The serene arc of California's central coast unifies stunning beaches, majestic mountains, lush vineyards, and elevated neighborhoods, encompassing a variety of diverse communities. In this picturesque region, the meeting point of the sea and the mountains creates a seamless blend, while the radiant sun casts a golden glow, and the valleys burst with a vibrant array of colors. Within this setting, we are a group of filmmakers working together to empower and uplift the filmmaking community.

Students are invited to submit short films for the 3rd Annual Montecito Student Film Festival on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Westmont College in Montecito, California.

The festival's CALL FOR ENTRIES will remain open until midnight on February 27, 2024!

Filmmakers were invited to screen at the Montecito Student Film Festival, exhibiting their films designated as “Best of Show,” where student filmmakers can network and engage with industry professionals from Hollywood.

Prizes include:
Audience Award
Critics Choice Award
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Screenplay
Best International Film

Entrants must be currently or previously enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in a school located in the USA. A significant crew member must have been enrolled in a college or university when the film was made. The festival welcomes work in animation, live-action, documentary, music video, and experimental forms.
-Students with prior enrollment must have made the film while they were in undergraduate studies- Films must have been produced within the last two years.

- Films must NOT be more than 30 minutes in length.
- Foreign language films must be subtitled in English.
- Submitted films must be headed and followed by an appropriate amount of black screen (at least 5 seconds).
- Filmmakers may submit a maximum of two film entries.
- Each film entry must include a completed entry form, film synopsis, cast/crew list and 1-3 digital stills to be considered. This includes Key Art and Key Images.
- Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
- Filmmakers must be able to attend the Q & A on Saturday, March 22, 2025

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I had such a wonderful time at the Montecito Student Film Festival. Thank you to Wendy Eley Jackson and her team for bringing in seasoned industry professionals to speak with us and for showcasing a wide range of inspiring short films. I am honored to have been a part of it. Looking forward to the continued success of the festival in year three and beyond!

    March 2024
  • It was a great honor to be a part of this festival. Amazing films, great location, high-profile roundtables, and a very personable/supportive staff! You can tell they care a lot about what they're doing and there are lots of connections to be made. A wonderful festival all around!

    March 2024