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.

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  • Wendy J. White

    Fantastic festival!! Our entire "Roses are Blind" movie team are so grateful to win "Best Thriller Short" from Big Sur Film Festival! Thank you for all your support to the arts!! We have lift-off!

    November 2021
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  • Stuart Trautenberg

    THANK YOU Big Sur Film Festival for our official selection into your esteemed event. The LA Mouche team was thrilled to be recognized for our hard work through the pandemic. We were excited to see you selection and enjoyed our participation immensely. Thank you so much! S.A Trautenberg-Director/Producer of "La Mouche"

    October 2021
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  • Damien Donnelly

    Fantastic Festival ! Onwards and upwards ......

    October 2021
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  • Katsuhide Yamago

    Thank you for selection. I am honored to have many people see my film.

    October 2021
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  • Thai Edwards

    It was our honor, thank you for your consideration, nominations, and awards this is something we'll all remember we are all very grateful. - Executives, Cast & Crew of THE ICE CREAM STOP

    October 2021
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