Golden Gate International Film Festival (GGIFF) is supported by AMC Independent and NBC Bay area. GGIFF, powered by Net Effect Media Inc. is dedicated to all talented content creators world-wide, who have an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent.

Nov 5-7, 2021 - Screenings of the nominated filed will be held at the AMC theater during the first 3 days of the festival. The in-theater screenings would include Q&A sessions, after each slot and a red carpet Award Ceremony/Dinner at 7:30pm on Nov 7,2021.

Nov 8-14, 2021 - Screenings of the nominated films, will then move to online streaming (optional) for the rest of the festival dates. The online screenings would be a video-on-demand feature available for streaming for all 7 days.

Submitters can opt out of the online streaming, if they prefer in-theater screening only. You don't have to decide now, you can change or decide your preference on or before the FINAL submission deadline of entries, closer to the festival dates in 2021.

While we hope that the pandemic will not deprive all of us of the AMC big screen and the red carpet experience, but they will be subject to and in line with the guidelines laid out by the authorities, applicable during the scheduled dates of the event. This may include transforming the entire festival to be virtual with online screenings, Q&A sessions, & Award Ceremony.

*New* GGIFF 2021 is introducing a new option "Assured Screening". What is Assured Screening? Assured screening guarantees your submission a screening irrespective of your film being selected or nominated. If you want to opt for "Assured Screening", please select the "Assured Screening" option in the category of your film, at the time of submission. If you opt for a regular submission., then please select the regular submission option in the category of your film.

GGIFF congratulates all the nominees and winners of 2020 listed on: www.goldengateinternationalfilmfestival.com

Net Effect Media, Inc., a film distribution company, has distributed and marketed over 250 films in Theaters, Home Video, TV, PPV, VOD and streaming over the past 20 years.

The festival jury comprises of executives from distribution companies with a singular focus; We are looking for that next diamond in the rough, the next Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch or My Big Fat Greek Wedding! GGIFF is committed to providing opportunities to all content creators from around the world and to introduce their work to the broadest possible audience.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film
Best Actor (Male)
Best Actor (Female)
Best Director
Best Horror / Sci-Fi
Best Thriller/Action
Best Animation
Best Foreign Film
Best LGBT
Best Student Film
Best Music Video
Best Documentary Film
Best Documentary (Short)
Best Short Film
Best Travel Documentary
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Visual Effects
Best Original Music Score
Best Screenplay
Jury Awards

Rules & Terms

Entries must be no more than five years, since produced.
All entries must be sent online only and password protected is preferred but not mandatory. The online link must be marked with Film Title, Submission category and phone number. Your phone number and email is where we contact you, whenever necessary.
Non-English submissions must be either subtitled or dubbed. Translated dialogues on a separate sheet or any other format will not be accepted.
The entry fee is per submission.
On selection of your film for the Festival, you will be required to submit a non-returnable Blue-Ray DVD or DCP.
Please waive the signature requirement when shipping the Blue-Ray copy to us.
Submitted entries/media will not be returned.
By submitting your film, you are hereby granting GGIFF the right to utilize any excerpt from the submission and acceptance for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
Any individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to submit the film for screening, understands and accepts the regulations and requirements .
GGIFF and/or NEM reserve the right to refuse or reject entries at any stage during the festival, without giving any reason.
On submission, the undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless, GGIFF and/or NEM from and against any or all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tiny Little Shorts

    We were thrilled and honored to be selected, let alone win for Jury Award for best short. This was our first time on this festival. Usually this festivals is hosted at a nearby AMC theaters but in times like these it was hosted online and in-spite of unknowns and technical challenges, the organizers at Golden Gate did a fantastic job keeping everyone informed, making multiple personal calls to filmmakers to make sure they have what they need.
    This is an Excellent festival, enjoyed the Q&A and the all the film screenings were very well organized. Loved watching many films, every film in this festival was top notch and professionally created.
    Two thumps high and up!!

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Surender!
    The jury unanimously picked THE ROOM WITH A VIEW as the front runner in the short film category. Well done, you & the team at Tiny Little Shorts certainly deserve this. We look forward to your future film/s.

  • Mark Rose

    Golden Gate could not have done it better! Great connections, communications and passion to help us move forward with our project - Alaska Long Hunters, soon to be a feature! Thank you Golden Gate team! - Mark Rose

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Mark!
    ALASKA LONG HUNTERS will make a terrific feature and we look forward to the honor of representing your film again.

  • Oliver Anderson

    Every film in this festival was top shelf. It was an honor to be selected let alone win for Best Visual Effects for BUNKERS. It was an amazing experience getting to virtually meet some big time players, have that face to face to ask questions, and gain exceptional insight to industry knowledge. I can't wait to submit my next one because there is a ton of value in the Golden Gate International Film Festival. Kapil is awesome!

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Oliver & the team at "BUNKERS". Your film certainly deserved the Award, & the decision was unanimous:)
    Looking forward to your next film/s.

  • Martin Lloyd

    Excellent festival, enjoyed the Q&A and the screenings were well organized. They also communicate very well and show great appreciation for your work.
    In recent times like these, their attempt at an exclusively online/virtual event was very well thought-out and I look forward to one day being there in person in the years to come.

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Martin & the entire team of "Housewarming! It was an honor to represent your film and we look forward to your future films as well.

  • Brock Burnett

    GGIFF and Net Effect ran a fantastic festival due to the circumstances. Their biggest asset was communication with us along every segment. Thanks again for the Best Thriller award and we look forward to next year!
    "A film is not a project, it's a puzzle and everyone is a piece." -- Brock Burnett

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Brock and the amazing cast/crew of LIT. We were honored to represent your film and look forward to your next film.