5 Tips for Entering Light in Motion Short Film…

As we approach the late deadline for Foyle Film Festival's Light in Motion Short Film Competition, we'd like to share some tidbits of advice for filmmakers wishing to achieve success among this year's entries.

1. Short to serve story

Every frame, every cut, every moment of silence should earn its place in a short film. Time constraints don't limit creativity, they amplify it — condensing story to the most essential elements. Festivals want to showcase as many shorts as they can to champion as many filmmakers, stories and perspectives on the big screen. Shorter is better and shows real innovation in storytelling.

2. Familiar stories can be fresh

Even familiar stories become fresh and compelling when filmmakers find original angles, unexpected perspectives, or innovative techniques to tell them — proving that how you tell a story can be just as important as what story you're telling

3. Sound is as crucial as visuals

Film is, of course, a visual medium — but sound plays a crucial role in immersing the audience in a story. It breathes atmosphere into a film and contributes significantly to the reality you hope to establish. If your film is hard to listen to, it quickly becomes hard to watch.

4. Authentic characters

Compelling characters are the emotional anchor of a film — they're what we ultimately connect with as audiences. We can see shared experiences in a strong character, or empathise with perspectives and lifestyles different to our own.

5. Story comes first

Above all else, it’s the story that truly matters. A strong theme can add depth, but it’s the narrative you craft around that theme which draws audiences in. Audiences remember films based on how the story made us feel, sparks our imagination, and lingers in our minds long after the screen goes dark.

The late deadline for submissions in this year's Light in Motion Short Film Competition is Monday 11 August 2025.

Learn more about Light in Motion via the Awards page.