San Diego Independent Cinema Awards is an international competition seeking to promote shorts, features and screenplays. Our festival is devoted to indie cinema and our intention is to recognize the best of independent cinema and promote indie artists in various platforms. The mission of the fest is to celebrate the independent motion picture and literary arts by providing a platform for filmmakers and writers to have their work awarded and promoted. We believe in the power of independent cinema and our intention is to support the career of talented directors and writers of all genres.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Screenplay *Feature*
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Screenplay *Short*
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Editor
Best Cinematographer
Best Animation
Best Comedy
Best Student Film
Best Web/Series/Pilot
Best Composer
Best Experimental

Rules & Terms

Projects must have been completed in the last 5 years.
Entrants must accept the responsibility for copyright of the projects.
The festival will only communicate with the submitter.
Entry fees are not refundable.

43 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • James Jimenez

    I'm extremely honored to have been awarded best feature screenplay 'LIONFISH' for 2026. I appreciate that you noticed the hard work I put into my script. I'm especially grateful to have won the award as a local entry. Of course, you weren't aware of it, but to keep this award from leaving town puts an added smile on my face.

    June 2026
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  • Sean Bardgett

    Thank you so much for the award for Best Experimental movie. I am humbled and appreciative of such an acknowledgement.

    May 2026
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  • John Donahoe

    On line film festivals seem to be a bit of a scam. Low fee, many winners, little or no exposure. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

    March 2026
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  • Vox Rocket Studios

    We’re incredibly grateful to have our film recognized by the San Diego Independent Cinema Awards. It means a lot to be part of a festival that celebrates bold, independent filmmaking and uplifts artists bringing original stories to the screen. Thank you for the support and for continuing to spotlight independent voices.

    March 2026
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  • david giardina

    So great to be part of the San Diego Independent Cinema Awards with my short film "Mystery on the Vegan Express"! And very honored to be a nominee!

    March 2026
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