The SapphicIFF Open Sapphic Short Film Fund invites all filmmakers to submit their sapphic short films for a chance at two cash prizes, priority curation on Lesflicks, and global streaming. This is the ideal opportunity to showcase new, authentic stories centring lesbian or bisexual characters, with fair royalties and visibility through Lesflicks.
More about this fund
SapphicIFF is launching a new fund for completed sapphic short films, open to all creators, regardless of background or experience. Films completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025 which have not yet been released via any distribution platform are eligible. All genres are welcome. The first prize of £500 will be awarded through a joint jury by SapphicIFF and Lesflicks, while the second £250 prize will be decided by audience vote on Lesflicks.
Entries will be accepted from 1 November 2025 until 28 February 2026. Filmmakers whose entries are shortlisted will be given priority curation for streaming on Lesflicks, the world’s largest dedicated sapphic platform, allowing direct royalty earnings per view from the very first screening. SapphicIFF, together with Lesflicks, is committed to supporting authentic representation and elevating sapphic voices in film.
All selected films will have their film placed on Lesflicks for the duration of the audience voting period (1 April - 31 May 2026). During this time, the filmmaker will receive royalties for views of their film, so even if they don't win, they will get to receive royalties for their film.
**Key Dates:**
- Submissions open: 1 November 2025
- Submissions close: 28 February 2026
- Shortlisted submissions notified: 1 March 2026
- Audience viewing and voting on Lesflicks: 1 April - 31 May 2026
- Winners announced: 1 July 2026
Awards and Prizes
All shortlisted entrants will also receive a one hour consultation (worth £250) to discuss independent distribution, an opportunity to better understand the industry and distribution options. Find out more about distribution windows, platform types with pros and cons and how to best monetise your film to both reach audiences and increase your investment potential for future projects.
First Prize:
- £500, chosen by the SapphicIFF and Lesflicks jury.
- Enhanced royalty rates for distribution through Lesflicks (release date to be decided by the filmmaker)
Second Prize:
- £250, awarded to the film with the most audience views on Lesflicks during the competition window.
- Enhanced royalty rates for distribution through Lesflicks (release date to be decided by the filmmaker)
Terms and Conditions of Entry
**Eligibility:**
- Open to any filmmaker worldwide.
- Eligible films must be completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025 and must not have been released on a distribution platform.
- Short film duration: 5 to 30 minutes.
- Must feature a lesbian or bisexual character on screen.
- All genres accepted.
**Entry Period:**
- Opens: 1 November 2025
- Closes: 28 February 2026
**Selection:**
- All entries reviewed by SapphicIFF and Lesflicks.
- Shortlisted entries are eligible for priority curation and the opportunity to distribute on Lesflicks with regular royalty payments.
**Prizes:**
- First Prize: £500, chosen by the SapphicIFF and Lesflicks jury.
- Second Prize: £250, awarded to the film with the most audience views on Lesflicks during the most audience views on Lesflicks between 1 April 2026 and 31 May 2026.
**Winners Announcement:**
- Winners will be announced on 1 July 2026.
**Distribution and Royalties:**
- Shortlisted films will receive priority curation and an offer of distribution on Lesflicks.
- Films distributed via Lesflicks earn royalties per view, with at least 50% of revenue paid directly to creators.
- Filmmakers remain copyright holders. By submitting, entrants grant SapphicIFF and Lesflicks streaming rights for the competition dates only and subsequent royalty distribution, if they choose to distribute on Lesflicks only.
**Other Terms:**
- SapphicIFF and Lesflicks may disqualify entries that do not meet technical, ethical, or community standards.
- Films with hateful, exclusionary, or discriminatory content cannot be accepted.
- Participation in the competition implies full acceptance of the rules.
- All other previous terms for rights, royalties, judging, and eligibility apply as listed for SapphicIFF competitions.
- Films must not have been released online anywhere, or be due to be released online before the end of the competition period (1 July 2026) and must not have a distribution deal in place.
Invitation to Submit
Share your completed sapphic short film and reach a global audience. Submit your film (5-30 minutes, completed between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025, featuring a lesbian or bisexual character) for a chance at cash prizes and streaming on Lesflicks.
