AWARDS & RECOGNITION
At GLASGOW FILMSTOCK, we honor bold storytelling, originality, and authentic voices. Our award categories are designed to spotlight a wide range of talent â from seasoned professionals to first-time filmmakers.
With a strong focus on artistic intention and emotional impact
Main Awards
Best Short Film
Awarded to the most outstanding short of the festival, regardless of genre or origin.
Criteria:
Exceptional storytelling, technical excellence, and artistic vision that resonates with both jury and audience.
Best Documentary Short
For powerful, truthful storytelling through real-life narratives.
Criteria:
Compelling subject matter, strong narrative structure, and authentic representation of real-world issues.
Best Animated Short
Celebrating visual creativity and narrative innovation in animated form.
Criteria:
Outstanding animation technique, creative storytelling, and innovative use of the animated medium.
Best Experimental Short
For films that push the boundaries of form, tone, or cinematic language.
Criteria:
Bold artistic vision, innovative filmmaking techniques, and successful experimentation with cinematic form.
Special Awards
First Flame Award
Honoring an exceptional short by a first-time filmmaker. Bold vision and creative promise are key.
Criteria:
Must be director's first film. Judged on originality, potential, and fearless creative approach.
Best Local Story
Awarded to the best short film rooted in Scottish culture, place, or people. A celebration of local identity.
Criteria:
Strong connection to Scotland through subject, location, cast, or themes. Authentic representation required.
Audience Award
Voted on by attendees at the festival. For the film that most moved or inspired our audience.
Criteria:
Determined entirely by audience vote. The film that creates the strongest emotional connection.
Critics' Choice
Selected by our guest curators and critics â for films that spark debate and provoke reflection.
Criteria:
Films that challenge conventions, stimulate discussion, and demonstrate exceptional artistic merit.
Student Recognition
Student Film Award
Awarded to the best short created in an academic or training context, selected from submissions by universities and film schools across the UK and abroad.
Criteria:
Must be created during academic study. Judged on creativity, technical skill, and storytelling within educational context.
Jury & Selection Process
Expert Jury
Our jury consists of film industry professionals, critics, and established filmmakers
Emotional Impact
We prioritize films that create genuine emotional connections and lasting impressions
Fair Process
All submissions receive equal consideration, with transparent judging criteria
Awards Ceremony
Winners will be announced at our awards ceremony during the festival. All filmmakers are invited to attend and celebrate the power of short film storytelling.