The Saint Augustine Film Festival takes place in the heart of St Augustine, the nation's oldest city (est 1565). All venues are within a 5 minute walk in one of America's most beautiful cities. As the event takes place in January, it is right during 'Nights of Lights' when the City is festooned with over 5 million lights - a winter wonderland.

Although we have a great party nightly + an evening cruise to view the harbor lights, our audience really attends the films. The films and meeting the filmmakers take the top two priorities.

We have had many motion picture industry leaders as guests including Karen Allen (3x), Talia Shire, Kier Dullea, Giancarlo Esposito, Mary Stuart Masterson, Melora Hardin, Pamela Poitier, Gil Bellows - plus over 100 indie filmmakers each year.

SAFF also brings in many of the filmmakers, providing air, lodging and ground transportation. Each selected feature gets two filmmakers badges and each short gets one. The badge provides entry to all films and parties during the filmmaker's stay.

The filmmaker is invited to intro the film plus lead Q&A following the screening.

Awards & Prizes

Beginning in 2025, there will be an Audience Award in each category as well as various President's Awards.

Rules & Terms

We believe film festivals are here for two reasons, 1) help the filmmaker get his/her film screened in front of a live audience; 2) provide our audience with films they would not get the chance to see without our event.

Therefore,

Rule 1: Your film only has to be a St Augustine premiere.

Rule 2: Once your film has been accepted you cannot withdraw it.