production roles. Accepted formats include feature films, documentaries, short films, long shorts, animations, experimental works, TV series, music videos, and genre films. Films must have at least UK premiere status and must not be publicly available online.

Application Fee
Yes. Submission fees vary by category and submission deadline and are non-refundable. Fees differ for Early Bird, Regular, and Last Call deadlines.

What’s Provided
Selected films will be screened at the UK Asian Film Festival between 1–10 May 2026, with a minimum of two screenings. Films are eligible for multiple UKAFF awards. Selected filmmakers receive an official festival laurel. Attending filmmakers receive access to festival events and screenings.

What the Applicant Must Cover
Submission fees, delivery of required screening formats (including DCP and ProRes files), shipping and freight costs, travel and accommodation if attending, and all copyright clearances. The festival does not pay screening or license fees.

Duration
Festival dates: 1 May – 10 May 2026

Deadline
January 1, 2026

Additional Notes
Films must be completed after January 1, 2025. English subtitles are required. Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway only. The festival reserves the right to screen selected films at any of its venues and cities and to use excerpts for promotional purposes. Individual feedback is not provided.