DRAGONFLY
INTERNATIONAL
FILM
FESTIVAL
Awards & Prizes
Your film deserves more than a screening - it deserves recognition. At Dragonfly, we celebrate creativity, storytelling, and technical excellence in independent filmmaking. Our awards recognise both emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent shaping the future of short film.
Film Awards:
Dragonfly International Film Festival will award winner and runner-up in the following categories:
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Best Short Film
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Best Comedy Film
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Best Horror Film
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Best Music Video
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Best Student Film
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North West Filmmakers
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Women in Film
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Underrepresented Filmmakers
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Best Animation
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Best Documentary
Leek - 2026 Winner: Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Writer
MRI - 2026 Honourable Mention
Individual Awards:
Cast and crew awards for individual achievements in the following fields:
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Directing
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Writing
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Cinematography
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Editing
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Score Composition
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Sound Design
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Acting
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Acting Ensemble
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Production Design
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Costume, Hair & Makeup
The top films selected by our judges in each category will be announced via email and social media by 7th February 2027, and the Judging Status for their film will be updated to Finalist on Filmfreeway and laurels awarded. Finalists will have their films cut into a Finalist Trailer for their category, which will be widely shared across social media and our website on the run up to the screening event.
The winner and runner-up of each category will then be announced at our red carpet screening event on 19th & 20th March 2027, in Preston, Lancashire, where the attending winners will be presented with trophies and certificates. The winning film in each Film Awards category will be screened at the event.
Winners will also receive a Judging Status of Award Winner for their film on Filmfreeway following the screening event.
Bluebottle Theory - 2026 Winner: Best Cinematography
