LA1 Shorts

Overview

Lancaster's own premiere, and longest running short film festival is an exciting and friendly event in the historic City of Lancaster in the North West of England. Our main festival screenings are held at the city's very special "Dukes Cinema", along with other venues specific to Documentary and/or Music screenings which screen later in the year. Our small independent team continues to champion UK short film, and shine a spotlight on supporting Lancashire Filmmakers. We accept submissions from UK based short film makers of films made in the UK, through the following categories; "LA1Shorts Best National Film" for UK wide submissions, a locally focused "Lancashire Audience Choice Award" for Lancashire Filmmakers only, our "LA1Docs" for short documentary films with a Health & Wellbeing theme in connection with Lancaster University and only screened later in the year, and Music Video screenings, "LA1Music", working with other venues such as The Gregson Arts and Community Centre to screen music Videos for Lancaster Music Festival, again at a date later in the year. Everyone has to start somewhere, with basic kit and skill, so we like to support grass roots filmmakers where we can, and offer advice where necessary. If you are a new or first time filmmaker, feel free to message us if you think your film suits our event but would like advice. To submit to LA1Shorts your film should be "MADE IN THE UK" and have a maximum length of 16 minutes. If you enter the "Lancashire Audience Choice" category you or someone on your production team must have a Lancashire postal address, or your film must be made in Lancashire. We prefer films in DCP format but don't let this put you off, we will offer support here where we can. (Documentary are not required in DCP) This festival offers selected "LA1 Shorts National Best Film" and "Lancashire Audience Choice" films a screening opportunity in front of a packed auditorium at Lancaster’s renowned Dukes Cinema. We aim to allow networking and chat with other filmmakers, sometimes "pre-screenings in our Gallery" - but time is always tight and there isn't always time for Q&A. We hand out awards for these categories at the end of the evening. We look forward to seeing your film, and meeting you!

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

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Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  I was so pleased that our short film 'STABLES' was selected, and went on to win the LA1 Shorts Best Film award. The whole evening was a wonderful celebration of incredibly talented filmmakers from the area, and across the UK, with some amazing films being screened. Steve was a wonderful host and made everyone the whole team feel very welcome. I would highly recommend submitting and attending - bring on next year!

• Filmmaker

  I can't say enough good things about this incredible festival and the people who run it. We had the best time at the tenth anniversary of LA1 Shorts in Lancaster. Steve and the team go above and beyond to make outsiders and locals alike feel welcome. A truly unique festival that upholds its roots and champions local filmmakers. We were bowled over by the range of talent showcased by filmmakers from the region. Our film, RABBIT EARS, was lucky enough to take home the Best National Short Film prize! Thank you for having us, LA1Shorts.

• Filmmaker

  I had such a brilliant time at LA1 Shorts! The organisers were so friendly and helpful in the lead up to the festival and on the day itself, and provided great opportunties, particularly a really welcoming meet and greet with the festival team, local industry contacts and other selected filmmakers. Thank you LA1 Shorts, and congratulations on 10 years! I look forwards to submitting again!

• Filmmaker

  Highly recommended festival. Warm, impressive, engaging, hospitable, big screen, well attended, great location and good networking opportunities. Couldn't ask for more.

• Filmmaker

  Couldn't attend unfortunately but they were very nice over email.

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