San Diego International Film Festival

Showcase your film at the San Diego International Film Festival! Mix & mingle with film lovers as you network with filmmakers and celebrities from across the globe. Our festival features 5 days of films, networking and panels that represent the very best in cinematic storytelling. Just 120 miles south of Los Angeles/Hollywood, the San Diego International Film Festival (SDiFF) has quickly become a favorite of industry insiders and celebrities. You’ve worked so hard to create a compelling film...why not showcase it in “America’s Finest City”?

Notable features of the festival include:
- Opportunities to network with industry professionals AND audiences
- Highlighted Curated Film Tracks include: Environmental, Social Impact, American Indian, Equestrian, and Military.

The slate of films that are selected at the festival offers a wide range of programming from creative narrative features to thought-provoking documentaries to engaging and enlightening short films. Topics in film we specifically cultivate include Women in film, American Indian Cinema, film exploring the role of veterans and the Armed Forces, Student Film projects, Sports, Horror, Equestrian, Animation and World Cinema.

Gala Premieres which have been nominated for or won major awards from the festival include: C’MON C’MON, SPENCER, THE POWER OF THE DOG, FLEE, THE FRENCH DISPATCH, BELFAST, THE LOST DAUGHTER, NOMADLAND, BLITHE SPIRIT, JOJO RABBIT, THE IRISHMAN, MARRIAGE STORY, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, PARASITE, CLEMENCY, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI, THE BALLAD OF LEFTY BROWN, BREATHE, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, MARSHALL, LION, DENIAL, HELL OR HIGH WATER, CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, ROOM, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE, THE IMITATION GAME, WILD, WHIPLASH, ROOM and many more.

Filmmaker Hospitality & Benefits:
- Pass to attend the Festival where your film is showcased
- Hotel discounts for physical attending the festival
- Potential for one-on-one meetings with prominent entertainment industry professionals

SUBMISSIONS
The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to SAN DIEGO FILM FOUNDATION. Submission costs vary depending on category and discounts. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival. SDiFF will not pay any screening fees for the presentation of the film during the festival. The only exception would be if there is a negotiated agreement preceding the submission of the film to SDiFF.

ENTRY REGULATIONS
The SDiFF is a competitive showcase for domestic and international short films and short documentaries. The SDiFF reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. All films must be a minimum of a San Diego Premiere and NO theatrical, cable, television, satellite, DVD, VHS, VOD, internet screenings or availability of any kind in the San Diego region prior to the SDFF dates. Only works completed from 2021 - 2022 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.
FILM ENTRIES
All foreign language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration as an online screener. Works in progress will be considered, please make a note your film is still a WIP when submitting. If you did not receive a confirmation of submission, please email programming@sdfilmfest.com.

COMPETITION
The San Diego International Film Festival is a competitive event and unless notified otherwise, all films officially selected are eligible for competition. For a list of competitive categories, please see our awards page. All films are nominated and voted upon by an impartial jury of filmmakers, industry professionals, festival programmers and film aficionados.

PRESS MATERIALS
If selected, the SDiFF will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.

LIABILITY
Every precaution is taken when handling your film once submitted to us but we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damaged files that are submitted to us.

SHIPPING
If there is shipping involved in your physical file submitting to us we require that the entries must be paid by the entrant. The SDiFF will not pay the cost of shipping the print back to the filmmaker. SDiFF will not be responsible for expedited or overnight shipping charges to other organizations. Also, SDiFF cannot guarantee shipment of prints to other festivals during the days of the festival. All international entries must be sent 'free domicile' to the SDiFF office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives the SDiFF permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities related to the festival.

NOTIFICATION
Films selected for the SDiFF will be notified no later than September 1, 2022

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Warsaw Film School

An amazing festival, with great communiction & quality of shot films. The Team at San Diego is always a pleasure to have contact with. We always look forward each year to subit films from Warsaw Film School. Greetings to the whole team from Warsaw, Veronica

November 2021

Helpful
Eric Jungmann

San Diego International Film Festival is incredible. A stunning program and beautiful presentation - with some truly amazing events put together by the festival team. An impressive lineup of independent cinema and top-tier productions - sincerely thrilled to have been a part of the program with my short film, "BODY OF THE MINED".

November 2021

Helpful
Carlos F. Puertolas

SDIFF had an amazing program for 2021! We were super humbled to have our short film be selected to the festival, and even with the hybrid aspect of the festival the entire programming team put an incredible effort in making it unique and eventful. Although we didn't screen in person, their virtual theatre was amazing. We were also super honored to have our film win Best Narrative Short at the festival. We can't wait to hopefully return to the SDIFF in the future.

