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The Celtic Media Festival is an annual 3-day summit which combines a major conference of seminars and masterclasses with the presentation of the coveted Torc Awards for Excellence in an international competition across all the main content genres in TV, radio, film and digital media.

The festival competition is open to original productions first broadcast on traditional channels or online platforms, or publicly screened to an audience of over 50 between 1st of November 2024 – 31st of October 2025

Radio/podcast entries must have been first broadcast or made available online between 1st of November 2024 – 31st of October 2025

• Entries from the Celtic nations and regions* are accepted on any subject.
• Entries from outside the Celtic countries are accepted where the subject matter relates to aspects of life and culture, past, present or future of a Celtic country.
• Productions previously entered for competition at the CMF will not be accepted.
• Productions will be considered by one national jury only.
• To avoid duplication of entries, co-production partners should confer and decide which organisation will be the entrant.
• A programme/film can be entered in more than one category, provided it is eligible for each category entered. If entering programme/film into more than one category, it can only be entered to be viewed by one national jury, eg you may not enter the same programme into a categories in Ireland and Wales. 

The decision regarding which competition category an entry will be in is at the sole discretion of the entrant. Neither the Festival staff, the National Juries nor the International Juries are permitted to amend the decision of the entrant.

* The Celtic nations and regions include Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales and Galicia. The board retain the right to extend or limit this list.

If you are unsure of what category to enter or if your programme fits the criteria for more than one categories, we recommend that you research past winners here.

