NSFF Winning Films 2026

Napier Student Film Festival 2026 Winners Announced

The third edition of the Napier Student Film Festival (NSFF) concluded on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, bringing students, filmmakers, and industry professionals together in Edinburgh to recognise emerging talent in student cinema.

Founded at Edinburgh Napier University, this year's festival received over 168 submissions from nearly 90 countries, with 17 films chosen for the official selection alongside two special screenings from Film Academy Edinburgh.

Audiences attended a varied programme that included the International Showcase, Scottish Night, an Industry Conversation, and a High School Film Showcase featuring work from Firrhill and Boroughmuir High Schools in Edinburgh.

The festival closed with an awards ceremony recognising excellence across animation, Scottish filmmaking, international cinema and narrative storytelling, alongside the winner of the High School Film Challenge.

THE WINNERS

Best Animation Film
“Well Wishes” – Directed by Anna Wilkinson and Lilly Hammond
Ringling College of Art and Design, USA.

Best Scottish Film
“The Bet” – Directed by Jack Patterson
SAE Institute Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

Best International Film
“Prayer” – Directed by Sofia Geweiler
Universidade Lusófona, Portugal.

Best Narrative Film
Sestra – Directed by Lara Maria Kuppel
MetFilm School, England, UK.

High School Film Challenge Winner
The Super Squad
Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh.

With its third edition successfully concluded, NSFF reaffirms its commitment to championing emerging voices, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration and providing a platform for the next generation of filmmakers.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners, selected filmmakers, and everyone who submitted their work. Thank you for sharing your stories with the Edinburgh student community - we look forward to welcoming you back for the next edition!