On 12th July 2026, emerging filmmakers from across West Berkshire will have the opportunity to have their work seen on the big screen at the Corn Exchange Newbury as part of the inaugural Newbury 5-Minute Film Festival.
Selected short films will be screened to a live audience of up to 400 attendees on the same evening as the premiere of Hearts in Colombo, the new feature film from local production company Unknown Brand Productions.
Whether you're an experienced filmmaker, student creator, first-time director, or passionate storyteller — N5FF is designed to celebrate local creativity and give your work the cinematic stage it deserves.
Your film must be a maximum of 5 minutes in length, including credits. Short, sharp, and impactful — that's the challenge.
Your film must have a connection to West Berkshire — whether through filming location, story or themes, local cast or crew, or a personal tie to the area.
All films must be suitable for a general audience — PG equivalent. No explicit content, violence, or hate speech. We want stories everyone can enjoy.
We're looking for originality, creativity, and strong storytelling — not big budgets.
The top three films will be screened at the premiere event. The winning film will be announced at the end of the evening, with prizes presented to the winner and both runners-up.
Best film of the festival. Your film is announced on the night with a dedicated prize presentation to a live audience of up to 400 people.
Second place recognition at the premiere event, with your film screened to the full live audience at the Corn Exchange.
Third place prize presented at the premiere. All three top films become part of this historic first N5FF event.
How to submit
Email your unlisted YouTube or Vimeo link to submissions@N5FF.co.uk with your name, contact details, and the name and genre of your film.
N5FF takes place as part of the premiere night for Hearts in Colombo, a feature film produced by Unknown Brand Productions.
The evening is designed to celebrate both independent filmmaking and local creative talent, bringing together audiences, filmmakers, and the wider arts community for a unique cinematic event in Newbury.
This is a rare opportunity for local filmmakers to present their work in a true cinema setting as part of a major film event — your 5 minutes on the big screen, in front of a real audience.
Deadline: Friday 19th June 2026
Thank you for entering N5FF. We'll be in touch at the email address you provided. Good luck — and lights, camera, action!
Questions? Email Enquiries@n5ff.co.uk