SCREEN:
1. ANIMATION:
This category is for productions from all areas of animation. Entries may be a feature film, a one-off programme, a short animation or a single episode from a series. Where the production is mixed media, i.e. a combination of animation and live action, at least 60% of the running time must be animated.
Judging will be based on the quality of the animation, the originality of the storytelling, and the overall creative execution.
2. ARTS:
This category is for programmes and films that celebrate, examine, or critically analyse the arts, including but not limited to visual arts, literature, and performance.
Exclusions: This category does not include recordings of live or staged performances that are not part of a documentary or critical programme.
3. CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME:
This category is for a wide range of fiction and non-fiction films and programmes for children, designed to entertain and inform. Entries may be drama, animation, documentary, or factual programming. The programme should demonstrate a clear connection to its target audience and be a compelling piece of work.
The entrant should specify the particular age of the audience the programme is aimed at on the entry form.
4. COMEDY:
This category is for comedy formats, including situation comedies, sketch shows and comedy panel shows.
Entries should demonstrate originality and quality in performances and direction.
5. CURRENT AFFAIRS:
This category recognises single programmes, or programmes from a strand, that are primarily concerned with unfolding current affairs. Entries should demonstrate journalistic integrity and provide insights into a significant news story or topic, presented in an investigative and/or immediate manner. Judging will be based on the quality of the journalism, the strength of the evidence presented, and the impact of the investigation.
6. DRAMA SERIES:
This category is for a drama series both limited and continuing.
One episode should be submitted to showcase both story and character development within the context of the series.
Judging will consider the quality of the writing, performances, and the overall execution of the episode within the context of the series.
Submission Requirement: In addition to providing a synopsis of the episode, entrants must include a synopsis of the series and mention the series and episode number in the description.
7. ENTERTAINMENT:
This category is for formatted studio entertainment shows, including competitive reality shows, quiz shows, variety shows, and game shows. Entries may be a single programme or a single episode from a series. Judging is based on the ability to entertain through format, performance, and production.
8. FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT: 
This category is for lifestyle, magazine/discussion and formatted documentary - reality.  Programmes or series in which a situation or topic is treated or created through real people or which tell their story by following real-life characters. Stand-alone single programmes or one episode from a series may be entered.
Judging will consider the originality of the format, the entertainment value, and the quality of the production.
9. FACTUAL SERIES:
This category is for a series of more than one factual programme linked through a unified approach, narrative, or thematic development of a subject matter. Only one episode from the series may be entered as representative of the series. Judging will consider the strength of the narrative, the depth of the research, and the creative vision of the series.
Submission Requirement: In addition to providing a synopsis of the episode, entrants must include a synopsis of the series and mention the series and episode number in the description.
10. FEATURE DOCUMENTARY (61 minutes or more):
This category is for a non-fiction film with a running time of 61 minutes or more. The film must be predominantly composed of documentary footage, though it may employ other techniques such as partial re-enactment, stock footage, or animation. The emphasis must be on fact, not fiction. Judging will be based on the quality of the storytelling, the insight offered into the subject, and the creative and technical skill of the production.
11. HISTORY:
This category is for documentaries that focus on historical events or people, and should offer new perspectives or a compelling narrative. Drama-docs that use dramatisation to support factual storytelling are also eligible.
Judging will consider the quality of the research, the clarity of the narrative, and the programme’s ability to offer fresh perspectives on the past.
12. LIVE EVENT:
This category is for programmes that capture the energy and excitement of live events. Any type of live event is eligible, including festivals, concerts, studio shows, performances, comedy shows, and sporting events.
Judging will be based on production values, quality of direction as well as the ability to give the viewer an immersive experience and project a sense of occasion to the audience.
13. SHORT DRAMA (up to 30 mins):
This category is for a stand-alone, self-contained dramatic production that is not a part of a series. 
Judging will consider the originality and creative vision of the film, the quality of the script and performances, and the effectiveness of the direction and production values. The overall impact and how the story resonates with the viewer will also be a key factor.
14. SHORT FORM (up to 20 minutes):
This category is for productions originally published on social media or an online channel (e.g., broadcast players) with a maximum duration of 20 minutes, including opening titles and credits.
Productions that have subsequently been broadcast on a linear channel are also eligible.
The entry should demonstrate a creative and effective use of the online medium. Judging will consider the originality of the content, the effective use of the online medium, and its ability to engage an audience.
Submission Requirement: A link to the original online broadcast must be provided, or proof of online broadcast must be supplied.
15. SINGLE DOCUMENTARY (up to 60 mins):
This category is for a one-off documentary with a running time of up to 60 minutes. Entries should offer a real insight into the world they explore, with judges looking for a compelling narrative, strong emotional resonance, and a high degree of creative and technical skill. 
16. SINGLE DRAMA (over 30 mins):
This category is for a single, one-off dramatic production with a running time of over 30 minutes. Entries can be made for television, online, or for theatrical release. Judging will consider the originality and creative vision of the production, the quality of the script and performances, and the effectiveness of the direction and production values. The overall impact and how the story resonates with the viewer will also be a key factor.
17. SPORTS DOCUMENTARY:
This category is for programmes, both standalone or part of a series, that capture or celebrate the personalities of sport or the sport itself. The emphasis should be on the passion and spirit of the sport, not on live event coverage. Programmes based on archive footage are eligible.
Judging will be based on the quality of the storytelling, the insight provided, and the ability to capture the spirit of the sport.
18. PRESENTER OF THE YEAR (Screen):
This category celebrates outstanding broadcast talent on screen. Entries should demonstrate outstanding broadcasting skills, including innovation, creativity, and audience engagement, while showcasing a distinctive broadcast personality and a strong ability to connect with their target audience. Submission Requirement: Entries require up to 3 examples of a presenters work throughout the year. These can be full episodes, or excerpts from episodes. A bio of the presenter is also required.

SOUND:

Sound productions can have been published on any audio broadcasting platform, including but not limited to traditional radio, digital platforms such as BBC Sounds, iTunes, and any podcast platform.

