The theme of this year’s festival is EMPIRE and is produced in collaboration between Legacy Film Festival and Urbanflo’s <relay> programme. Inspired by the now derelict, but still iconic Empire Cinema in Bridgetown, Barbados, EMPIRE celebrates the island’s recent inscription to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The distinctive architecture and legacy in Barbados exemplifies the Caribbean’s rich, diverse and complex heritage, which includes strong cultural, economic and social links to the UK and other parts of the world.

The EMPIRE theme is open to individual interpretation by filmmakers and the submission for short films is open to ALL regardless of race and gender. However, all films must contain a strong contribution by people of Black or minority ethnic descent and/or reflect their lives.

Submissions are now open for three associated Legacy Film events throughout 2012 as follows:

1) BRIGHTON 20th May 2012: ‘Rock Steady Tea Party’ - Brighton Festival Fringe (Deadline 15 April)

2) BARBADOS August 2012: ‘6 Degrees <relay> Programme’ (Deadline 20 June or before).

3) BRIGHTON October 2012: ‘Legacy Film Festival’ (Deadline 31 July or before).

There are two age categories for film submissions; ’18 and under’ and ‘Over 18’. Genres can include; drama, documentary, comedy, animation or experimental film. The films should be no longer than 15 minutes maximum.

All films will be assessed by a panel of representatives from Legacy Film Festival and Urbanflo Creative Consultancy. Filmmakers will be notified of their selection prior to screening events.

For further details, specifications or queries email submissions@legacyfilmfestival.org.uk with any further queries.