Call for Sussex-Made Feature Films: £10,000 Prize Up for Grabs
🎥 Calling Filmmakers: Compete for £10,000 Toward Your Next Sussex Film
The Made in Sussex Film Festival is coming soon and bringing with it a game-changing opportunity for filmmakers. With a stunning £10,000 prize for Best Director on offer—dedicated to funding their next Sussex-based project—this festival isn’t just celebrating cinematic talent; it’s actively investing in the future of local filmmaking.
When and Where?
From 25th to 27th April 2025, the festival will take over the Depot Cinema in Lewes, transforming the venue into a hub of creativity, storytelling, and cinematic excellence. The festival is a partnership between Film Sussex and Depot Cinema and showcases films that highlight Sussex’s rich landscapes, history, and communities.
Why the £10,000 Prize Matters
This isn’t just any prize—it’s an investment in the region’s filmmakers. Sponsored by Clear Futures, the £10,000 award for Best Director provides the financial backing necessary to create the next Sussex-inspired masterpiece.
As Jen Handorf from Film Sussex explains:
“Securing funding is often the greatest challenge for filmmakers, particularly for smaller, independent projects. Thanks to the incredible support of Clear Futures, this groundbreaking grant provides one talented filmmaker with the resources needed to execute their creative vision. By dedicating this award to Sussex-based filmmaking, the grant not only empowers the winning filmmaker but also benefits the collaborators and local talent they engage throughout the process.”
More Than Just One Prize
The festival celebrates excellence across several categories:
Best Director: £10,000 towards their next Sussex-based film.
Best Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, and Short Film: Winners receive an Apple MacBook Pro—a vital tool for any filmmaker.
The focus is on storytelling that reflects Sussex’s unique identity, whether through its dramatic Downs, historic towns, or coastal beauty.
Submissions Are Open
Filmmakers are invited to submit their work in one of three categories:
Narrative Feature
Documentary Feature
Short Film
To qualify, submissions must meet at least one of the following criteria:
The film was made in Sussex.
The filmmaker resides in Sussex.
The film has a strong, identifiable connection to the region.
Submissions close on 28th February 2025, with official selections announced on 14th March 2025. To enter, visit FilmFreeway and follow the guidelines.
Why Clear Futures Is Backing This Festival
Charlotte Cordingley, CEO of Clear Futures, shared her thoughts on supporting the festival:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring Made in Sussex, supporting local filmmakers as they develop their skills while showcasing the wonderful stories, people, and landscapes this area has to offer.”
A Celebration of Sussex Creativity
The Made in Sussex Film Festival is more than a showcase—it’s a platform for growth, a celebration of creativity, and an invitation to the world to see Sussex as a hub of cinematic innovation. As Handorf concludes:
“With the generous backing of Clear Futures, the chosen filmmaker will not only create an inspiring new work but also unlock a world of future opportunities, paving the way for growth, recognition, and long-term success.”
Don’t Miss Your Chance
Whether you’re a seasoned director or an emerging talent, this is your moment to shine. Submit your film, tell your story, and join the celebration of Sussex filmmaking this April.
For full details, visit Made in Sussex Film Festival.
Our Friends of Film Sussex help sustain our community and enable us to provide filmmakers with even more valuable resources and opportunities.
We really appreciate the support.
Best wishes,
The Film Sussex Team