Submit Your Film to Dead Northern

Dead Northern is open to short films, feature films, and documentaries in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres. All production techniques, forms & budgets are accepted.

We only accept online screeners either through Film Freeway or by getting in touch with us directly

Films must be provided in DCP format for the festival screening, full delivery instructions will be provided on notification of selection.

Should your film be accepted to the festival it must be provided in DCP, Flat 1:89 or Scope 2:39 video format, with sound 5.1.
The Cinema cannot accept any other format.

Either a physical copy of the DCP must be sent directly to the Cinema or chosen films must be uploaded via the supplied link

Please note: Short films should be a maximum of around 25 minutes, and longer submissions should be submitted in the feature category.

The primary contact completing the submission process must be authorised to submit the film for consideration. Films submitted must have permission from a distributor or sales agent representing the film, and the applicant must have obtained necessary clearances for the inclusion of any copyrighted music and images used. With this submission, the applicant confirms that they possess all rights necessary for the screening of the submitted film.

Dead Northern guarantees that your film will never be used in any way other than that to which you agree.

Films previously submitted to Dead Northern will not be considered.

There is a submission fee to enter your film. All submissions are final, and there are no refunds. As of Oct 2025 the Fees are as follows:

Short film pricing

Standard: £10/ Student: £5

Film Freeway Gold Members: £4.50

Feature Film

Standard: £30 / Student: £15

Film Freeway Gold Members: £15

Documentary Pricing

Standard: £30 / Student: £15

Film Freeway Gold Members: £15

Music Video Pricing

Standard: £5 / Student: £2.50

Film Freeway Gold Members: £4.50

You may enter as many films as you wish. Each entry requires a separate submission form, fee, and upload

If the original language of any dialogue or text featured in the film is not English, the preview and screening copy must be subtitled in English, unless this is at variance with the filmmaker's intention.

All programming selections are at the discretion of the Dead Northern Directors, whose decision is final.

Dead Northern will not provide comments on films before submission, nor reasons for rejection of a submitted film, however, we are happy to provide informal feedback on individual films after the festival has taken place. Note that this is a non-binding commitment.

Dead Northern will not confirm the receipt of submissions and preview copies. All applicants will be notified via e-mail about the selection or rejection of their film.

Films in our programme may screen twice. Films may be screened privately to the jury or accredited guests. Films may also be included in other public programmes, subject to the submitter's permission.

There are no fees for participating in the festival. Participants are not entitled to claim rental or other fees for the screenings of their films at the festival.

If selected for the festival, the submitter authorises Dead Northern to file their film in the festival archive, where it may be made available for further screenings or events promoted by the festival itself, solely for cultural and not for commercial purposes.

In addition to the reproduction of stills from selected films for all Dead Northern publications and press, selected films may also be screened as part of preview screenings to promote Dead Northern.

If possible, please supply digital and printed copies of any marketing material. For printed marketing material, we ask that this is signed by at least the director. These are non-returnable and will be used as prizes in our charity raffle.

 At the point of payment on your submission, you will be asked if you have read and agreed with the festival's regulations. By agreeing to proceed with your submission, you agree to these regulations, and your application can then be processed. The entry of a film is binding and implies the acceptance of these regulations. In the event of disagreement concerning the interpretation of the regulations, the interpretation of the festival will take precedence. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the submission being disqualified. These regulations are subject to change without prior notice.

DEAD NORTHERN encourages all selected filmmakers to attend the festival. Full details of ticketing arrangements and support will be included in any notification of acceptance into the festival.