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Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026
Submissions close Thursday 22 January, 5pm
Are you a filmmaker/animator aged between 11-19? Do you want your film on the big screen? Submit to Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026!
Last year, we hosted the second edition of Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase – a showcase of the region’s best young filmmaking talent. The screening included films by Washington Young Film Makers Collective, Young Women’s Film Academy, Beacon Films and Mortal Fools, as well as some individual filmmakers.
This year, we want to build on that success and invite young filmmakers from across the region to submit and screen their films as part of the showcase. Whether you make films alone or with friends, in school or at a community group, this is an exciting opportunity for 11–19-year-olds to screen work alongside their peers.
Submissions are now closed.
Important information
Please read the important information before submitting your film.
Submissions close: Thursday 22 January, 5pm
Notification by email: Monday 26 January, 5pm
Bright Lights: Youth Arts Festival 2026 Film Showcase: Wednesday 25 February, 6pm-8pm
Who can enter?
Any filmmaker aged between 11-19 and who lives in the region can enter their work.
We welcome submissions from individuals or groups of friends, youth and community groups and schools and colleges.
What work can I submit?
Filmmakers can submit a maximum of 3 works.
Films submitted must be no longer than 10 minutes in duration.
Films should be age-appropriate and suitable for younger viewers. Avoid explicit language, violence, or mature themes. Steer clear of discriminatory, offensive, or harmful material.
All films should be equivalent of a PG rated or below. For guidance, visit: BBFC
During the course of the showcase you or your film may be photographed or recorded on video. On occasions this material may be used for promotional purposes by Arts Centre Washington or Sunderland Culture.
If you require support with your application, please contact:
Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival is part of Culture Start, an exciting programme designed to help children and young people in Sunderland take part in free creative and cultural events.
