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Submit Your Film

We welcomed inspiring, uplifting, and heartwarming Christmas films from around the world. The 2026 submission window closed on 31 July — winners will be announced at the festival, 26–29 November at MAC Birmingham.

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Professional filmmaking camera on set

2026 submissions have closed

The final deadline passed on 31 July 2026. Selected films will be announced in the coming months, with winners celebrated at the Christmas Spirit Film Festival, 26–29 November 2026 at MAC Birmingham.

Guidelines & Rules

The Christmas Spirit Film Festival celebrates inspiring, uplifting, and heartwarming Christmas films from filmmakers around the world. We honour stories that capture the joy, hope, faith, and magic of the season — through both song and film.

Format & Language
Entries were submitted via FilmFreeway secure screener or Vimeo link. Final screening copies must be MP4 or MOV. Non-English films require English subtitles.
Rights & Eligibility
Filmmakers must own all rights, including music. Films completed within the last 3 years are eligible. Premieres are welcome but not required.

Categories

Best Christmas Film
Feature-length and animated Christmas films celebrating the spirit of the season
Best Short Film
Short-form Christmas storytelling, including animation
Best Director
For outstanding direction in a Christmas film
Best Screenplay
For exceptional writing in a Christmas film
Best Actress / Best Actor
For standout performances in a Christmas film
Best Christmas Music Video
For original Christmas music videos
Best Song in a Christmas Film / Best Christmas Song
For original Christmas songs featured in film
Best Inspirational / Faith-Based Film
Exploring inspirational and faith-based Christmas themes

Awards & Prizes

All selected films receive branded certificates. Laurel badges are awarded for Official Selection, Winner, Nominee, and Audience Choice. Plaques are awarded for Core Award Categories.

Special Awards

Christmas Spirit AwardFor the film that best captures hope, joy, and the meaning of Christmas.
Heart of Christmas AwardFor emotional storytelling that uplifts and inspires.
Song & Film ExcellenceFor outstanding use of music in a Christmas narrative.
Audience Choice AwardFor the best public voter Christmas movie.
What’s Next?
The 2026 submission window closed on 31 July. Selected films will be announced in the coming months, with winners celebrated at the festival, 26–29 November 2026 at MAC Birmingham.
Official selections announced
Winners celebrated at the festival
Filmmakers notified by email
View festival profile on FilmFreeway
Judging Criteria
  • Emotional impact & storytelling
  • Creativity and originality
  • Alignment with Christmas themes
  • Cinematography and technical execution
  • Music integration (Song & Film)
  • Inspirational resonance

Meet the Jury for 2026

Our panel of experienced judges brings together diverse perspectives from across the film industry to evaluate this year’s entries.

  • Beverly Notman

    United Kingdom

    Filmmaker, Writer & Producer

    Filmmaker who studied under the acclaimed Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Has worked on projects from micro shorts to feature films across multiple disciplines. Her short film Ruby Tuesday was showcased at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and she has served as a judge for the Lift-Off Film Festival.

  • Kizito Samuel Saviour

    Uganda

    Filmmaker, Creative Director & Producer

    Multi-award-winning Ugandan filmmaker with over a decade of experience in film, television, and digital storytelling. Founder of the Uganda Academy Selection Committee, which selects Uganda’s submissions for the International Feature Film Oscar. Has served as a juror for the International Emmy Awards, South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs), and numerous international film festivals.

  • Tony Hyland MBE

    United Kingdom

    Author, Playwright & Theatre Director

    Author, playwright, writer for film, theatre director, and producer. His plays have been performed in London, Edinburgh, and across Europe. His work draws from Surrealism, Absurdism, and the Theatre of Cruelty, underpinned by a dark, irreverent humour. His story The Cladder recently won Best Female Film Director at the Tokyo Film and Screenplay Awards.

  • Ajifowoke Kazeem Dayo

    Nigeria

    Filmmaker, Producer & Distributor

    Award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and Founder/CEO of Face of Africa Media Concept. His debut feature May 29 won Best Film and Best Director at Zuma International Film Festival. Has secured international distribution across multiple territories and received a Recognition Award by the Mayor of Brampton, Canada for his contributions to film and cultural exchange.

  • Chibueze Francis Nduka

    Nigeria / United Kingdom

    Film Producer & Creative Director

    A veteran of the British Armed Forces and CEO of CFRAN6 Production and Entertainment Ltd, operating across the UK and Nigeria, Chibueze has produced and featured in several films in both markets. He brings a unique perspective shaped by international service, creative leadership, and humanitarian work across two continents.