In SANTA BARBARA, CA,

This is the 8th season of the 3-Minute Film Festival. It is a boutique festival that screens December 2020..

It's all About the excellence of the number 3.

Original Score is a serious category, so don't forget to put that in your credits, if a composer wrote the music for your film -- Credit Original Score

3...THREE... is an Awesome Number! We live in the 3rd Dimension! Everyone loves a Major 3rd. The 3 Stooges were funny and all religions have something to do with 3, because --
It is all about three.

And, if your work is screened in Santa Barbara, it adds up to more clout!

Films must be no longer than 3 minutes, credits must not extend longer than 15 seconds after the film is finish, which must end by 0.03:00.

Five genres are accepted: Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental. And, once again, Original Music Scores are encouraged, and may with pre-arrangements and consent from the director, be performed live.

Selected films will have one screening during approximately a one hour film festival. There is a reception before screening and afterwards. Filmmakers who attend may be asked to introduce their films. Composers for original scores may also be asked to speak; and if they wish to play live music under the film -- they may do so. Again, just let the director know in advance so that we may check if we can accommodate a live performance.

Awards & Prizes

Laurels will be given for: Official Selection, Winner for Best Documentary, Best Narrative, Best Experimental, and Best Original Music Score. Other acknowledgments are Finalist. Student work mayl be judged with all others, including professionals. And, often times there is a Director's Choice award.

If you have a dance film, we will also be opening that category in 2020 through the International Fine Arts Film Festival.

Films will be judged by professionals in the fields of filmmaking, writing, reviewing, film curating, photography and music composition.

No financial awards, but winners get to come and see the festival for free in Santa Barbara, California, where you will meet other filmmakers ,and get the love, respect and encouragement you deserve.

Rules & Terms

All work must be easily accessed and downloaded, created within the last four years, which includes 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Some exceptions are made.
If not in English, then there must be English subtitles. All work must arrive at least 2 weeks prior to the festival in an MP4 format or movie file to download..

Four genres accepted: Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental.

Not accepted are: Political/Religious ads, gratuitous violence and abuse, or pornography.

If accepted, filmmakers are required to allow the festival to use trailers, clips and film information for promotions, including promoting original score music. Live music performances under films are acceptable, yet only with prior approval and arrangements with the festival director.

When entering this festival, we ask you to allow us to use your film in any Best of the Best re-runs of the festival seasons through out the life /seasons of the festival. All films chosen for any future screening will first have a notification to the filmmaker and/or the producer. No film will be screened after the festival in another venue unless the producer or filmmaker is notified and agrees to a future screening.
15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Derlis Alvarenga

    Great for meeting and greeting, I had a wonderful time watching the works of fellow filmmakers and animators while attending the festival in Santa Barbara.

    January 2019
    Helpful
  • Tyler Cole

    I was unable to attend this year, but so honored to be selected. The communication was also wonderful!! A+++

    August 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Tyler!

  • John Maslowski

    I really enjoyed this festival. Lynn is so nice. The screening was outdoors which in Santa Barbara is a beautiful thing.

    August 2018
    Helpful
  • Keith Cantrell

    Just now getting around to writing this 5-star review, but the 3 Minute Film Festival was so much fun!!! I had never been to Santa Barbara before, so I enjoyed taking a road trip up from Los Angeles when my short film Paddleball Hole screened at the festival. Definitely arrive early so you can explore the beautiful city. I met some wonderful filmmakers at this event, and the festival director Lynn is well-organized and keeps everything running smoothly. Would love to participate again in the future. Thanks for a wonderful festival!

    March 2018
    Helpful
  • Fredj Almokni

    A great film festival that promotes the art of short films very well.

    January 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank You! We feel film festivals are about the filmmakers. We love films!