First dates don’t always go to plan.
This Valentine’s Day, we’re looking for original and creative one-minute films that explore the theme of first dates – the thrill, the heartbreak, the escape, and everything in between. We want to see what you can come up with!
How to Take Part:
1) Shoot a film following all these conditions:
- It can’t be longer than 60 seconds
- It must be centered around the theme: first dates
2) Send the completed film to competition@raindance.co.uk
Note: Make sure to include your name and social media handle (Instagram, Facebook and X) in the email.
Submissions close at midnight, 10 February 2025.
One entry per person.
Submissions under 60 seconds will be accepted, however, submissions over 60 seconds will be ineligible. Opening titles and closing credits are included in your runtime.
What you’ll win
The winners will receive:
1 free Raindance Film Festival pass + your First Dates Gone Wrong film will be screened at our exclusive Open Shorts Night the 33rd Raindance Film Festival.
Prizes are fixed and judges’ decisions are final.
We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy filming, and good luck!
Raindance promotes and supports independent filmmaking and filmmakers.
From new and emerging to industry pros, Raindance connects, trains, supports, and promotes visual storytellers through every step of their career.
The Raindance Film Festival runs each Summer in London’s Leicester Square.
Raindance has been delivering film training since 1992. A wide range of Open Classes to a 2 year HND Level 5 BTEC in Moving Images to a Postgraduate Film Degree are delivered to students on five continents, both in person and online.
Are there any technical specifications that need to be met to make the criteria? For example, aspect ratio, format, etc.
No restrictions this time!
Thank you!
Hello, just wondering when and how is the winner announced?
https://raindance.org/first-dates-gone-wrong-a-valentines-day-short-film-competition-winner/
Hi, what about content and tone? Is it post watershed channel 4 humor allowed or should it be wholesome?
As long as it fits within Instagram Community guidelines – as we’ll be posting the winners there – we’re happy with it!
When it says send it by email does it mean via WeTransfer or something? It’ll be too big for an attachment…
You can send it to as with wetransfer / dropbox / google drive, whatever your preference is
Hi,
It’s not clear if we need to go with the narative of something goes wrong as the title of the competition and your initial lines say or we can go with the conditions you listed “It must be centered around the theme: first dates” which leaves the door open for different stories.
Hi Robert: it is hoped that your story will be a totally bold, fresh and original idea of what you think a ‘first date’ would be – thumbs up or thumbs down. go for it! – elliot
hi Robert! Let your imagination run wild! There’s no right or wrong in this one. What is the story you can tell in a minute that will leave us laughing or sobbing? Elliot