November 2021

Helpful
Kitty McNamee

Beautiful program of films. So excited to have my dance film included. I couldn't attend this year but communication was easy and proud to take part

November 2021

Helpful
Joey Clift

Great fest! Super organized. An honor to screen!

October 2021

Helpful

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Dates & Deadlines

January 5, 2022
Opening Date
February 4, 2022
Earlybird Deadline
April 8, 2022
Regular Deadline
June 10, 2022
Late Deadline
July 8, 2022
Extended Deadline
September 1, 2022
Notification Date
October 19 – 23, 2022
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Narrative Feature
From wild road-trip comedies to heart-felt dramas, this series of films is comprised of the freshest films from both established and emerging filmmakers. In order to be considered for the Features Program, films must be longer than 30 minutes.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Gold Members: $34
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $55.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Gold Members: $72.25
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $105
- Gold Members: $89.25
Submit Now
Documentary
Based on real life stories, our documentary film section aims to provide a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors – taking audiences to places they might never have the chance to see, and introducing them to people they will be glad they got to know. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2019. To qualify as a Documentary Feature, the submitted project must be a non-fiction film not including entirely scripted or improvised reenactments or fictional depictions of actual events. Documentaries may contain some dramatization of actual events. Films longer than 30 minutes may be considered. If accepted, the Programming Department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Gold Members: $34
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $51
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $80
- Gold Members: $68
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $105
- Gold Members: $89.25
Submit Now
Shorts
Our shorts track is comprised of six short film programs (each program is comprised of approximately eight short films and runs 1.5 hours in length). We accept documentary and experimental shorts in this category as well.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Gold Members: $29.75
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $46.75
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Gold Members: $63.75
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Social Justice/ Impact
Using the power of feature, documentary, and films to tell transformational stories with lasting social impact and to create positive change in the world. The goal is to bring awareness to worldwide social issues. Issues can include, but are not limited to, homelessness, violence against women, LGBT+, Eco-Environmental, Sustainability, discrimination.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
American Indian
Support of American Indian filmmakers is part of the SDiFF’s core mission and has an annual program spotlight that includes short and feature length narrative and documentary films. To be considered for the American Indian category, the film must be directed, produced or co-produced by an American Indian or explore a topic pertinent to American Indian culture.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Military
Films that honor our U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel by telling their stories, in order to help bring closure, create understanding and bridge the gap of empathy between the civilian community and our sailors, soldiers and airmen fostering the spirit of One Nation unified on the home front.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Animation
There are no limits on format. For filmmakers, there are no age limits or education requirements. Even animation industry professionals exploring the independent sector are eligible, or works-in-progress! Films entered in this category must be under 30 minutes in length and contain a significant amount of animation. If accepted, the programming department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Equestrian
Films that highlight the diverse and creative efforts of those who artistically pay homage to the horse. Films to show the rich history and diverse tapestry of horses in human culture.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Environmental/Sustainability
Films that investigate and tell stories about the environment, and sustainable, renewable processes and systems. Including: the natural world, renewable energy, the impact of climate change, food systems, animal populations and all films that cover topics which relate to how our environment, the natural world and humans systems are related and impact each other.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Gold Members: $25.50
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $42.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $70
- Gold Members: $59.50
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $95
- Gold Members: $80.75
Submit Now
Local San Diego Films
Calling all Local Filmmakers! To be considered for the Local category: The film's director, producer, or major actors must be current San Diego residents or lived in San Diego within the past 3 years. Or a minimum of 75% of the film was shot in San Diego County. If you do not meet any of these requirements your film will be disqualified for competition. If you have questions and want to clarify your status email: programming@sdfilmfest.com.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Gold Members: $21.25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Gold Members: $38.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $55.25
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Gold Members: $72.25
Submit Now
Student - College/University Level
Student narrative, documentary, and shorts are those films completed in High school, for degree requirements, while in school of a university or film school program. Student films represent solid storytelling and emerging visions from a broad range of categories, and this includes student animation.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Gold Members: $21.25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Gold Members: $34
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $51
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $85
- Gold Members: $72.25
Submit Now
Student - Highschool Level
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Gold Members: $21.25
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Gold Members: $29
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $46
- Extended Deadline
- Standard: $80
- Gold Members: $67.25
Submit Now

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