We’re feeling hugely proud to have helped support one of the most successful editions of Two Short Nights on record.
Exeter Phoenix was buzzing with creative energy across the two days, with sell-out screenings, special events and networking opportunities.
There were many films showcasing our region’s strong heritage and talent. Congratulations to all award-winners, including Arsalan Motavali (Best Film Award:Cameraman) and Tiana Linden (Audience Choice Award:Youth Club). Plus, Share Films who won the festival’s 48 Hour Film Challenge for the third year running, no mean feat!
But we also wanted to congratulate four inspiring filmmakers who pitched their ideas for the D&CFilm 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Fund.
Having been shortlisted from a strong submission list, each one had just five minutes to stand in front of a packed room and a panel – including Screen Devon – and pitch for the opportunity to win cash and ongoing support to get their films to screen. It was fun – although tense for the chosen few – and really captured the supportive spirit of Devon’s filmmaking community.
It’s fair to say that the panel were struck by the talent, drive and imaginations of all four filmmakers, who pitched clever, unique and thought-provoking ideas. We’re looking forward to continuing conversations with them as they develop their films.
But it was at our buzzy, noisy networking social event, hosted with D&CFilm that the coveted prize was awarded to North Devon filmmaker Lily Bennett for her project Crooked. Lily convinced the panel with her original storytelling, clear vision and distinctive use of Devon as a setting.
We really hope everyone who came enjoyed the social. We loved the energy in the room, full of like-minded people connecting and clearly inspired by all that Two Short Nights offered.
We’ll leave you with a few fun memories captured by photographer Alex Toze.
Until next year…!
By the way…
For filmmakers inspired by this year’s festival – you can now apply to the Exeter Phoenix Short Film Commission Fund, which is open to Devon-based creatives and filmmakers across the South West. Submissions for Two Short Nights Film Festival 2027 will open later this spring.
You can read more on the festival from D&CFilm here.