19. COMEDY:
This category is for all forms of scripted and unscripted comedy, including sketch shows, panel shows, and sitcoms. Judging will consider the originality of the writing, the quality of the performances, and the comedic timing.
20. DOCUMENTARY:
This category is for a one-off documentary that demonstrates creative use of the medium. Judging will consider storytelling, analysis of subject matter, and production values. A minimum speech content of 70% is required.
21. DRAMA:
This category is for scripted audio fiction. Entries may include original single dramas, an episode from a drama series, or adaptations. Judging will consider the quality of the script, the strength of the voice performances, and the creative use of sound design and direction. The overall emotional impact and how the story resonates with the listener will also be a key factor.
22. ENTERTAINMENT:
This category is for a wide range of unscripted programming, including magazine shows, talk shows, conversational podcasts, morning shows, drivetime programmes, and phone-ins. Judging will be based on the host's personality, the programme's creative energy, and its ability to engage listeners.
Submission Requirement: Entries must be a single episode, not a compilation.
23. FACTUAL SERIES:
This category is for a series of more than one factual programme linked through a unified approach, narrative, or thematic development. Only one episode from the series may be entered as representative of the series. Subject matter can include but is not limited to arts, culture, crime, true crime, science, technology, lifestyle, personal stories, and societal issues. Judging will consider the strength of the narrative, the depth of the research, and the creative use of sound to tell the story.
24. HISTORY:
This category is for audio documentaries that focus on historical events or people and should offer new perspectives or a compelling narrative.
Judging will consider the quality of the research, the compelling nature of the story, and the creative use of the medium.
25. MUSIC PROGRAMME: 
This category is for programmes that celebrate music. Any genre of music is accepted. This is a category for programmes that are part of the regular schedule but have a specialist music remit. Consideration given to the relevance of the music selection and the presenter’s input. 
Exclusions: This category does not include documentaries on music.
26. PRESENTER OF THE YEAR (Sound):
This category celebrates outstanding broadcast talent on radio from both factual and entertainment genres. Entries should demonstrate outstanding broadcasting skills, including innovation, creativity, and audience engagement, while showcasing a distinctive broadcast personality and a strong ability to connect with their target audience.
Submission Requirement: Entries require a compilation, not exceeding one hour, containing at least five examples of the individual's best work throughout the year.
27. RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR:
This category recognises a station's excellence, its energy, diversity in programming, and the continuing quality of its production. The judging will focus on a station's connection and accord with its audience.
Submission Requirement: 
- Entries must be a compilation, not exceeding one hour, that celebrates the station's successes and highlights from 1st November 2024 to the 31st of October 2025. The compilation must include at least five examples of output that showcases the wide range of talent across the station.
- A completed application form must also be submitted, which will include a short supporting statement of the station's aims and highlights, a weekly schedule with programme details, and any additional information thought to be relevant. 
- A transcript in English must also be provided.
28. SPORTS PROGRAMME:
This category celebrates any programme whose editorial content is specifically dedicated to the coverage, discussion, or exploration of sporting events and/or issues. This includes documentaries and magazine-style formats. Judging will consider the quality of the editorial content, the insight offered into the sport, and the overall production.

All entries must be submitted online through the Celtic Media Festival Awardstage website at https://celticmediafestival.awardstage.com/. If this is not possible, please contact the Celtic Media Festival offices. Entries close on Thursday 6th of November at 12PM.

Entry Form:

Entries must be submitted to the festival before the Call for Entries deadline via the festival’s online entry system Awardstage.

It is important for Festival organisers to have accurate contact information for film and programme producers; entry details must be completed fully.  It is the responsibility of the entrant to provide complete, accurate information about the entry.  The Celtic Media Festival shall not be liable for errors or omissions in the entry forms nor in any subsequent use of this information in the nominations announcement including, but not limited to, broadcast, online, social media, print and advertising.

Video/Audio file submission:

Each entry must submit a complete programme/film/production in mp4 or mp3 format*.
Please use the video file size reference table below to help with your video file submission.
Links to view the submission on other platforms will not be accepted.

Video File Size Reference

Clip submission:

Each video entry must submit a 30 second video clip. The clip format can be mp4 or mov.
Each audio entry must submit a 20 second audio clip in mp3 format.
Promos will not be accepted for any categories.

Image:

The Festival requires a landscape image for each submission. For example: a production still, a presenter headshot or station logo. It must be a high resolution image.
By providing the images, you grant Celtic Media Festival all necessary rights and consents (including but not limited to rights of publicity and privacy) to enable Celtic Media Festival to use the imagery in whole, or in part, and to edit the same, in such manner and for such purpose as is relevant to the nomination, including, but not limited to, broadcast, online, social media, print and advertising

Payment:

Payment should be made online securely via Stripe at the time of entry.

