Film Submissions
Share your story of deer, landscape and nature.
From ancient woodland to open fell, from wildlife documentaries to personal stories, we’re looking for films that explore the many ways deer connect with Britain’s landscapes, people and wildlife.
As part of Lakes Deer Fest 2026, we’re inviting filmmakers and content creators to submit films for screening at Rheged on Saturday 10 October 2026.
Whether you’ve captured a memorable wildlife encounter, documented woodland restoration, explored the traditions of deer stalking or created a film celebrating wild venison, we’d love to see your work.
Selected films will be shown during the festival, introducing visitors to the fascinating stories of deer, nature recovery and rural life across Britain, with a particular interest in films connected to Cumbria.
Filmmakers whose work is selected for screening will receive a screening fee of £50-100 depending on the length and format of the film.
THEMES
We’re looking for original films exploring one or more of the following themes:
- Red and Roe Deer
- Deer ecology and behaviour
- Responsible deer management
- Nature recovery
- Woodland creation and/or temperate rainforests
- Deer stalking in Britain
- Wild venison and local food
- Rural life and traditions
- Cumbrian folklore
- People working to care for landscapes and wildlife
Documentary, factual, creative, student, artistic, and fictional films are all welcome.
No film is too short.
Important dates
Submissions close: 12 noon, Monday 7th September 2026.
Shortlisted films notified: Late September 2026
Films screened at Lakes Deer Fest: Saturday 10 October 2026 at Rheged
How to enter
Taking part is free and simple by following 3 easy steps.
Step 1 – Complete the film submission form
Complete our online Entry Form with your contact details and information about each photograph.
For every image you will need to tell us:
- Film title
- Running time
- A short description of your film
- Whether your film has been previously screened
- Confirmation you own the copyright and/or permissions.
Step 2 – Submit your film
You can submit your film in one of two ways.
Option 1 – WeTransfer.
Upload your film using our WeTransfer link.
Option 2 – If your film is already hosted online, simply include a Vimeo or YouTube viewing link in the Google Entry Form.
If your film is password protected, please include the password.
If you have any questions about submitting your film, please email the event organisers at LakesDeerFest@connectfornature.org.uk
Film Submission Terms and Conditions
1. Organiser
The Lakes Deer Fest is organised by Cumbria Connect as part of Lakes Deer Fest, taking place at Rheged on Saturday 10 October 2026.
As part of Lakes Deer Fest, we’re inviting filmmakers and content creators to submit short films for screening on the day of the festival.
2. Entry
- Entry is free.
- Submissions close at 12 noon on Monday 7 September 2026.
- Late entries cannot be accepted.
- Entrants must own all necessary copyright and permissions.
- Films must be original works.
3. Rights
By submitting a film, filmmakers grant Cumbria Connect a non-exclusive licence to screen the film as part of Lakes Deer Fest 2026.
Selected extracts, trailers or still images may also be used to promote the Film Showcase, Lakes Deer Fest and future editions of the festival.
Full films will not be published online or distributed without the filmmakers’ permission.
4. Screening fee
Selected films will receive a screening free of £50-100, depending on the film’s length, format and programme requirements.
The festival reserves the right not to select submissions.
5. Responsibility
Entrants are responsible for ensuring that:
- all music, archive footage and imagery is appropriately licensed.
- any people appearing in the film have given permission where required.
- the film does not infringe the copyright or intellectual property rights of others
6. Data protection
Information submitted through the Google form will only be used by Cumbria Connect to administer the Film Showcase and contact entrants regarding their submission.
Information will be handled in accordance with UK data protection legislation and in accordance with Cumbria Connect’s Privacy Policy.
13. Acceptance
Submission of an entry confirms acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
The organisers reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions where reasonably necessary.
About
The Lakes Deer Fest is organised by Cumbria Connect in partnership with Rheged.
Supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, British Deer Society, RSPB, National Trust and the Forestry Commission.
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