July 31, 2026 Earlybird
October 30, 2026 Regular
February 11, 2027 Notification Date
April 29 – May 2, 2027 Event Date

"I think I caught a glimpse of something invaluable that weekend at Alchemy: that another world is possible, in some ways already here and being imagined, and that together, we can and must bring it to life." —LITTLE WHITE LIES

"Alchemy's many, varied offerings felt remarkably cohesive thanks to the thematic threads running through the programme; it managed to bring the past into conversation with the present while foregrounding the importance of discovery and discussion. This, surely, is what film festivals are all about." —SIGHT AND SOUND

"Amid the array of films, what struck me most was the compassion and care evident in the design and delivery of the festival... Alchemy does well to evade the stereotypical snobbery of the film scene. It also offers a varied and exciting programme that thinks deeply and critically about the world — a concern limited not just to the subjects of the films, but one that extends to those attending and to the festival's neighbours." —ART MONTHLY

"The festival continues to be a partisan intervention... To attend Alchemy is to be immersed in ways of seeing that unmake hegemonic truth and power – and to be urgently reacquainted with the necessary imagination and sense of possibility we need to think our way out of the mess." —THE SKINNY

"A communitarian gathering that captures the best of what festivals can offer" —SIGHT AND SOUND

"All films were captioned, and many had audio descriptions too, demonstrating that the festival team's verbal commitments to questions of access and the democratisation of experimental film are not merely theoretical." —ART MONTHLY

—

Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival is the UK’s festival of experimental film and artists' moving image, taking place each spring in the Scottish Borders.

Across an international programme of cinema screenings, live performances, moving-image exhibitions and new commissions, the festival is known for the openness, solidarity, humour and non-competitive nature with which it is delivered.

Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival is the flagship event of Alchemy Film & Arts, an organisation that works year-round with communities and artists both locally and internationally, using film as a way to come together, have conversations and strengthen community. We strive to create spaces in which collective expression, creative learning and critical thinking can take place.

—

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT US:

"A film festival unlike any other in Scotland, with a distinctive focus on unusual, experimental filmmaking that blurs the boundary between cinema and visual arts."

"With their focus on community, education and inclusivity and their year-round events and programmes, Alchemy are showing how film festivals can be more than transitory parties for cinephiles and industry types. They’re building a lasting legacy for their community."

"We should not live in a world where Alchemy is one of the few outlying film festivals to stand vocally in solidarity with the Palestinian people and carve out space to celebrate Palestinian artists this year, but nevertheless, we do."

"A small but mighty, truly experimental and radical festival with an incredible programme and a ceilidh. A festival for filmmakers, I met some brilliant people there who I hope to keep in contact with long into the future."

"Experimentation is no more than a style if it doesn’t change the structures we participate in… If the current film industry specialises in the extraction and exploitation of human resources, then Alchemy is an exercise in radical imagination… A space of mutual aid, solidarity, a care network for both the people and the land…"

"It was really inspiring how you held the festival, the care and attention, and to see the way that relations are building in and around Alchemy in Hawick. I am already looking forward to next year!"

"Alchemy is a true flagship for inclusion."

"Really had a wonderful time screening with Alchemy! The communication was impeccable and it is clear they love filmmakers."

"Wonderful curation, beautiful festival, a dream for experimental filmmakers!"

"A truly wonderful film festival, run by people who are professional and passionate about experimental film. Both of these traits shine consistently through every step of the process."

"One of the best festivals out there."

“It is clearly impacting the community and nurturing creativity for all kinds of people be they from Hawick or international. I really can’t understate how brilliant a weekend it was.”

“Film festivals can sometimes feel airdropped into their surroundings. No such charge could be laid at the feet of Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival. With every edition, it feels more integrated with its community.”

“Something special is happening in Hawick, and these four joyous days were only the tip of the iceberg.”

Awards & Prizes
We are proudly non-competitive in nature. All selected artists are paid.

Rules & Terms
DEADLINES AND ENTRY FEES
We ask that filmmakers submit their work on a 'pay what you can afford' basis. We do not ask for proof of circumstances, but do ask that you are honest to allow us to keep fees as low as possible.

— Earlybird £18 / Regular £20: For those who are easily able to meet their basic needs and have expendable income.
— Earlybird £15 / Regular £17: For those who can usually meet their basic needs and have some expendable income.
— Earlybird £12 / Regular £14: For those who often struggle to meet their basic needs and do not have expendable income.

EXHIBITIONS
— If you are submitting a multi-channel installation, please give as much detail as possible, including documentation (if available) and essential needs in terms of space and tech. Alchemy will provide dedicated technical support during install and de-install.

PREMIERE STATUS
— We have no restrictions on the premiere status of a film, though prefer not to screen work that has already been widely shown in Scotland. We will also favour work completed after 1 January 2026.

SCREENING FEES
All selected artists are remunerated for their work.

FORMATS AND CAPTIONS
— We screen films from DCP in a DCI-compliant cinema auditorium, and can accept most other common digital formats.
— We commission and provide all films with descriptive subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing audiences (SDH), in the event descriptive subtitles are not already available.

SELECTION AND PRINT TRAFFIC
— All notifications of selection will be sent out in February 2027 if not before.
— Final screening copies should be received by us within 1 week of notification.
— In the case of digital files, we prefer to receive final screening copies electronically – i.e., via Dropbox, WeTransfer or download link.
— We hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to communication and the screening of your work; we test all digital files and work closely with our partners and screening venues to ensure your work is shown in the highest standard possible. For this reason, we ask that all selected films are transferred to us in advance of test screenings. So as not to impact other selected filmmakers, failure to meet these deadlines may result in your film being withdrawn from our programme.
— We take a great deal of care each year to curate a meaningful and critically engaging programme. Once a film is selected and invitation is accepted, a filmmaker may not withdraw their film from the programme, and we would appreciate it if you communicated any updates to us following your submission as to any other planned screenings.