straight 8's fighting talk

straight 8. You know the score... One roll of Super 8, no retakes, no edits - just pure, in-camera storytelling.

This year's shootout is already filling up with bold ideas, brave filmmakers and the familiar buzz of creative chaos, but there are a handful of places still up for grabs. 

In an effort to give brave wannabes an indication of what they're up against, we spoke to the companies and individuals already signed up to get an eight-word flavour of their fighting style.

Scuare (Vilnius, Lithuania)

First entered: 2025 (director previously took part for another company)
Number of wins: None

new—land (London, UK)

First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None

Fighting talk: "No ordinary feast — Straight ate."

Day One Agency (New York, USA)

First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None

Directors Guild (Helsinki, Finland)

First entered: 2019
Number of wins: 1 Gold (2019)
Fighting talk: "Excited to return, push boundaries, embrace creative risk."

Above: Directors Guild actor Petter Kevin is ready for a cinematic fight.

Ricswrld Studios (London, UK)

First entered: 2025 (also entered straight 8 2025)
Number of wins: None

Mr+Positive (Tokyo, Japan)

First entered: 2020 (4 previous entries)
Number of wins: 1 Bronze, 1 Audience Award
Fighting talk: "Tokyo’s 2025 entry is going to Positively slay!"

Siren Music (London, UK)

First entered: 2022
Number of wins: 1 Silver (with Factory)
Fighting talk: "We have a thirst for our peer's blood."

Drool (London, UK)

First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None

Dept Agency (London, UK)

First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None