Code of Conduct
Festival Code of Conduct
(Updated: June 2025)
London Short Film Festival (LSFF) celebrates bold voices, diverse perspectives and inclusive filmmaking that challenges, inspires and reflects the world we live in. Through our programme and our partnerships, we seek to platform underrepresented voices, break down industry barriers and create welcoming spaces for artistic exchange, dialogue and discovery.
To uphold these values, we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct is in place to ensure that everyone attending LSFF events has a positive experience and that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
This policy applies to all those who attend or participate in LSFF activities, including filmmakers, speakers, artists, jury members, industry guests, partners, collaborators, volunteers, audiences and venue staff. It covers in-person and online events, including screenings, talks, workshops, networking spaces and digital sessions.
Expected behaviour
By attending or participating in LSFF, all guests agree to:
Treat others with respect and dignity at all times.
Engage in constructive, considerate and inclusive communication.
Refrain from discriminatory, abusive or intimidating behaviour.
Respect individual boundaries and personal space.
Follow all access protocols, venue rules and instructions from LSFF staff, volunteers and venue personnel.
LSFF reserves the right to deny access to or remove any individual from screenings and events if they breach these standards, without refund. In serious cases, we may involve venue security or local authorities.
Unacceptable behaviour
Examples of behaviours that are not tolerated at LSFF events include, but are not limited to:
Acts of violence or threats of violence.
Verbal abuse, slurs, threats or hate speech.
Harassment, including unwanted physical contact or sexual attention.
Harassing photography or recording.
Cyber-harassment, online bullying or trolling on LSFF platforms or related channels.
Deliberate misgendering or denial of identity.
Disruption of screenings, talks or events in a way that harms others.
Sustained microaggressions or exclusionary behaviour.
All incidents will be considered in context and handled in accordance with our responsibility to provide a safe environment for all.
Reporting an incident
If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy, we encourage you to report it. You can do so by:
Speaking to a member of LSFF team, venue staff or a volunteer at the event.
Emailing a confidential report to: info@shortfilms.org.uk.
You are welcome to report anonymously, although this may limit our ability to act. All reports will be handled sensitively and in confidence. We will not escalate anything without your consent unless required to by law.
Where appropriate, actions may include:
A verbal or written warning.
Removal from current or future events without refund.
Escalation to venue security or authorities.
Violations of the law will be referred to local law enforcement. For urgent police assistance in the UK, call 999. For non-emergency matters, call 101.
Support and resources
If you need additional support, you can contact the following organisations for independent advice or assistance:
The Film and TV Charity - 24/7 support line: 0800 054 0000 | www.filmtvcharity.org.uk
Stop Hate UK - 24/7 helpline for hate crimes: 0800 138 1625 | www.stophateuk.org
Rape Crisis England & Wales - 24/7 helpline: 0808 500 2222 | www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Galop (LGBT+ Anti-violence charity) - Helpline: 0800 999 5428 | www.galop.org.uk
Samaritans - 24/7 mental health support: 116 123 | www.samaritans.org
Victim Support - 24/7 support line: 0808 168 9111 | www.victimsupport.org.uk
Citizens Advice - General support and legal guidance: 0800 144 8848 | www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Our commitment
LSFF is committed to continuous reflection and development of our practices to ensure our festival is safe, accessible and inclusive. We welcome feedback on this policy or our approach to care and access. Please email info@shortfilms.org.uk.
This policy is reviewed annually in advance of each festival edition.