Women of the Lens Film Festival
Closed For Submissions
Empowering through knowledge and celebration
Awards Process
Continuing our impact in the industry to improve opportunites for filmmakers, we have an Awards element to our platform for which your film will be entered in competition should you be selected for our programming.
In 2026, once submissions close on 31st July, all submitted entrants will be advised about the outcome of their entries by 31st August.
Awards nominations will be announced by 30th September.
All films are watched by pre selectors and finally award categories are judged by our industry-based jurors.
If there is an impasse the Festival Director will make an executive decision for the final deciding vote. All decisions are final and we cannot enter into discussions about final selections.
Your film will be judged in the categories below.
Best Actor
| Emotional Range and Depth |
| Authenticity and Believability |
| Character Transformation |
| Screen Presence and Charisma |
| Consistency and Control |
| Chemistry and Interaction with Other Characters |
Best Documentary Film
| Clarity and Strength of Subject Matter |
| Storytelling and Narrative Structure |
| Authenticity and Integrity |
| Emotional and Intellectual Impact |
| Visual and Technical Quality |
| Director’s Vision and Originality |
Best Director
Vision and Originality |
Direction of Performances |
Storytelling & Narrative Cohesion |
Technical Command |
Creativity and Risk-Taking |
Leadership and Collaboration |
Social or Cultural Impact |
Overall Impact and Resonance |
Best Narrative Film
Story and Screenplay |
Direction and Vision |
Performances and Character Development |
Cinematography and Visual Style |
Editing and Pacing |
Emotional and Thematic Impact |
Audience Choice Award
Chosen by our audiences over the course of the festival event.
Lengths
We’re accepting productions of most lengths. Previous programmes have included productions from 3 minutes to 2 hours. We look forward to seeing yours.
Genres
Any and all genres are welcome. Science fiction, romance, action adventure, drama, thrillers, animation, student films, mixed media and more are included.
International
Yes, we accept submissions from international filmmakers. We’ve already screened productions from the USA, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya, India and more. We look forward to seeing yours.
Origins
We accept productions from any non-black background that represent black women in roles that push against standard expectations in film. Read our About section for explanation and our core ethos.
2026 Timelines
Open For Submissions:
1st January 2026
Close For Submissions:
31st July 2026
Notification Date:
31st August 2026
Event Dates:
November 2026 (dates, tba)
Event Locations:
BFI Stephen Street, QMUOL BLOC, London
We're Proud Members Of AIFF
The Association of Independent Film Festivals (AIFF) is a community of like-minded festivals that support one another by sharing best practices, offering advice, and upholding the values of our charter. We promote and encourage a more equitable film festival experience for both filmmakers and audiences. We are committed to providing filmmakers with transparency and fairness in the independent film festival circuit across the UK.
Terms
Submission is not a guarantee of selection. Entery fees are non-refundable. Only completed entries and paid submission fees will be considered for selection. Only completed films can be submitted for consideration.
Filmmakers must indicate on submission should their productoins require geoblocking.
We accept films via Filmfreeway only. We do not accept speculative submissions.
We cannot offer feedback for any submission due to the volume of entries.
All productions should be in English and where English is not the spoken language English subtitles must be provided.
Films must have been completed after 1st January 2024
Why Choose Us
Women of the Len Film Festival truly is the premier festival for UK black women, showcasing excellence in filmmaking and fresh new storytelling by hosts with a passion for making these accessible by promoting and supporting new & emerging talent. Really an honour to be included in the official selection of the 2020 edition within a such high calibre of films! Highly recommended!
Janet Marrett, Director, ‘Clearing’
Great festival with a refreshing selection of films. Thank you for having our film!
Fan Sissoko, Directo, ‘We The People’
A warm and wonderful festival. The founder Jennifer, really values her filmmakers and really cares about their experience. You can feel the work that goes into every single piece of communication. I loved the festival poster and artwork.
Shona Charlton, Director, ‘The Sacrifice ‘
Partner With Us
We’re opening doors for our 2026 sponsors!
Early partners benefit from premium brand placement, tailored sponsorship packages, and first access to exclusive festival events.
Here’s what our partners make possible:
Subsidised ticket costs for underrepresented women
Skills workshops with leading industry experts, that supports career growth
Showcasing films by women from around the world that connects with audiences
Let’s start a conversation – email us today to learn more.
Women Of The Lens
Black women with stories for all
about Us
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It is run by Women of the Lens Film Festival CIC, a registered Company, number 13409100.