Screen South & Ashford Borough Council Present
2025 / 2026 Programme
Screen Ashford returns this Summer with an exciting line up of events, workshops, and Q&A sessions, all designed to immerse you in the world of Film & TV in Ashford and the surrounding area.
Screen Ashford Short Film Competition 2025
The Screen Ashford Short Film Competition 2025–2026 is officially open for applications!
We’re commissioning 4 short films, each awarded £3,000, to support the development and production of exciting new work. Are you a filmmaker based in Kent with a bold, original idea? We want to hear from you.
We’re looking for creative, story-driven ideas — films that are daring, thought-provoking, and push the boundaries of short-form storytelling. Whether serious or surreal, comedic or conceptual, your film should leave a lasting impression on audiences.
PAST EVENTS
Writing a Short Film & Submitting to the Screen Ashford Short Film Competition Workshop
Date: Sat 2 Aug 2025
Location: RG Studios, 25 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1DG
Time: 10:30am to 1:00pm
Cost: FREE
Are you developing a short film idea and considering entering the Screen Ashford Short Film Competition? Don’t miss this valuable workshop designed to help emerging and experienced filmmakers take their ideas to the next level.
Join Cassandra Johnson Bekoe, Head of Development at NICO Productions, for a dynamic session focused on how to write a compelling short film. Drawing from her extensive experience as a writer, producer, and script editor, Cassandra will walk participants through essential elements of short film storytelling, including:
- Generating strong, original film ideas
- Developing memorable characters
- Structuring your short film effectively
- Writing authentic and impactful dialogue
- Using visual storytelling to bring your script to life
Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking to refine an existing concept, this hands-on workshop will provide practical tools and inspiration to help shape your short film.
The Screen Ashford team will also be on hand to provide guidance on the short film competition submission process, including eligibility, deadlines, and tips on crafting a strong entry.
Who is this workshop for? This event is ideal for:
- Aspiring screenwriters
- Independent filmmakers
- Students in film or media
- Anyone planning to submit to the 2025-2026 Screen Ashford Short Film Competition
Early registration is recommended.
Join Us for the Official Launch of Screen Ashford 2025-2026
7pm, Wednesday 30 July 2025*
Screen South, in partnership with Ashford Borough Council, is proud to invite you to the official launch of Screen Ashford’s 2025-2026 Programme—an exciting year of opportunities for Kent-based filmmakers and artists!
Join us at Ashford Cinema on Wednesday 30th July 2025 for a celebration of local film talent, where we’ll also officially open the Screen Ashford Short Film Competition.
What’s Happening:
- Watch 3 outstanding short films by local filmmakers
- Enjoy a Q&A session with the filmmakers to hear about their creative journeys
- Network with fellow filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals
- Be the first to hear about Screen Ashford’s upcoming annual programme, including:
Indie Feature Filmmaking
Music On Screen
48 Hour Film Challenge
Feature Screen Writing Development Program
Plus many more exciting talent development events…
Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025
Location: Ashford Cinema
Time: Doors Open 7:00 PM
Don’t miss this FREE evening of inspiration, connection and creativity—and find out how to get involved with Screen Ashford’s latest opportunities!
Screen Ashford aims to support the local industry and nurture a new generation of professionals by offering a range of exciting opportunities for people living, working, or studying in the Ashford borough and neighbouring areas. Whether you’d like to get behind the camera, work in the editing suite, or manage production schedules, Screen Ashford wants to help you on your next step.
*Please note this event is 15+
short film screening
the ashford cinema
wed 19 mar 2025 • 7pm - 8pm
The fifth instalment of Screen Ashford’s Short Film Screening. Come along to view a brilliant programme of local filmmaking talent or be a part of the event yourself, by submitting your own short film!
Submissions are now closed
screen finance focus event
the ashford cinema
thu 27 mar 2025
2:30pm - 5:30pm
plus networking
5:30pm - 6:30pm
The Screen Finance Focus Event is a free-to-attend half-day on business and investment featuring in-depth panels and networking opportunities.
Presented in partnership with Create South East and supported by Screen Ashford, this timely Screen finance event will explore opportunities for film, games and TV companies.
low budget production lab
ashford (location tbc)
fri 21 & sat 22 mar 2025
10am - 5pm
This free 2-day Lab features guest tutor Bill Thomas, international freelance Producer & Director with a number of high-profile clients under his belt.
Learn how to create high-quality productions on a tight budget with expert guidance and hands-on experience using cost-effective techniques. Bring your story to life without financial barriers!
'bird' screening + live Q&A with Andrea Arnold
(+ Screen ashford networking)
the ashford cinema
wed 26 Feb 2025 • 5pm - 9pm
48 hour film challenge: showcase
the ashford cinema
sun 02 march • 7pm - 8:30pm
writing feature film treatments
the ashford cinema
sat 16 november 2024 • 12pm - 3pm
documentary workshop:
it all starts with research
rg studios
fri 22 nov 2024 • 10am - 5pm
Discover the critical role research plays in launching a successful documentary. Explore key research methods, learn how to source credible information, and gain practical insights into building a solid foundation for your documentary projects.
short film screening
ashford cinema
wed 27 nov 2024 • 7pm - 8pm
The third instalment of Screen Ashford’s Short Film Screening. Come along to view a brilliant programme of local filmmaking talent or be a part of the event yourself, by submitting your own short film!
screen ashford network
+ Q&A with kieron hawkes
the ashford cinema
wed 11 december 2024 • 7pm - 9pm
screen ashford network
+ Q&A with kieron hawkes
the ashford cinema
wed 11 december 2024 • 7pm - 9pm
workshop:
creating music videos
rg studios
mon 2nd & tue 3rd december 2024 • 10am - 5pm
Learn how to shoot dynamic, professional music video within a tight timeframe. Through this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore key techniques in planning, filming, and editing, gaining practical skills to help you produce visually compelling videos.
q&a with Michel Faber
+ screening: 'under the skin'
the ashford cinema
sun 01 december 2024 • 3pm - 4pm
Join novelists Michel Faber & Katie Szysko and screenwriter Gabriella Apicella for a conversation and Q&A on adapting Under the Skin into Jonathan Glazer’s cinematic masterpiece. Explore how Faber’s prose was transformed into visual storytelling while preserving its essence.
The Q&A will be followed by a screening of ‘Under The Skin’ at 4:30pm.
the art of documentary storytelling: capture & editing
rg studios
fri 06 december 2024 • 10am - 5pm
Learn how to capture authentic footage and master the editing process to shape your documentary, elevating your skills in crafting compelling non-fiction narratives.
short film writing lab
RG Studios
fri 6 sept 2024 • 10am - 5pm
With the Screen Ashford Film Competition deadline approaching, come along and learn how to make your short film script stand out with tips about narrative, structure, and characterisation from accomplished Writer, Director and Producer – Anthony Alleyne.
industry workshop day
rg studios
fri 13 sept 2024 • 10am - 5pm
Gain insights into developing pitch ideas for Film/TV from industry professionals with support from experienced tutors and the Screen Ashford team.
short film competition
deadline: mon 16 sept 2024
Submit your short film proposal for a chance to win one of four available short film commissions of £3000 each. Filmmakers must be Kent-based and films made in or around Ashford.
screen ashford network
ashford cinema
wed 23 oct 2024 • 8pm - 9:30pm
Join the Screen Ashford team for an evening of inspiring conversation and new connections. Refreshments are provided.
