THE SMALLS AND BOAT MAGAZINE LAUNCH DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM CONTEST


This London is an online documentary film competition that seeks to discover and celebrate the most talented and innovative storytellers with a unique perspective on London. Through the power of these stories The Smalls, Boat Magazine and Guardian Travel hope to illuminate and bring meaning to the current mood and movements in this great city.


We want to discover stunning documentary short films and videos that are both provocative and sharp in their portrayal of London, and that really capture the spirit of the city. Complete documentary stories or abstract, alternative videos that shed light on anything and everything that is true, from the frontlines of an economy on the brink to portraits of people and situations tucked away in the backdrop of a city where deep social problems are pervasive. But also the beautiful and optimistic tales of those who are ready to embrace the wacky and weird on a quest for change – ready to show that London can indeed reinvent herself yet again. All kinds of documentary genres are welcome, and your film can be live action or animation. Please ensure your entry is less than 15 min in length and in English, or features English subtitles.


The winner of the This London Award will receive the opportunity to accompany Boat Magazine to our next location and film with the team for one week, all flights and accommodation included. Meanwhile, the winner of The Guardian London Travel Film Award will be commissioned to create a second film which will be broadcast on the Guardian Travel website. In addition, the winning films and its creators will be featured on Guardian.co.uk, TheSmalls.com and Boat-Mag.com.


A selection of submitted films will be chosen by The Smalls, Boat Magazine and The Guardian to be screened during the Boat Magazine London issue launch event in May 2012, and there will also be significant prizes awarded to the winners of the This London Award (Best Documentary Short Film) and The Guardian London Travel Film Award (Best London Travel Documentary Short Film).


“London is a city of surprises. The beauty of this city is its heterogeneity. No doubt your London and my London are very different places. And that’s what we want to see.” says Davey Spens, creative director of Boat Magazine.


Judges for This London include Catherine Shoard, the Guardian’s Film Editor and filmmaker Ben Charles Edwards (Animal Charm).


The Boat Magazine London issue launch event will be held at The Hospital Club, the award-winning event space that is renowned for its close connection with the London creative community.


Please help spread the word by tweeting or linking this page.
You can enter the competition here.


Good Luck.