We’re delighted to announce the nominees for Best Film 2026!
Each year, Sparks Film School hosts The Camera Games, a competitive festival for Sparks Film School filmmakers to show off their filmmaking talents and imaginations in a nationwide celebration of the incredible work our students produce each year.
The longlist of nominees has been announced! Take a look below for all the films that have been selected for the 2026 prize!
Introducing: The Members’ Choice Award
This year, we’re also introducing a new Members’ Choice award and we want to hear from you!
All Sparks Film School members are invited to take part in selecting the winner for this years Members Choice Award from the list of nominees below.
Simply Like your favourite film on YouTube to vote. The film with the most likes will win the Members Choice Award!
And the Nominees are…
She’s Still There
Sparks Film School Sheffield
She’s Still There follows the story of Delilah, a young girl who mysteriously disappears one day from school…
Created by the Studio 5 crew (ages 14-18) from Sparks Film School Sheffield, this film tells us a great mystery created by a crew with a meticulous attention to detail and a clear passion for storytelling.
Ghoul School
Sparks Film School Cardiff West
”Whispers in the library. Chairs that shift when no one’s looking. Something’s not right at Ghoul School. Only one clue remains — the headmaster’s mysterious glasses. And they might be the key to uncovering what lurks in the shadows.”
Ghoul School is a fun and spooky film created by members of Studio 2 and 3 crew (ages 7-11) at Sparks Film School Cardiff West. The film follows a group of brave kids as they attempt to set free a bunch of trapped ghosts.
The Experiment
Sparks Film School Bournemouth
The Experiment follows two scientists in their fight for survival after a lab experiment goes wrong and unleashes a dangerous monster!
The Experiment was created by the crew members from Studio 4 (ages 11-14) at Sparks Film School Bournemouth.
The film has had a lot of thought go into the composition of shots, with a wide range of angles and visual ideas. The film builds tension through what it chooses not to show, with excellent use of shadows to hint at a creature off-camera.
When Time Cuts Short
Sparks Film School Hampstead
When Time Cuts Short follows a man who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As he looks back on his life through flashbacks, ultimately he realises his life was enriched by friendship.
This film was created by Studio 4 crew members from Sparks Film School Hampstead and the crew have done an excellent job of tackling a more serious tone with some still very impressive filmmaking and style choices.
Alien Hurricane
Sparks Film School Dulwich
Alien Hurricane follows the story of an alien queen. The stress and anxiety of the queen is manifesting as a hurricane that has been blowing for almost 1000 years.
This film was created by Studio 2 filmmakers from Sparks Film School Dulwich. The crew have really shone here with their production design and creative ways of transporting us to other worlds.
Played
Sparks Film School Glasgow South
”In a world where only the brightest stars shine, some rise to the top together, and some fall to the darkness of envy. When fame is everything, who will pay the price for love and success?”
Played was created by Studio 4 filmmakers from Sparks Film School Glasgow South. The crew have created a great script here, with some fully realised and performed characters inhabiting an interesting world.
The Game
Sparks Film School Dorking
The Game is a mysterious film which follows a new child who arrives at their new school with a dark secret…
This film was created by Studio 3 filmmakers from Sparks Film School Dorking. The crew have worked really well together on this project, with some great ensemble moments and sense of direction for the film.
Rise of The Super Spies
Sparks Film School Guildford
”Super kids, super spies, bad guys!”
Rise of The Super Spies is a fun action packed film from Studio 2 and 3 filmmakers from Sparks Film School Guildford. The crew have created a really fun film with some amazing production design and some great camera work and animation.
Orphanage
Sparks Film School Derbyshire North
”A new girl arrives at the Orphanage but everything is not as it seems…”
Orphanage was created by crew members from Studio 2 and 3 from Sparks Derbyshire North. The crew went to great lengths to source costumes and dress the set. There is a great attention detail including use of lighting and colour in the film too.
What are The Camera Games?
Every year during the summer term, students taking part in Sparks Film School’s filmmaking classes take on a production challenge known as The Camera Games, which is designed to bring all their knowledge and learning together and give space for them to produce a piece of work that represents the best of their talents and skills development.
Every crew takes part in a series of production-focused masterclasses, then embarks on the adventure of producing their own unique film production.
Each film is entered into a nation-wide competition, where a winning production is awarded the title of Best Film. Our judging panel includes industry figures and film critics, who determine the winning film based on its merits and production quality.
Find out more
The Camera Games features during the summer term of Sparks Film School’s filmmaking classes.
In Sparks Film School’s filmmaking classes, young filmmakers learn all about the different aspects of filmmaking together in age-tiered film crews. They explore the different roles found on a film set, as well as lots of different production techniques. They develop skills as young producers, directors, screenwriters, camera and production crew, as well as acting for camera and editors too.
Find out more about Sparks filmmaking classes here >>
