short film competition winners announced

The Harpenden Short Film Competition 2026 took place earlier this year with the aim of providing a platform for local young filmmakers aged 5–25 to create engaging work within the theme “What’s Important to Me?”.

The competition included various age and awards categories, including soundtrack and script. Films were short-listed and judged according to creativity, technical skill, and narrative impact. Supported by the University of Hertfordshire and the Hertfordshire Film Office, the competition concluded with a grand ceremony where the winners were awarded their prizes.

We're pleased to announce the winning films, which can be viewed at the following links:

Under 13's category

Best Group: "What's Important to Us" by 10th Harpenden Rainbows and Brownies

Best Film: "What Matters to Me - In Sylvanians" by Cordelia Esberger

14-25's category

Best Soundtrack: "Short Film Competition" by Casper Megson

Best Original Soundtrack: Daniele Corbo for "Hearts, Untied"

Best Script: "Short Film Competition" by Casper Megson

Best Director: Bradley Cope for "Hearts, Untied"

Judge's Award for Best Social Message: "Take Five" by Rhea Mitchell and Charlotte Colbert-Green

Best Film: "The Evening Rise" by Ellis Leal

Further information regarding this competition can be found in our press release here.

Photo of winners of the 14-25 age categories (C) Steve Collins