Quick Cut is Cornwall Film Festival’s brand-new micro-film competition — a celebration of bold, original, and independent storytelling told in just 90 seconds.

 

Running alongside our BIFA-accredited short-film competition, Quick Cut proves that great stories don’t need long runtimes — only creativity, precision, and heart. 

There’s only one rule:  Your film must be 90 seconds or less, including credits.

 

Entry Categories

Drama – Stories that move, challenge, and captivate in miniature form.
Comedy – Big laughs in small doses; from slapstick to satire.
Documentary & Environmental  – Real stories, told with clarity, compassion, and creativity.
Animation & Experimental – Bold visual storytelling, from stop-motion to surreal abstraction.
Young Creators (Under 25) – Fresh voices and emerging talent 

Music and or Dance pieces – where sound meets cinematic imagination

 

Key Dates

• Entries open: 1 December 2025

• Deadline: 1st May 2026

• Winners announced: At a special showcase screening in June 2026 

• Selected films will be screened as part of a special Quick Cut showcase at the Cornwall Film Festival 2026.

 

Submission Guidelines

• Films must be 90 seconds or less, including titles and credits.

• Submit via FilmFreeway link portal | MP4’s files are recommended 

• Films can be shot on any device | We only accept digital files. 

• Make sure your file is named as the title of your film.

• Open to filmmakers in the South West, and entry is just £5

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Prizes

£250 Winner  | £100 runner up | Individual prizes for category winners | plus hats, T-shirts & mugs 

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Story Labs

To help you develop your ideas and craft a brilliant 90-second story, Cornwall Film Festival is running two Quick Cut Story Labs this Spring
 

🧠 Story Labs

To help you shape your ideas and craft a brilliant 90-second story, Cornwall Film Festival is hosting two online Story Labs this winter — open to all entrants and emerging filmmakers taking part in Quick Cut: The 90-Second Film Challenge.

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Creative Writing: Story Structure
🗓️ Monday 15 December 2025, 5:30 PM (online)
Learn how to turn your idea into a compelling short-form narrative. Explore structure, tone, and emotional impact in under two minutes. Book Now 

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Visual Storytelling for Screen
🗓️ Monday 12 January 2026, 5:30 PM (online)
A practical 90-minute workshop on translating ideas into image, rhythm, and sound — perfect for filmmakers planning their Quick Cut entry.

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Sessions are free to attend, but booking is essential. 

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