Amy Smart, who oversees strategic partnerships at Flatpack projects, was invited by the BIFA-qualifying Worcester Film Festival to judge their pitching session.
Below, Amy reflects on her time judging the session and provides some key takeaways for filmmakers looking to submit films to the festival for 2026. Submissions are now open.
Blog Written by Amy Smart
I recently had the pleasure of attending Worcester Film Festival as a jury member for their pitching session, and what a day it was.
Now in its fifth year, Worcester’s quietly punchy little festival is BIFA-qualifying and packed with short and feature-length film gems. I arrived early to meet my fellow jurors and get the lowdown from the organisers: five judges, three minutes, one idea, and a chance to win £1,500 toward a future project. No pressure!
The session gathered a small but feisty batch of filmmakers, each brimming with big ideas and bigger dreams. Notebook in hand, I was ready to be wowed - and they didn’t disappoint. What struck me the most was the diversity of voices: some reimagined genre tropes (hello, camp and queer subtext!), while others dug into social commentary with real heart. There was passion, nervous laughter, seasoned pros, and first-time pitchers who were all buzzing with creative energy. It all reminded me exactly why I love this job.
Choosing a winner was tough, but in the end, the jury was unanimous, and Slay took the prize.
Takeaways for Filmmakers
Own your voice. If your film idea has your fingerprint all over it, that energy will shine in the room.
Balance concept and execution. The “wow” idea matters, but so does showing how you’ll actually pull it off, think about budget, tone, and audience.
Festivals like Worcester Film Festival matter. Worcester, sitting slightly off the main London circuit, offers breathing room. You’re not one of hundreds; you can stand out, speak up, and be seen.
Networking counts. The time between pitches is gold. I met filmmakers, chatted with festival staff, and realised again that these smaller festivals are where real creative communities grow.
Final Thoughts
Spending a day in the juror’s seat at Worcester Film Festival reminded me that cinema doesn’t just shine under bright marquee lights, it thrives in unexpected places, among filmmakers brave enough to try something new. It was fun, inspiring, and hugely rewarding.
Huge thanks to the Worcester Film Festival team for inviting me along.
If you are a Midlands-based filmmaker (or beyond!) and thinking of submitting for 2026, submissions are now open.