Audience at IWM Short Film Festival 2014
IWM London, Audience at IWM Short Film Festival

IWM Short Film Festival 2018 has now taken place.

Awards were given in the following categories:

  • The Annie Dodds Award for Best Documentary
  • Best Creative Response
  • IWM Special Category: Making a New World*
  • Best Student Film
  • Best Use of IWM Archive
  • Audience Vote Award

*This special category encouraged creative responses exploring how the First World War has shaped the society we live in today.

Judging took place shortly before the start of the festival. Winners in these categories were publicly announced at an awards ceremony at the beginning of the festival.

Audiences attending the screenings were invited to give the films they watched a star rating out of five. The film with the highest average score was announced the winner of the Audience Vote Award after the festival.

Judging Criteria FOR IWM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

IWM tells the story of people who have lived, fought and died in conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since 1914. We challenge people to look at conflict from different perspectives, enriching their understanding of the causes, course and consequences of war and its impact on people's lives.

Submissions should use or be inspired by IWM’s collections, or should be based on our subject matter in its broadest sense.

Production values, while important, are not the most important consideration when judging the films – we welcome submissions from first time, student and amateur filmmakers.

Originality of subject matter is a key factor – the judges will be looking out for less well known content and stories.

Annie Dodds Award for Best Documentary

The judges look for:

  • A factual approach or using factual accounts
  • Historical accuracy
  • Balanced approach to the subject matter
  • Challenging or imaginative approach to the subject matter
  • Films don't have to be in a standard documentary format
  • Coherence
Best Creative Response

The judges look for:

  • Artistic merit
  • Compelling ideas and concepts
  • Challenging of more formal ideas of filmmaking in content and structure
  • Clever or imaginative use of archive material
  • Quality of script and plot
IWM Special Category: Making a New World

Film must cover themes linked to IWM's 2018 season For 2018, that was Making a New World, which explores how the First World War has shaped the society we live in today.

The judges look for:

  • Originality/uniqueness of the conceit/concept
  • Creative, challenging and innovative response to subject matter
  • A powerful story or message
  • A daring, bold and visually compelling aesthetic 
Best Use of IWM Archive

Film must contain collections held by the IWM, such as film, photographs, sound, art, exhibits.

The judges look for: 

  • Historically accurate use of archive material
  • Innovative and creative use of archive material
  • Employment of rare or unusual archive material
  • Intelligent and sensitive use of archive material
  • Archive material key to the success of the film
  • A film that broadens or deepens understanding of the subject
Best Student Film

All films indicated on the entry form as being made by students, in full or part-time education, will be entered into this award. Films must have been made whilst the filmmaker was a member of an educational institution.

Audience Vote Award

Audiences attending the screenings are invited to give the films they watch a star rating out of five. The film with the highest average score will be announced the winner of the Audience Vote Award after the festival.

More questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions.