)
Yarns returns for 2026 with new brief: Nostalgia
)
The 2025 brief Disinfo saw a record number of submissions and an exceptional calibre of work, reinforcing Yarns as a platform for bold, original storytelling.
Homespun has announced the return of its short film competition Yarns, continuing its mission to spotlight and support emerging unsigned filmmaking talent across the UK.
For 2026, the competition returns with a new brief: Nostalgia, inviting filmmakers to explore our relationship with the past and how it shapes the stories we tell today. As the future feels increasingly uncertain, we find ourselves drawn to the familiarity of what’s come before; old passions, old memories, old ideas… old socks. From fashion revivals to rockstar reunions, the further we move forward, the more we seem to look back.
Entrants are invited to respond to the brief with a short treatment and script for an original film idea, up to five minutes in length. Three selected filmmakers will each receive £2,000 in funding, mentorship, and full post-production support from Homespun, Sine Audio Post, Freefolk, No.8, and 1920 vfx.
They will also have the option to shoot on 16mm film provided by competition sponsor Kodak, and their films will be entered into the Kinsale Sharks Short Film Awards. This year’s competition is presented in association with Park Pictures, CANADA, and Sine Audio Post.
Credits
powered byClankers director Naomi Pallas, one of last year’s winners, said: “The best thing about Yarns was the support from beginning to end. Everyone at Yarns and all the partners were so enthusiastic and generous with their time.”
Leo King, editor and owner of Homespun, said: “Yarns has always been about giving new voices space to explore big ideas. Nostalgia is a simple idea on the surface, but it can go in so many directions. We’re excited to see what filmmakers do with it.”
Submissions are open until 11:59pm on May 21st. Entries should include a script and treatment. The three selected filmmakers will be announced in June following judging by the Yarns team, with the completed films premiering at Curzon Soho in November.
You can read the full brief at yarnsfilm.co.uk
