Hull’s daring celebration of short filmmaking is gearing up for its biggest year yet. UNTHINKABLE, the city’s home‑grown short film festival and registered charity, has officially opened submissions for this year’s festival, taking place 6-11 October 2026 at venues across the city.
Now entering a new phase of growth, the festival continues to position Hull as a place where film is not only screened, but made, challenged, and reimagined. Filmmakers from across the UK and beyond are invited to submit work that embraces originality, bold ideas, and creative risk‑taking.
Creative Director for the festival Keaton BMcD said: “Short film is where everything begins. Every great director you can name — from Martin Scorsese and David Lynch to Christopher Nolan, Wes Anderson, George Lucas and Paul Thomas Anderson — started by making one really good short. It’s the calling card that opens doors, the space where you experiment, take risks, and find your voice as a filmmaker. If you’re thinking about submitting, I’d say go for it — there’s nothing quite like seeing your film light up a Hull cinema screen in front of friends, family, and film lovers.”
A festival where film meets the wider arts
UNTHINKABLE has carved out a distinctive identity as a cultural crossroads — a space where cinema intersects with the art forms that shape it. Alongside its six‑day programme of screenings, the festival delivers exhibitions, live music, performances, workshops, and interdisciplinary events that reflect the breadth of creative practice influencing contemporary filmmaking.
This approach is rooted in the organisation’s belief that film thrives when connected to a wider artistic ecosystem. By bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences, UNTHINKABLE aims to cultivate a space where new ideas can take root and flourish.
Produced by Hull’s Andy Pearson
The 2026 festival will be produced by Andy Pearson, a Hull‑based theatre and film practitioner known for his work as a director, producer, and creative collaborator across stage and screen. Over several decades, Pearson has led major regional arts projects, supported emerging talent, and helped shape Hull’s cultural identity through his commitment to ambitious, community‑centred creative work.
Speaking about his new role, Andy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be producing UNTHINKABLE this year. I’ve admired the festival from the very beginning — not just for the quality of the films it showcases, but for its values, its purpose, and its belief in what creativity can do for this region. Being part of that mission is something I’m genuinely excited about.”
A charity creating opportunity for emerging creatives
UNTHINKABLE operates as a registered charity dedicated to reinvesting in the future of film across Hull and its surrounding regions. All profits generated by the festival support year‑round skills development, training, and creative opportunities — particularly for young people aged 16-25.
The charity’s core values — boldness, inclusion and equity, access and outreach, interdisciplinary collaboration, commitment to place, and long‑term sustainability — guide every aspect of its work.
Submissions now open
Submissions for the 2026 festival are now open via FilmFreeway. Films must be under 25 minutes and may be submitted in any genre, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and hybrid forms. The festival prioritises originality and work that challenges expectations. A discount code (HULL26) gives local filmmakers 50% off submission fees.
Screenings will take place between 6-11 October 2026.
Awards include
– Official Winner
– Most Unthinkable
– Best from the North
– Audience Choice
Each winner receives a custom UNTHINKABLE trophy and a cash prize to support their next project.
Submission deadlines
The key dates for 2026 submissions are:
– 1st May 2026
– Late Deadline: 30th June 2026
– Extended Deadline: 31st July 2026
– Final Extended Deadline: 15th August 2026
– Notification Date: 6th October 2026
Full details and entry categories are available at: filmfreeway.com/UNTHINKABLEFILMFESTIVAL