Mini-Doc Call for Entries

As part of our ongoing collaboration, Sheffield DocFest and ArtWorks Together are delighted to present our "Something I Want You To Know..." Mini-Doc - call for entries!

This call for entries invites people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are over 18 from across the UK to create original short-form documentaries, shaped around the theme "Something I Want You to Know...".

Shortlisted films will be presented at a special showcase screening during Sheffield DocFest on 10th June 2026, where the winner will be announced.

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Guidelines

There are no creative rules for this call for entries. We want to see bold, original pieces, shaped around the theme "Something I Want You to Know...".

Practical guidelines are as follows:
  • This call is only open to filmmakers, producers, and directors with a learning disability and/or autism
  • Films should be no longer than 3 minutes
  • Films must be created safely and legally, with all necessary copyright clearances in place
  • Films should be your own work
  • Production value doesn’t matter - use whatever equipment you have access to
  • Filmmakers should be based in the UK
  • Filmmakers should be aged 18 and over
  • Filmmakers should have written consent from any participant if their film portrays a lived experience. Any sensitive and identifiable information should not be included, and instead should be anonymised
  • We would like films to be captioned, but please don't let this be a barrier. Support is available for those who are shortlisted
  • The winning film may be asked to take part in a UK tour

Please note that Sheffield DocFest will create a version of your film in DCP format, which is compatible with cinema projection facilities. In order for the film to look good on a large screen, we need the highest quality master of the film available, which would usually be ProResHQ or ProRes4444 format with an aspect ratio of 1920 x 1080 and a frame rate of 24fps or 25fps.

A minimum 5% margin on all sides of the frame should be kept free of text or logos (https://www.cinebox.co/help/safeArea).

If your film is selected, we can support you with advice on how best to deliver your film.


Key dates

Applications open: 12 February 2026

In connection with this call for entries, we are running a dedicated Filmmaking Workshop. This is taking place on 14 March 2026 (details to follow soon)

Deadline for entries: 5 May 2026, at 23:59

The screening at Sheffield DocFest will take place on the 10th of June, 2026 (Tickets will be available closer to the date)

Submit Your Film

Submissions can be started on the Sheffield DocFest site, link to follow. Please note, you will need to create an account to make a submission.

Link to Open Call page - https://www.sheffdocfest.com/something-i-want-you-know-mini-doc-opportunity-call-entries-open