🎬 Santa Clarita International Film Festival (SCIFF)
Official Submission & Exhibition Rules (2025–2026)
Thank you for your interest in submitting your film to the **Santa Clarita International Film Festival (SCIFF)**. Please review the guidelines below carefully before entering. These policies ensure a fair, professional, and transparent experience for all filmmakers.
***IMPORTANT - YOU MUST HAVE A DCP IN ORDER TO SCREEN AT SCIFF. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DCP YOU MUST BE WILLING TO INCUR THE COST TO MAKE A DCP. DO NOT SUBMIT IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DO SO. SUBMITTING AND THEN PULLING OUT OF THE FESTIVAL AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TAKES AWAY THAT SPOT FROM ANOTHER FILMMAKER***
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# 1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
### Completion Date
* Films must be completed in **2024, 2025 or 2026**.
* Works-in-progress are **not accepted**.
### Generative AI Policy
* **Films created using generative AI are not eligible.**
* Films containing generative AI–generated visuals, scripts, performances, voice cloning, or other AI-generated creative elements are **not permitted**.
* All creative work must be human-created.
### Content Standards
SCIFF celebrates diverse storytelling and will not accept films that:
* Promote or advocate hate, harassment, or discrimination
* Incite violence against individuals or groups
* Target protected groups based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or similar characteristics
SCIFF reserves the right to reject any submission that does not align with the festival’s mission and community standards.
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# 2. RUNTIME & CATEGORIES
### Runtime Definitions
* **Short Films:** 40 minutes or less
* **Feature Films:** 80 minutes or longer
* **Micro Shorts:** 5 minutes or less
Films outside these runtime requirements or submitted to incorrect categories will not be considered.
### Current Categories
**Narrative**
* Narrative Feature (80+ minutes)
* Narrative Short (40 minutes or less)
**Documentary**
* Documentary Feature (80+ minutes)
* Documentary Short (40 minutes or less)
**Animation**
* Animation Feature (80+ minutes)
* Animation Short (40 minutes or less)
**International**
* Foreign Feature (80+ minutes)
* Foreign Short (40 minutes or less)
**Micro Shorts**
* 5 minutes or less (all genres)
Only one title may be submitted per entry form.
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# 3. SUBMISSION FORMAT & MATERIALS
### Required Submission Format
* Digital **.MP4 file only**
* No YouTube, Vimeo, or streaming links
* No DVDs unless specifically requested
### Required Press Materials
Each submission must include:
* At least **one high-resolution still image** (1920×1080 or 1280×720)
* Full list of filmmakers, cast, and key department heads
* A synopsis (maximum 250 words)
* Genre selections that accurately reflect the film
Accurate genre selection helps ensure proper programming and audience placement.
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# 4. SCREENING & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (IF SELECTED)
### DCP Requirement
All selected films **must provide a DCP** for exhibition due to theater projection specifications.
* **Short films:** 24fps DCP required
* **Feature films:** 24fps or 25fps DCP accepted
SCIFF partners with Simple DCP, which offers discounted services for selected filmmakers.
### DCP Delivery Deadline
* Selected filmmakers will have **2–3 weeks** to deliver their DCP.
* Failure to deliver by the deadline may result in removal from the schedule and replacement in the program.
All DCP creation costs are the responsibility of the filmmaker.
Films will be screened **onsite only** in official SCIFF venues.
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# 5. FEES & PAYMENT
* Submission fees are **non-refundable**
* SCIFF does **not** pay screening fees
* Payment must be made via credit card or electronic transfer
* Personal checks, international checks, money orders, and wire transfers are not accepted
Submission does not guarantee selection or awards.
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# 6. DISQUALIFICATION
A film may be disqualified without refund for:
* Failure to meet runtime requirements
* Submission to an incorrect category
* Failure to provide a required DCP if selected
* Late DCP delivery
* Inclusion or use of generative AI
* Submission of a work-in-progress
* Incomplete submission materials
* Violation of content or hate speech policies
* Failure to follow submission instructions
SCIFF’s decisions regarding eligibility and disqualification are final.
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# 7. ACCEPTANCE AGREEMENT
By submitting a film, the submitter confirms:
* They hold all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances
* They have read and agree to all festival rules
* If selected, they will comply with DCP and exhibition requirements
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
By submitting, filmmakers grant SCIFF a **non-exclusive, royalty-free license** to:
* Screen the film during the festival
* Use the film’s title, stills, trailer clips, and excerpts for festival promotional purposes only
Submission does not transfer ownership.
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# 8. LEGAL TERMS
* SCIFF is not responsible for copyright infringement claims or IP disputes.
* Submitters agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCIFF, its staff, volunteers, venues, partners, and affiliates from claims arising from participation.
* SCIFF reserves the right to modify programming, schedules, or venues as necessary.
* SCIFF is not liable for delays caused by force majeure events (acts of God, government action, natural disasters, etc.).
These rules are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of Los Angeles County, California courts.
SCIFF shall not be liable for punitive, incidental, or consequential damages beyond actual submission expenses.
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# 🎥 Final Note
We appreciate your creativity, professionalism, and trust in submitting your work. We look forward to discovering powerful, original storytelling and celebrating filmmakers at SCIFF.
See you at the festival!