Documents:

Radio Station of the Year and Presenter of the Year entries must fill out an application form. This should be uploaded to the entry form.

Subtitling / Radio Transcripts:

All Celtic and French language Screen entries (except for Children’s Programmes) MUST be subtitled in English. 

Audio transcripts into English of Celtic and French language Sound programmes must be submitted within 10 days of notification of a nomination. The festival requests the first 5 minutes and the final 3 minutes are transcribed into English including timecodes and for the rest of the programme to be summarised. This is the minimum required however it is highly recommended to provide the jury with a full programme transcript in English.

Please note entries not complying with this rule will be disqualified.

Each entry must have been paid for online. The CMF entry fee covers administration costs relating to cataloguing and reviewing each work and entitles the entrant to complementary inclusion of their film/programme in the CMF DVD and audio library regardless of whether the entry is selected for the Festival competition. Only entries accompanied by an entry fee will be considered.

If an entry does not comply with entry rules, or if it is deemed ineligible for any other reason, then it will be disqualified.  The Festival regrets that entry fees will not be refunded for disqualified entries.

Screen

National juries in Scotland, Ireland and Wales will the best films and programmes from national entries. At least 1/3 of these productions must be wholly or partly in a Celtic language.

National Screen Juries will follow these guidelines:

• Each jury will comprise at least three members excluding the Chair person.
• A member of the Celtic Media Festival Board of Directors will chair each national jury if possible.
• Wherever possible each national jury will include a serving or former member of the Celtic Media Festival Board of Directors from one of the other member nations/regions.
• Any jury member directly connected with the production of an entry is precluded from viewing and adjudication of that entry.

SOUND

National Sound juries in Scotland, Ireland and Wales will select the best sound/audio programmes from across the following categories: Documentary, Comedy, Drama, Entertainment, Sports and Music Programme (Live); and a further one from the Presenter of the Year - Sound category. Where possible. at least 1/3 of these productions must be wholly or partly in a Celtic language. Radio Station of the Year nominees and winner will be chosen by the International Sound Jury.

National Sound Juries will follow these guidelines:

• Sound juries will be made up of no less than three members.

• Jury members must be competent in the relevant Celtic language.

• Any jury member directly connected with the production of an entry is precluded from listening and adjudication of that entry.

Regional

In Cornwall, Brittany, Isle of Man and Galicia, there will be one jury of 3 people deciding on both the screen and the sound entries. If there are two or less entries in a category, jurors must confirm whether or not each entry is of a suitable standard to go on and be judged by the international jury. One of the shortlisted entries must be wholly or partly in a Celtic language, where possible.

CONFIRMATION OF ENTRIES NOMINATED will be made by Spring 2026.

6. INTERNATIONAL JURIES

The international juries for Sound and Screen review national/regional nominees in advance of the Festival.  They will watch and listen to every production and will make the final selections for each of the Torc Awards.

Torc Awards for Excellence: This will be presented to the best production in each of the festival categories in Sound and Screen: 
SCREEN: Animation; Arts; Children’s Programme; Comedy; Current Affairs; Drama Series; Entertainment; Factual Entertainment; Factual Series; Feature Documentary; History; Live Event; Short Drama (Up to 30 Mins); Short Form; Single Documentary; Single Drama (Over 30 Mins) and Sports Documentary, Presenter of the Year - Screen
SOUND: Comedy; Documentary; Entertainment; Factual Series, History, Music Programme; Presenter of the Year - Sound; Radio Station of the Year and Sports Programme.

Spirit of the Festival Award:  The Gold Torc will be presented to a screen wholly or substantially in a Celtic language.  It is the only award reserved to promote Celtic languages on film and television.

Certificate:  Winner/Nominee certificates can be ordered through the Festival Office.

