Q: How do I submit my films?

A: Through our FilmFreeway site

Q: When do submissions close?

A: 15th May 2024.

Q: When will I be notified whether or not my film has been successful?

A: 31st May 2024.

Q: Who can submit to DFF 2023?

A: This year’s DFF is student only! We are open internationally but you must be a student to enter.

Q: What qualifies as a student?

 A: A student is someone who is currently studying at a university or another higher education institution such as a college or sixth form.

 Q: What is the North East Student category?

A: This category is reserved for submissions from students based in the North East of England only!

Q: If I am no longer a student but made my film when I was a student, may I still apply?

A: Yes! Please tell us about your situation in your Director Biography and Statement on FilmFreeway.

Q: If I am a mature student, may I still apply? 

A: Yes! Again, please tell us about your situation in your Director Biography and Statement on FilmFreeway.

Q: Is there any opportunity for discounts or fee waivers?

A: We have tried our best to make DFF as accessible as possible in terms of cost, but we are also on a limited budget as the festival is entirely student run. If the cost seems completely out of your reach, email us and we will see what we can do but we cannot guarantee anything.

Q: How long can my film be? 

A: Your film’s runtime must be no longer than 30 minutes. 

Q: What if my film is not in English?

A: Any films in another language must be fully subtitled.

Q: What if my film has already been released on cable or television, or already had a theatrical release outside of a film festival?

A: These films are not eligible for our festival.

Q: When and where is the festival itself?

A: The venue, date and time of festival screenings will be announced soon!

Q: How much will festival tickets cost? 

A: We do not yet have an exact figure but they will likely be in the same range as our submissions prices if not slightly less! 

Q: Will the festival have any events?

A: The festival will have a full programme of events to be announced soon!

Q: How much will events cost?

A: All events will be free!

Q: WHO WILL JUDGE THE FILMS?

A: Films will be selected by a jury including a representative from the BFI (British Film Institute). The Official Selection films will be organised by stands, screened, and judged by the jury on the 11th of June.

Q: What if I have accessibility needs or require special arrangements?

 A: Email us and we will do our level best to accommodate you.