The Stanley Kubrick Film Archives invite the future generation of filmmakers to apply for our short film competition.

The competition is open to students in full time higher education who are aged between 18-25.

Applicants can be based worldwide.

In 2018 the word “Kubrickian” entered the Oxford English Dictionary: meaning to possess "meticulous perfectionism, mastery of the technical aspects of film-making, and atmospheric visual style."

Create a fictional short film no longer than 3 minutes in response to this word. Get creative - you can shoot in a medium of your choosing!

This is your chance to produce an original piece of storytelling.

Films should be submitted as MP4 files in horizontal (16:9) format.

The work should be original and not include any copyrighted material, including music or library/stock footage.

If submitting work in a language other than English, please include English language captions.

Material must not be A.I. generated.

KATHARINA KUBRICK

Katharina Kubrick has had a successful career in the Art Department on a variety of major feature films. She began her career working on many of Kubrick's movies, including Barry Lyndon, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket. Katharina worked across various roles, including location photographer, draughtswoman, set dresser, scenic artist, prop designer/maker, and set designer. Other credits include dental prosthetic designer on The Spy Who Loved Me and art department roles in Midnight Express, The Dark Crystal, Sphinx and Supergirl. Katharina now works as an artist and jewelery designer.

JAN HARLAN

Jan Harlan was Stanley's long-term Executive Producer and collaborator on a number of his films, including Barry Lyndon, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut. Jan directed the acclaimed documentary Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures and has delivered many guest lectures on filmmaking at film schools around the world. Jan was also involved in the pre-production of Stanley's film A.I., which went on to be developed by Steven Spielberg.

REBECCA HAWKES

Rebecca Hawkes, Head of Studios of Elstree Studios, has over 40 years’ experience in the Film and TV industry. Hawkes headed the Technical and Distribution departments for International Sales companies and Distributors. In 2003 Rebecca Hawkes founded Schedule 2, which oversaw the global distribution of multiple feature films for film makers including Woody Allen, Wim Wenders, Mike Leigh, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jim Jarmusch. Rebecca is a regular panellist at industry events in association with the likes of BFI & BAFTA.

STUART BROWN

Stuart is the BFI's Director of Programme and Distribution. He leads the strategy and the teams that shape and deliver the BFI’s Cultural Programme of cinema across BFI Southbank, BFI Distribution, BFI IMAX, BFI DVD and Blu Ray and BFI Player. He also heads up BFI Acquisitions. Stuart has over twenty years of experience in all aspects of film exhibition and distribution, and specialises in developing audiences, working closely with talent and developing partnerships. Stuart curated the BFI's last Stanley Kubrick retrospective in 2019, which was presented in partnership with the Design Museum, to coincide with their presentation of Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition.

TECHNIQUE

Our panel will be judging entries based on their use of technology. There are no rules about what equipment you may use to shoot your film and our panel will be looking for the most innovative and creatively unique pieces of filmmaking. Think outside the box!

STORY

Storytelling lies at the heart of what makes good cinema. Our panel will be looking closely at the structure, tone and cohesion of your narrative. Does your film say what it needs to say within the time constraints? Is the message clear?

ORIGINALITY

Why are you making this film? Who is it for? We’re interested in seeing work that presents a unique perspective. Authenticity and honesty are key.

The Stanley Kubrick Film Archives (SKFA) will create a shortlist from the submitted films to be screened to the judges, from which an overall winner will be selected and announced.

The winning film will receive a special premiere screening on the official Stanley Kubrick YouTube channel.

In addition the winning applicant will receive:

  • An exclusive Stanley Kubrick merchandise goodie bag with an approximate value of $1,000.

  • A personalised congratulatory video message from the judging panel.