Background
What is The Coffee Film Awards (CFA)?
The Coffee Film Awards is a non-profit annual international film competition inspired by the theme of coffee or coffee culture.
The CFA celebrate and showcase global film talent, featuring newly-created independent short films, as well as established coffee films, documentaries, and commercials.
Who is Behind CFA?
The Coffee Film Awards is an initiative of London-based media outfit Allegra Group.
Allegra Group was established in 1999 and is responsible for pioneering coffee industry research and publications as well as creating international Coffee and Wellness Festivals, along with other established non-profit initiatives The Coffee Art Project, The Coffee Music Project, Project Waterfall and The Camden Clean Air Initiative.
Our mission is to make a positive difference in the world. There is a deep connection between the incredible world of film and the world of coffee, and we intend to bring these two worlds even closer.
What is the objective?
The Coffee Film Awards aims to support and showcase the rise of new and unique talent through the lens of coffee culture.
The project will provide new opportunities for established and up-and-coming filmmakers by putting a spotlight on their incredible talent and generating valuable career connections via our extensive networks.
We are also driven by the pure and artistic connection between coffee, creativity and the human spirit.
What are the judging criteria?
All submitted works for The Coffee Film Awards must be inspired by the theme of coffee or coffee culture and key judging criteria centre on originality, impact and spirit of humanity. Each Award category will also have its own additional individual judging criteria (outlined in the documents given to participants).
Who are the judges?
In keeping with the spirit of the competition, applications will be judged by a joint film industry expert panel and senior creative leaders from the coffee sector. Judges will be announced shortly.
Who can take part?
I am on a low budget, am I able to take part?
Yes, absolutely. Budget filmmaking and creativity is highly encouraged. Whether you use a mobile phone or any other form of equipment, your work will be judged on its impact and innovative content.
Are groups allowed?
Yes, group work and collaboration is highly encouraged.
Can students participate?
Yes, and they do not need to be from film or media schools. Students from all levels of education and disciplines are welcome provided they aim to work to a very high standard.
If I work for an advertisement/marketing company or organisation, can I take part?
Yes, absolutely! You can participate as an individual or group of individuals in any relevant category, especially the Independent Short category. You can also take part on behalf of your organisation (with their approval) or your company can take part in all categories except the Independent Short Category.
Is a Company allowed to submit?
Companies and organisations can submit for the Brand Film, TV short commercials, Documentaries and Feature Films award categories, but not the Independent Short category, which is reserved only for independent filmmakers.
I am underage, can I participate?
Yes you can. For anyone under 18 years of age, please make sure you have a parent’s or guardian’s permission attached to your registration.
I don't have any experience in film making, can I take part?
Yes, absolutely! You only need talent, drive and determination to produce high-quality work. Go ahead and surprise us with great work and creativity.
I am a professional filmmaker with years of experience, can I take part?
Yes absolutely! We encourage you to challenge yourself and to produce exciting content. The world will be a better place for it.
Do I need to have extensive knowledge about coffee to take part?
Not at all. You don’t even need to be a coffee drinker. First and foremost, we are seeking to uncover your creative film making skills. Yet a passion for coffee and coffee culture, plus drinking a lot of it could definitely help to shine through in the end result.
Why should I take part?
What are the prizes and benefits?
CFA also provides a valuable opportunity for you to sharpen your film making skills and get significant exposure for your work.
Ten finalists are selected within each award category and one winner each year is chosen for each category.
Each category offers an official award recognition for the winner in that category. The Independent Short Film is the central award category and therefore carries a USD5,000 cash prize plus products and services from sponsors and supporters.
Who will see my work?
Over the course of the competition year, your work will gain significant exposure with key filmmakers, creatives and industry decision-makers. Add to this the vast network of professionals and general coffee-loving public that attend our global coffee festivals. The expected audience is well above 100,000. Every work will also be presented and judged by experts in the film industry.
What are the basic T&Cs?
Full terms and conditions are outlined in this document T&C.
What limitations or content would disqualify participation in CFA?
At CFA we aim to make sure that all works retain high standards of human decency. Any works that invoke hatred, prejudice, harm, promote illegal activities or contain explicit sexual behaviour will be disqualified from the competition.
What is the role of coffee in the competition?
Coffee and the human spirit that coffee culture inspires is at the heart and soul of this competition. Any work must have a clear link to it or it’s culture.
How is CFA different from other competition?
As far as we know this is the world’s first independent, large-scale film competition inspired by coffee. Our sole objective is to recognise, reward and inspire filmmaker talent. So there is no catch, no fees to complete and no surprises. We hope that you will enjoy and get great value from taking part.
I don't like coffee, is it still valuable for me to take part?
Yes, You don’t even need to be a coffee drinker, you can even be a coffee hater (or even a tea drinker), just give us your best work and you’ll be in for a chance.
How to take part?
Where can I register to take part?
You can register to take part in CFA through this website. After registering you will receive additional information via email and when your work is ready, you will be able to submit it here.
When do I need to register by?
The registration deadline is November 30, 2021. You must register by then to take part.
When do I need to submit my finished work?
The submission deadline for all works for CFA 2022 is January 15, 2022. To qualify, you must submit on or before that date. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions. Late submissions will not be accepted.
In which format should I submit my work?
Your film should be ready to play and in MP4, DCP format.
Can I submit from any part of the world?
Yes! of course.
Must the work be in English?
No. We encourage work from all geographies and cultures. But to help with consistent evaluation every film must have English subtitles.
General rules
What happens to my work?
After the competition, and only with your approval, it would be hosted on our website for a display to maximise your exposure.
Who owns my work?
You remain the owner of your work and all rights to use the work remain yours.
Can I present the same work to other competitions?
Yes absolutely, but please remember that to qualify your film must demonstrate a strong link with coffee and coffee culture.
Am I allowed to promote my submitted work on other platforms during the competition process?
Yes, we encourage you to promote your work as widely as possible.
Will I get feedback on my work?
We aim to provide as much constructive feedback as possible to all participants. However, due to the volume of entrants expected to take part, we may not be able to give everyone individual feedback. It is important to note that the judges’ decisions are final.
If I know some of the judges, can I approach them?
If you know a judge, please let us know so that we can request the judge to refrain from judging your specific work. It’s only fair this way.
Do I need to be present at the London Coffee Festival if I am nominated?
There is no need to attend the event, but a trip to London is always a good idea.
If my work is not selected can I still assist in the London Coffee Festival?
Yes, you may want to apply as a volunteer to assist with the project behind the scenes and you will also gain free access to the Festival as a thank you for your submission to CFA. However, all volunteers and attendees must pay their own travel expenses to attend the festival.