• To withhold any award if submissions are not considered to be of suitably high standard.
• Not to select the full number of entries permitted at nomination stage at the National Jury

All entries must be in the following format:

Full Video Programme: mp4 or mov

Full Audio Programme: mp3

Video Clip: mp4 or mov

Audio Clip: mp3 or wav

Image: jpg or png

An image representing the production (stills, company logo etc) MUST be provided on when entering.

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 px
Landscape
File Format: Jpg or PNG
Image examples: Production Still, Presenter Headshot (Landscape), Promo image,

All materials submitted for selection shall be retained for broadcast for the duration of the Festival. 

By submitting an entry to the Celtic Media Festival (the "Festival"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

1. Eligibility

• Entrants must be a person, station, or entity with the legal right and authority to submit the entry.
• All entries must be original works created by or for the entrant.
• By submitting an entry, you confirm that you have the full legal right to do so and that your entry does not infringe upon the rights of any third party.

2. Entry Requirements and Categories

• Entries must be submitted in the specified format (video, audio, etc.) and adhere to all technical requirements outlined in the entry guidelines.
• All content within the entry must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to those concerning copyright and intellectual property.
• Entries must not contain any material that is defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.
• You are solely responsible for selecting the appropriate category for your entry. The Festival staff and jury are not permitted to change the selected category.
• Entries may be submitted into more than one category, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each.

3. Piracy and Copyright

• You must be the sole owner of all intellectual property rights, including copyright, in the submitted entry, or you must have obtained all necessary licences and permissions from the rightful owners.
• By entering, you warrant that your entry does not violate any piracy regulations or infringe on the copyrights of any third party.
• Any unauthorised use of copyrighted material may result in disqualification and legal action.
• Filling in the entry form confirms that you own the production or are authorised by the owner to submit the entry under the conditions specified in the CMF Entry Rules and Guidelines. The entrant is therefore entitled to grant CMF the rights described below.

4. Conflicts of Interest and Disrepute

• Entrants must declare any potential conflicts of interest with the Festival organisers, judges, or sponsors. This includes, but is not limited to, any personal or professional relationships that could be perceived as influencing the judging process.
• In submitting this entry, you confirm there is nothing relating to the programme or about anything or anyone involved in its production or distribution which, if it came into the public domain, could, if the programme or anyone involved with it were to be nominated for an award, be likely to bring the Celtic Media Festival into disrepute.
• In the event that the Celtic Media Festival is made aware of information relating to the programme or about anything or anyone involved in its production or distribution which is capable of bringing the Celtic Media Festival into disrepute, the Festival shall, in its absolute discretion, be entitled to suspend or rescind any nomination or award, or impose such other conditions as it considers reasonable in the circumstances.

5. Rights and Usage

• By submitting an entry, you grant the Festival organisers a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use your programme for jury judging purposes, to be viewed behind a security wall. You also grant the Celtic Media Festival permission to use approved clips for promotional purposes.
• This may include, but is not limited to, broadcasting clips of the entry on television, radio, and online platforms, as well as using stills or audio snippets in promotional materials.
• You retain all ownership rights to your work.

6. Disqualification

• The Festival organisers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these Terms and Conditions.
• Disqualification may also occur if an entry is found to have been submitted under false pretences or if the entrant is found to have engaged in any fraudulent activity.

7. General

• The interpretation and implementation of these rules and procedures shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Celtic Media Festival.
• These Terms and Conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
• The decisions of the Festival jury are final.
• The juries also reserve the right to withhold any award if submissions are not considered to be of a suitably high standard.
• The festival does not issue refunds if the entrant chooses to retract their entry
• The Festival organisers are not responsible for any technical issues that may prevent an entry from being submitted.
• By entering the Festival, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival organisers, sponsors, and judges from any and all claims, damages, or liabilities arising from your entry.

By proceeding with your entry, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY 12PM, THURSDAY 6th of NOVEMBER 2025.

12. CONTACT

Queries regarding the competition should be made to:

Catriona Logan - Festival Director
catriona@celticmediafestival.co.uk
+44 (0)141 406 4570

Naomi Henry-Wright - Festival Manager
naomi@celticmediafestival.co.uk
+44 (0)141 406 4570

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