San Diego International Film Festival

2021 is looking up! 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 11 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
- Virtual Festival Cafe - 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: NOMADLAND, HARRY CHAPIN: WHEN YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING, 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:
- Virtual Filmmaker Meet ‘n’ Greet networking with industry professionals as well as our CEO & Artistic Director Tonya Mantooth
- Access to panels or virtual events
- 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 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 2019 - 2021 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, 2021

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Andrew Norbeck

Thank you San Diego International Film Festival!

October 2020

Helpful
Min Kyu Kang

I will never forget the beautiful memories of the festival! It was such an honor to be a part of the festival!

October 2020

Helpful
James Bourne

Out of all the film festivals that my short has screened at during this horrible year of 2020, San Diego is the one that adapted best to the pandemic. This festival created a great opportunity to not only screen my film, but also the chance to actually network and connect with people. This is what I feel the experience of a festival should be. The only complaint I have is technical errors which is no fault of theirs, but that's just what happens when a festival goes virtual. The staff was punctual, I felt very welcome, and was very honored to see my short publicized on social media along with all the other amazing animated shorts that played here. Thank you so much, and I intend to submit my next project to your festival without question.

October 2020

Helpful
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

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Dates & Deadlines

February 1, 2021
Opening Date
March 13, 2021
Earlybird Deadline
May 1, 2021
Regular Deadline
June 26, 2021
Late Deadline
July 20, 2021
Extended Deadline
September 1, 2021
Notification Date
October 14 – 24, 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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Andrew Norbeck

Min Kyu Kang

James Bourne

Hong Ejun

Jayce Venditti