SANTA BARBARA INDIE FILM FESTIVAL

A Festival to celebrate the art of Independent & Youth (18 and under) filmmakers.

Join us for our 3rd edition in sunny Santa Barbara, CA! We’ve expanded our categories to spotlight more short film genres and local area talent, while staying true to our mission: amplifying stories from Indie filmmakers of all ages.

WHY SUBMIT?
IMDb-Listed Festival → Winners can add their official selection/award to IMDb.
Dedicated Youth Category → Filmmakers 18 & under showing their work to the world!
Local Filmmaker Focus → New categories for Santa Barbara area filmmakers.
Great Networking → Connect with others at our filmmaker after-parties.
Scenic Screening Venues → Films showcased in Santa Barbara’s historic Alhecama theater. An intimate and hidden gem.

* The applicants (submitters) must accept the Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest rules, terms & conditions below.

* This film festival is open to all domestic and international filmmakers. Foreign language films must have subtitles to be considered. Submitted films should be completed in the last 2 years.

* Not all submissions are selected to be screened at the festival. The SB Indie Film Fest is a competitive showcase for domestic and international feature films and short films. The SB Indie Film Fest reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers will be given about not selected films. Priority will be given to films that will premiere at the Santa Barbara Indie Film Festival.

* Youth filmmakers must be in Highschool or 18 or under when movie was made or produced. The Director, Cinematographer / DP, Animator / Graphic Artist, Writer and Editor all must be 18 or under as well (no adults in principle positions).

*Local filmmakers should be residents of Santa Barbara County. If the submitter is not a resident of SB County, the film will be re-assigned to the appropriate short film category.

* In order to submit a film, you must own the rights of original art, music or otherwise have permission from the owner.

* All fees are non-refundable.

*The Festival relationship will exclusively be related to the film submitter and the festival.

* A DCP or other digital variation of the film is required if the filmmaker is an official selection to the festival.

* By submitting your movie, you authorize Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest to use, distribute and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills in our social media and website.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great festival! Dave the festival director is a filmmaker himself and puts a lot of care into the proceedings. We had a fun screening and ended up with a really nice award for Best Local Filmmaker. Love the emphasis on local films, and it's one of the best times of year to be in Santa Barbara. Looking forward to watching this one grow, we'll definitely be back

    March 2025
  • Jack Hinz

    This is such a lovely festival with a brilliant support of young filmmakers. I am so grateful to receive an Award of Excellence for my documentary, Foundation. Cheers

    November 2024
  • Cathy Karol-Crowther

    I loved the festival. The Director is wonderful awarding and recognizing Indie film in Santa Barbara that is so dominated by the bigger film festivals. I loved the Venue too, in the Historic El Presidio area. Kudos!

    October 2024
  • Thanks to everyone at Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest for including, my screenplay, “Two Kinds of People.”
    It’s a great festival and I appreciate their good work!

    July 2024
  • Thank you so much, Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest, for awarding Baby Mine with Best Short Script for Spring 2024! I appreciate the acknowledgement and look forward to attending in October.

    June 2024