Enter the 30 Second Cliffhanger Film Competition
As part of our creative partnership with The BRIT School, we’re delighted to announce The 30-Second Cliffhanger Challenge, a nationwide short film competition for young creatives across the UK.
Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or already crafting your own cinematic universe, this is your chance to shine! We’re calling on all aspiring directors, screenwriters and visual storytellers aged 5 to 18 to take part in what promises to be one of the most exciting short film competitions of the year.
30 Second Cliffhanger Challenge
We’re challenging young filmmakers to create a 30-second short film that ends with a cliffhanger.
Your story needs to leave viewers desperate to know what happens next. That moment of suspense – the unanswered question, the final twist, the cut to black – that’s what we’re looking for!
In just half a minute, your film should spark curiosity, raise the stakes, and most importantly, leave us on the edge of our seats.
Think bold ideas, original storytelling, and creative visuals all cleverly packed into 30 seconds. This is your chance to show how much story you can tell in a very short space of time. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
What You Could Win
The winning film will be featured on Sparks Film School and The BRIT School’s official websites and social media channels – an amazing opportunity to get your work seen by a wide audience of film lovers, educators, and industry professionals.
The winner of the 30 Second Cliffhanger film competition will also receive an exciting prize. Details are still under wraps, but we promise it’s worth the suspense. Keep your eyes on our platforms for updates!
Key Dates
The deadline to enter your 30-second masterpiece is:
Wednesday, 19th December 2025
Be sure to start planning, filming, and editing early so you can craft something truly original for your film competition entry.
A short film might only be 30 seconds, but when it is, every second counts!
How To Enter
Entry to the 30 Second Cliffhanger film competition is simple! Just enter your masterpiece via the link here >>
Apply to The BRIT School For 2026!
🎭✨ APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR 2026 to join The BRIT School. Ready to turn your passion into your future?
We’re looking for young creatives to join The BRIT School – the UK’s leading free arts school – in Year 10 or Year 12 🚀
💥 Want to study what you LOVE?
💡 Dreaming of a career in the creative industries – as a performer, artist, designer, technician, filmmaker, or entrepreneur?
🎓 Alongside GCSEs & A Levels, choose from 9 specialist courses in:
💡 Digital Arts
🎬 Film & Media Production
🎨 Visual Arts & Design / Fashion Styling & Textiles
🎧 Music & Music Tech
🎤 Musical Theatre
🎭Theatre
💃 Dance
🌳Applied Theatre (Post 16 only)
🔧 Production Arts (Post 16 only)
Key Application Closing Dates for 2026 Entry:
Year 12 (Post 16) Performing Arts is 10th November 2025.
Year 10 (Key Stage 4) All Courses: 8th January 2026
Year 12 (Post 16) Creative Arts & Applied Theatre: 12th January 2026.
Click here to find all the information and start the application: ➡️ https://www.brit.school/apply
Filmmaking Tips & Resources:
Take a look through our blog for plenty of filmmaking tips and resources. With guidance on directing, shooting, acting, sound and editing, you’ll find professional filmmaking tips to help you take your work to the next level.
You’ll also find some fun Movie Making Projects to help with inspiration and building up your practical skills.
Sparks Film School also supports young filmmakers through exciting, hands on film workshops, courses and events. Find your nearest Sparks Film School courses here >>
