Have a short film idea you’re ready to take to the next stage?
What's on offer
TUFF is giving five filmmakers the opportunity to pitch their short film projects live to a panel of industry professionals on Friday 15 January 2027.
ALL GENRES WELCOME including docs and animation
Selected filmmakers will also receive a dedicated SMASH pitch preparation session ahead of the live event, helping them shape and strengthen their pitch before stepping in front of the panel.
To submit you need to hold a delegate pass.
Festival accreditation is available at turnupfilmfestival.com.
How to Apply
1. Create your free project pitch on SMASH
Create a pitch at SMASH and include:
Title
Writer
Banner Picture
Logline
Format
Tags
Genre
Setting
Running time
Project status
Other Docs
Comparable Projects
Synopsis
Treatment OR Script
Creative team
Creative vision
We know projects may still be works in progress, so these do not need to be final.
You do not need to submit cast, budget, finance plan or video, although you are welcome to include these if you already have them.
Only open to accredited participants so please buy your accreditation on XXX and screenshot your accreditation and upload it into the “Other Document” section in the SMASH Pitch Builder
2. Submit your SMASH Snapshot
Create your FREE SMASH Pitch at app.mysmash.media.
Build your Snapshot with the required elements above.
Hit 'Share Project' and select TUFF from the Call Out page.
Submit before 10 December 2026.
Five projects will be selected
Announcement of Finalists Monday 21st December 2026
TUFF will shortlist up to five projects to take part in the live pitch.
Selected filmmakers must be available for:
Thursday 7 January 2027 – time TBC
Online introduction and briefingFriday 15 January 2027, 12.30pm
In-person pitch preparation session with SMASH at Regent Street CinemaFriday 15 January 2027, 3.15pm
TUFF Live Pitch
The Live Pitch
Each selected filmmaker will have three minutes to pitch their project to the industry panel, followed by live verbal feedback.
No slides or visuals are required — just you and your story.
Confirmed industry panellists include:
Misia Pawlowska — Dogwoof, Development
Simon Lupton — Seven Seas
Paul Trijbits — Next Wave
Ali McPhail - BAFTA winning Producer
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to anyone aged 18 or over.
Projects can be at any stage of development, but each project must have a representative available to attend the preparation sessions on 7 and 15 January and the Live Pitch on Friday 15 January at 3.15pm.
Key Dates
Deadline: 10 December 2026
Shortlist Announced: Monday 21 December 2026
preparation sessions: 7 and 15 January 2027
Event Date: Friday 15 January 2027
Location: Regent Street Cinema & University of Westminster, London
Protect your IP
At SMASH, protecting your creative work is at the heart of everything we do. Every project uploaded to the platform is automatically timestamped and securely stored, giving you a verifiable digital record of ownership. Your pitch is only shared when you choose, and with the people you choose — ensuring your ideas remain yours, always. We call it Pitch Protection, and it's how we make sure creators can share their work with confidence, knowing their IP is safe and traceable.
Important Notes
It's FREE to create and submit a SMASH Pitch.
Selected participants must attend the online briefing, pitch preparation session and live event.
Industry experts may not commission your project directly but will provide feedback, connections, and guidance.
A TUFF delegate pass / accreditation is required to take part. Accreditation is available at turnupfilmfestival.com.
Applicants should upload a screenshot of their TUFF accreditation in the Other Document section of their SMASH Pitch.
Questions? Contact: cupid@mysmash.media
About Turn Up Film Festival
Turn Up Film Festival & Industry Summit (TUFF) is a new London-wide festival connecting film education with the screen industries. Launching in January 2027, TUFF brings together students, emerging practitioners, educators and industry professionals through screenings, panels, masterclasses, workshops, live pitching and networking — creating greater access to the knowledge, people and opportunities that can help emerging talent build a career in film and media. At TUFF, we want to break down the doors to access — to knowledge, networks and opportunity.
About My SMASH Media
SMASH is the pitch builder and pitch protector for creators. It helps you build a professional, shareable pitch deck that can be discovered by industry decision-makers. SMASH is free for creators. Upgrade to SMASHPro for SMASHCupid support & advanced tools to make your pitch perfect.