We are delighted to accept submissions for the 1st Annual Invisible Sword International Film Festival (ISFF) on 15th December 2025.
Housed in Television Centre, Electric Cinema White City sits inside a landmark piece of modern architecture. The rich past of the iconic building can be seen in the artworks on the walls of Electric Cinema White City, inspired by the cultural heritage of the space which, for over 50 years, was home to the BBC.
We present the ISFF Feature Film Competition and seven competitions in our ISFF SHORTS section for short films with total cash prizes of £5000.
LIFF 2024 PROGRAMME SECTIONS
1) Official Selection & Feature Film Competition
Official Selection is the main section at ISFF for new narrative features. Official Selection includes the Feature Film Competition for British and international filmmakers whose work has not been represented in the UK before, including from new filmmakers.
2) Short Documentary
Screenings of under 20 minutes will take place both in the Electric Cinema with guest interviews and discussions.
3) ISFF SHORTS 2025
We love short films at ISFF, ISFF SHORTS includes seven competitions with cash prizes totalling £5000: World Animation Competition; British and International short film competitions; and competitions for Screendance and music videos.
Awards & Prizes
FEATURE FILM COMPETITION AND AUDIENCE AWARDS AT ISFF 2025
The ISFF 2024 Feature Film Competition in Official Selection supports British and International filmmakers whose work has not been represented in the UK before, including features from new filmmakers. The competition is judged by a jury and winning filmmaker receives a prize for Best Feature Film.
SHORT FILM COMPETITIONS AT ISFF 2025
The following cash prizes will be awarded to the short film competition winners:
World Animation Competition – £1000
British Short Film Competition – £1000
International Short Film Competition – £1000
Screendance Competition – £1000
Music Video Competition – £1000
Rules & Terms
CATEGORIES AND CONSIDERATION
1) All submissions are fairly considered by a broad team of programmers which will be expanded for ISFF 2025.
2) The date of entry bears no relation to the selection decision.
3) We regret we cannot give individual feedback on submissions.
ELIGIBILITY
4) Films must be submitted by midnight on 1 December 2025, and all submissions are final, no refunds are available.
5) If you have more than one film to submit, you may be eligible for fee discounts for multiple entries – please email film@invisible-sword.com for more details.
6) The duration for feature films is 41 minutes and over, and for short films 20 minutes or under. Submissions for the dance category needs to be 20 minutes or under.
7) For the music videos category, ISFF is only able to select submissions made with the permission of the artist whose music is featured.
8) For all submissions not in the English language, we ideally require embedded English closed captions or otherwise subtitles.
9) We cannot accept a work-in-progress submission.
SELECTED FILMS
11) If your submission is selected, you will be required to provide a Widescreen Poster of your film. ISFF can help in the creation of a poster which will be supplied to the filmmaker for a charge to cover the cost of making it.
12) It is recommended that films provide a subtitle track or ideally closed captions to ensure our ongoing commitment to accessibility.
13) ISFF does not pay screening fees for submitted and accepted films, both in and out of competition.
14) Films selected for ISFF without a BBFC certificate are accessible for ages 18 or over, even if the content does not require it. This is because it is not possible to secure an individual certificate for every film we select from the local licensing authority. We do apply for exceptions for certain films.
15) If the fee is paid and you have completed the submission, you can relax! Follow us on social media @invisibleswordproductions for updates. You will receive notification if your film is selected or not on 16th December 2025.
If you have any questions, please email film@invisible-sword.com