The Big Sur Film Festival is a monthly online independent short film competition.
We are based in the beautiful artist community of Big Sur, California.

Our goal is to promote and showcase emerging filmmakers. We believe every story deserves to be told and we want to provide that opportunity.

Each month, our jury made up of local artists and filmmakers selects the winners through private screenings. Monthly winners will have the option to be featured on our official website/instagram (with filmmakers consent) and be qualified to participate in our live festival in the fall.

Awards & Prizes

The Big Sur Film Festival will award the best projects through private screenings each month.

Every submitter can enter multiple categories to increase their chances of receiving an award.

Every Official Selection will receive our Official Laurel.

All WINNERS will also have the option to purchase one of our beautiful Big Sur Film Festival trophies.

* PLEASE NOTE: The Best Indie Short category also acts as a qualifier for our yearly, in-person festival. Please add this category along with your other submissions if you would like to be considered.

Rules & Terms

Minimum runtime per film: None
Maximum runtime per film: 35 mins.
All foreign language submissions must be subtitled in English.
Films must be submitted via online screener ONLY through FilmFreeway.
Your film will be privately screened and evaluated by our team of filmmakers, artists, and producers, and is subject to multiple screenings based on how many categories you have entered.

34 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Jai Santiago

    Loved participating and being a part of this event. One of the more personal ones I’ve seen and experienced. Can’t wait to connect again with future projects!

    February 2024
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  • Katherine Myers

    My short was one of the selections in early 2023, and I subsequently got not information on whether it would be screened online or at the event, which I am not even sure happened. I emailed the festival 3 times, and also called 5 times the number on their website, with the last call ending with someone saying that they didn't have anything to do with any festival.

    January 2024
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  • Terry Podnar

    The festival was well-organized, and professionally done. Their trophy for winning is actually a beautiful piece of artwork. My only problem was the lack of communication. Even though my script, The Chance, was recognized as a Winner, which I was elated about, I did not receive any submission information regarding the following festivals. Also, on the website, the script award winners were not shown. However, an overall terrific experience. Keep up the great work!

    January 2024
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  • Leslie Brockett

    Wow. Such an honor to have won this festival. Thank you from the Danger team.

    December 2023
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  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival!

    December 2023
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