Sacramento International Film Festival

The following guidelines govern submissions for the Sacramento International Film Festival. For more information, call 916-524-5138. Please read these guidelines carefully and follow all directions for submission.

General guidelines for all films: READ CAREFULLY

NOTE: Only films that have NOT previously played in Sacramento via TV, Cinema or the internet will be accepted for general entry. Films with ANY form of distribution in the Sacramento region prior to the fest are disqualified. This INCLUDES Cast and Crew screenings. The Festival does reserve the right to periodically make exceptions for "RETROSPECTIVE" screenings. That said, any form of distribution in Sacramento prior to the fest are generally considered disqualified.

1) Types and Categories of Entry:
There are three main "Types" of entry for this festival, short-form (under 20 minutes total running time), long-form (20 minutes to an hour total running time), and features, (over one hour total running time), plus special Showcases. The categories are listed below. If you are from Northern California or your film was shot here, it is ALWAYS preferable to submit under the "Nor Call All-Stars" category, regardless of running time as we give much deference to locals.

Please make certain that you have specified which genre(s) your film falls under. A genre helps our judges to identify the film's content. All styles of film will be accepted for review.

2) Eligibility Requirements:
Only films that have NOT previously played in the Sacramento region are eligible for entry. This includes private screenings, physical media, TV or online distribution of any kind. Employees, volunteers, interns and board members are prohibited from entering. By acceptance of these rules and submission to our festival, the entrant certifies that he/she has sole legal authority to enter into this agreement.

3) Format Requirements:
Please submit a preview copy of your film via the FilmFreeway or another listed online submission engine. Sound must be 2 channel mono or stereo, 48 hz 16 bit. If accepted, you will be contacted to provide a final screening copy. All final exhibition prints must be submitted on one of the following formats: HD online copy (password-protected Vimeo or Google Docs), 1080p. No other formats will be accepted for screening prints.

4) Disclaimer:
The festival holds no responsibility for lost media or promotional items.

5) Awards: Awards and acknowledgments for best International film, best short, best local short, and the "Visionary spirit" best overall film will be awarded at the festival.

6) By submitting your film you agree that you have the sole legal authority to enter into this agreement. Further, you authorize the Sacramento International Film Festival, The California Film Foundation, and/or their designees to exhibit your film's content (in part or whole), without restriction via Theatrical, Digital Media, TV, Radio and/or other means.