Hull’s Unthinkable short film festival is now open for submissions from first-time and experienced film-makers.
The short film festival, which takes place every October, is in its third year and will run from October 1 to 12. Keaton B McD, the festival’s creative director, said: “We’re looking for entrants from first-time and experienced film makers alike.
“There are no boundaries or expectations. The main thing we’re looking for is film with an original flare in some capacity.
“This can be through direction, performance, lighting script – anything goes. The only criteria is that films have to be under 20 minutes.”
Keaton said: “The festival is known for its strange stories and experimental content – and that is something we will continue to celebrate.” This year’s festival will be hosting an exciting programme of film screenings, local and professional artist Q&As, film-making and music workshops, industry professional masterclasses and mentorships, arts exhibitions and live music at venues throughout the city.
(Image: unthinkablefilmfestival.com)
Unthinkable was set up as a CIO (charitable incorporated organisation) and works with a number of venues in the city, including Hull Truck Theatre, Humber Street Gallery, The Polar Bear and the University of Hull. The festival is sponsored by Wykeland and welcomes other sponsors to get in touch.
On how the festival began, Keaton said: “Short film festivals exist in nearly every city around the world. Myself and a group of other local film-makers couldn’t work out why there wasn’t one in Hull – so we started it.
“We wanted it to reflect the identity of the city and the art scene that has always been here producing some of the most influential artists in the world. We are trying to build the festival into a platform for grassroots film-makers and artists – both locally and internationally.
“Over the past two years I’ve seen people dancing with dinosaurs, a murder confession, an entire cinema start singing sea shanties, tears of laughter, fear and sorrow, ten people beating rubbish with sticks, surprise ukulele performances and some of the biggest DJs in the world playing a set to a bewildered audience on Hull Fair waltzers.”
Short film submissions are open to the public via the Unthinkable FilmFreeway page and for more information on all things Unthinkable Film Festival, please visit the website and keep up-to-date through following social media channels @unthinkable.hull
Submission deadlines are throughout the summer with the final deadline on July 31, 2025. Lower entry costs are available the earlier you submit.