01 / SHOWCASE
Fresh perspectives
From observational filmmaking to experimental film and animation, our programme embraces different ways of seeing and telling the truth.
A festival for stories that deserve to be seen
Real
Life.
No
Limits.
The UK's festival dedicated exclusively to short documentary. Celebrating bold ideas, independent voices and stories from around the world.
British & InternationalShort Documentary Film
01 / The Big ScreenIndependent Voices
02 / The WorldUnfiltered Stories
03 / The PeopleHuman Perspectives
Who we are
Small films.
Big ideas.
Real impact.
Cheap Cuts Documentary Film Festival is the only UK festival dedicated exclusively to short documentary. We showcase the best of British and international short documentary talent.
We believe in content over form. It's the story you have to tell that matters — not the camera you used, the size of your crew or the budget behind your film.
In recent years, Cheap Cuts has become a go-to destination for short documentary creators in London. Working with cultural organisations and independent cinemas, we champion the power of filmmaking to challenge, connect and inspire.
Discover our approach ↗Our philosophy
Forget the gear.
Forget the budget.
Tell us something
that matters.
Documentary isn't about how much you spend. It's about what you see, who you listen to, and which stories you choose to bring into the light.
Beyond the screening room
More than
a festival.
Building connections, creating opportunities and taking independent cinema to new audiences across the world.
02 / CONNECT
Industry access
We help filmmakers build professional connections and discover new distribution opportunities through our network of festivals and cultural partners.
03 / DISTRIBUTE
Films without borders
Collaborations with European cinemas, film clubs and international festivals help outstanding short documentaries find wider audiences.
What we stand for
Different voices.
Equal chances.
Open minds.
Equality on screen
At least 50% of our programme each year features short documentaries directed by women. We are committed to making independent filmmaking more inclusive.
Creative freedom
Animation, experimentation, intimate observation and boundary-pushing approaches all have a place here. We celebrate filmmakers who refuse to fit a mould.
Real opportunities
Festival awards can include free submissions to other events, including ECU Independent Film Festival in Paris and Hot Springs Short Film Festival.
Made stronger through collaboration
Arts Council England
Barbican
London Borough of Culture
ECU Paris
Independent Cinema