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 6 days of films, networking, parties and panels that represent the very best in cinematic storytelling. Set in vibrant downtown San Diego and La Jolla; and just steps from the beach... San Diego offers a big city vibe mixed with California style restaurants, brew pubs and stunning natural scenery.

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
- Unique parties in iconic San Diego locales
- Walkable villages with VIP lounges - perfect to mix & mingle in 120+ independent films and sneak peeks at Oscar worthy film premieres.
- 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: 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:
- 2 Filmmaker Badges with full access to all screenings and events
- 5 Complimentary Tickets for the filmmaker's screening
- Filmmaker Brunch including networking with industry professionals
- Discounted accommodations for filmmakers
- Industry-oriented seminars and workshops
- Potential for one-on-one meetings with prominent entertainment industry professionals
- Complimentary admission for some of the leading tourist and cultural attractions in and around San Diego.

SUBMISSIONS
The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to SAN DIEGO FILM FOUNDATION. Entries must be POSTMARKED by the deadline. 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 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 feature films, documentaries and shorts. 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 in 2019 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.

FILM/VIDEO ENTRIES
All foreign language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration on DVD, BluRay or as an online screener. PAL format will not be accepted. Works in progress will be considered for the SDiFF. Works in progress will not be screened in the festival. Screening material, press and any application materials sent to SDiFF will NOT be returned. If you did not receive a confirmation of submission, please email programming@sdfilmfest.com. All features and documentaries submitted must be available in BluRay and DCP for festival presentation.

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
Although every possible care will be taken with tapes, films, drives and files while in our possession, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Do not send original or master prints, tapes, files or drives. Please keep the SDiFF notified of any address/phone number changes.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping all entries and films to the festival 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, 2020.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Hong Ejun

I am more than honored for my film, MOTHER, to be part of San Diego International Film Festival. Even though I wasn’t able to attend the festival, I am sure that this festival is one of the best festival in the world. They were always supportive on my work and dream, and it gave me a lesson that if I can dream it and have a passion, I can actually achieve it. I cannot thank them enough for their support on my works, and I am more than honored to be part of it. I look forward to submitting my future works to this festival.

January 2020

Helpful
Jayce Venditti

What a great experience. We can’t wait to bring down the house next year with the feature version of the short that made it this year. Thanks team!

December 2019

Helpful
Marco Kyris

I was thrilled to have my short doc film screen here. The venues were top notch, and the staff was extra personable. I already miss it, and the incredible efficient programmers/organizers/volunteers. Thank you to all. :)

October 2019

Helpful
Ravin Gandhi

Tonya, Stephanie, and everyone else were really helpful and supportive - they love filmmakers and the whole event is very well run, and fun. Highly recommend it!

October 2019

Helpful
Sam Friedlander

Great festival. Fun parties, great location, well attended. I've had 2 films here and would definitely love to screen there again in the future!

October 2019

Helpful

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Dates & Deadlines

January 13, 2020
Opening Date
March 13, 2020
Earlybird Deadline
May 1, 2020
Regular Deadline
June 26, 2020
Late Deadline
July 13, 2020
Extended Deadline
September 1, 2020
Notification Date
October 13 – 18, 2020
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 documentary 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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Hong Ejun

Jayce Venditti

Marco Kyris

Ravin Gandhi

Sam Friedlander