£2,000 prize up for grabs as Evolve Film Festival calls for young filmmakers

Young creatives are being encouraged to get behind the camera and submit their short films to the Evolve Film Festival, with the chance to win an exclusive £2,000 professional studio experience – thanks to a new partnership with Pip Studios.

Young creatives across the UK are being urged to get their cameras rolling and submit short films to the Evolve Film Festival 2026.

A new partnership with Pip Studios promises not just prizes, but a rare behind-the-scenes look at professional film sound production.

Three lucky winners will each win a full day inside a Pip Studios Dolby Atmos mixing suite, working alongside experienced sound engineers to refine the audio of their films.

From dialogue clean-up to using the studio’s vast sound effects library, participants will get hands-on experience that’s usually reserved for industry professionals – which each session valued at over £2,000.

The festival isn’t just about the headline prizes, with multiple £250 cash and voucher prizes up for grabs, as well as additional kit, course, and creative rewards.

Whether you’re just starting out or already crafting your first short, there’s plenty of opportunity to walk away with something special.

Ally Curran, co-founder and director of operations at Pip Studios – part of the Molinare Creative Group – said: “Sound is such a powerful part of filmmaking, yet young creators rarely get the chance to explore it professionally.

Partnering with Evolve Film Festival lets us open our doors, share our expertise, and inspire filmmakers to think bigger and bolder about how sound shapes their stories.”

Festival founder Gary McDonagh added: “Experiencing world-class facilities helps young filmmakers understand how professional sound transforms a film. Opportunities like this can genuinely change how young creators approach their craft.”

To give participants extra time to perfect their projects, the submission deadline has been extended to Friday 10 April 2026.

The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony on Sunday 21 June 2026 at the Reading Biscuit Factory, celebrating the creativity of filmmakers under 20.

Whether it’s a first film or a polished short, the festival offers a chance to learn, create, and experience professional filmmaking firsthand – making this Easter holiday the perfect time for young filmmakers to bring their ideas to life.

For more information, visit filmfreeway.com/EvolveFilmFestival.

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