In order for us to consider a short film for promotion to international festivals the film-maker must complete a film festival submission form. This form is available on our Publications and Resources page in Microsoft Word or HTML format, or you use the links below to access the forms directly:

• Film Festival Submission Form: Microsoft Word Version (46k)
• HTML Version

Once the form is completed and returned to us (together with the film), we will then view the film to assess its suitability for the festivals with which we work. If we deem it suitable we will accept it; however, film-makers should note that the British Council cannot guarantee that the film will be selected and shown as the festival selection committee will always be the final arbiters.

Read details about the scheme here.

You can request a travel grant whenever your film is accepted by an overseas festival that is on our supported festivals list. However, we cannot guarantee a grant will be provided for all requests. In practice, when we receive a travel grant request, a decision is normally made based on the following considerations:

a) do we have any funds for that particular event?

b) has the festival specifically requested the film-maker's attendance (i.e. are they being asked to take part in any panel discussions/workshops etc.), or is the invitation more casual? (i.e. 'it'll be nice to see you if you can make it out to the festival, but not essential')

c) how many travel grants have already been awarded to the individual (3 maximum in a year - we keep a record!)

d) in the interests of fairness, filmmakers who haven't received a grant from us will often be given priority over those who have (unless the festival has specified who they'd like us to fund). It should be noted though that the 'first come, first served' principle often plays a part in the decision making process too.

To request a travel grant please contact the person responsible for the country you wish to travel to.

Unfortunately we do not fund the development or production of films. However you can find out more details about funding opportunities by visiting our Funding page which contains useful links to other sources of information. Funding information can also be found at the UK Film Council website.

You can also find information on the regional funding agencies on our website.

Unfortunately, we do not provide grants to enable film-makers to attend professional training courses. However, the following websites contain information on grants and funding opportunities which you may find useful:

• www.britfilms.com
• www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
• www.skillset.org

We no longer print the Film Festivals Directory, it is available online on the Britfilms.com website.

We operate a portal website, www.britfilms.com, which provides a range of information on the British film industry for UK and international enquirers.

If the film is not listed at our britfilms site, you can call the BFI (British Film Institute) Information Desk on +44 (0)20 7255 1444 regarding information/contacts.

Another useful website for researching films is the Internet movie database: www.imdb.com.

Our Useful Links page also contains a large number of links to UK and International film sites.

Yes, we may be able to make a contribution towards costs. Eligibility criteria is:

a) only short films are considered

b) the film must have been selected by the British Council's viewing panel for promotion overseas

c) the film must have been selected for screening in competition by a reputable overseas festival

d) the fund is usually for striking a first print only.

For any queries regarding scriptwriting and screenplays, please visit the Script Factory website. The Script Factory is one of Europe’s leading development organizations working to support screenwriters by finding and developing new screenwriting talent.

• Script Factory Resources

Arista Development provides skills training for development executives, producers and writers across Europe.

Films can be added to the British Films Catalogue online using the form on this webpage.

While we can't tell you what to make your film about, you might try reading Raindance's Hints and Tips about what festival programmers are looking for (or not).

In terms of practicalities, have a look at our Filmmaker Resources on Britfilms.