The SAN QUENTIN FILM FESTIVAL (SQFF) creates a transformational experience for San Quentin residents and outside guests, offering both currently and formerly incarcerated filmmakers the opportunity to compete on a level playing field with non-system impacted filmmakers, to be recognized for their work and to meet industry professionals for future training, collaboration and employment opportunities.

In addition to building a bridge between emerging filmmakers and the industry, the SQFF offers guests a unique opportunity to interact with incarcerated filmmakers, attendees and residents. The SQFF highlights the powerful role arts and media training play in the prison system to create meaningful career pathways post-incarceration.

Awards & Prizes

PREVIOUS SQFF AWARDS:
Best Short Narrative Film Award: Open only to currently and formerly incarcerated filmmakers
Best Short Documentary Film Award: Open only to currently and formerly incarcerated filmmakers
Best Feature Film Award: Open to all filmmakers
Best Narrative Pitch - Open only to currently incarcerated writers
Best Documentary Pitch - Open only to currently incarcerated writers

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Platform
All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

2. Submission Fees
Submission fees will be collected via FilmFreeway and are non-refundable. SQFF reserves the right to reject submissions that do not meet the stated eligibility criteria.
If you have questions regarding eligibility, please contact us before submitting. (Info@SanQuentinFilmFestival.com)

3. Accessibility Requirement
All film submissions must include English open captions.

4. Notification of Acceptance
Filmmakers selected for the festival will be notified 4–6 weeks prior to the event.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing the eligibility criteria before submitting.
Failure to meet eligibility requirements will render submissions void for competition, and no refunds will be issued.

5. Attendance & Expenses
Filmmakers accepted to the festival and attending in person are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and related expenses.

6. Screening & Promotional Rights
By submitting, you grant SQFF the right to screen your film during the festival and to use screenshots, clips, stills, and promotional materials from your submission for festival marketing and publicity purposes.

7. Virtual Exhibition Rights
By submitting, you also grant SQFF permission to screen your film on an approved virtual platform during the online portion of the festival.

8. Policy Updates
All information, eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and terms and conditions are subject to change at the discretion of the San Quentin Film Festival team without prior notice.

Any changes made after submission will be communicated directly to filmmakers.
4 Reviews
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  • Abby Pierce

    What a gift of a festival. Such a meaningful and beautiful event. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to go, I couldn't recommend it more.

    As a filmmaker, I am so happy we premiered here. There were wonderful artists to connect with and the reception was unbelievable. Thank you, SQFF!

    October 2025
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  • antwan williams

    Second year attending the SQFF, and it was even better than the first year, and the first year was amazing! The number of people of all walks of life actively participating in the festival was incredible. Everyone spoke, exchanged information, and discussed ways collaboration could be possible. And the films made by the incarcerated community is hands down industry level. This, by far, is the best thing out.

    October 2025
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  • Jenifer McShane

    An incredibly meaningful and memorable festival experience particularly since my documentary deals with the impact of incarceration. The whole event was an impressive achievement!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We are so grateful you were able to experience the transformative power of film with us!

  • Jermi Little

    This film festival has a purpose and a meaning that is even bigger than the movies selected and that won. It is to open eyes and to teach folks inside the prisons and outside. THIS is a project that I’ll support no matter what. The word is being spread by me personally about their event(s).

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Such a kind sentiment—thank you. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping to showcase and share with the world the incredible talent and how transformative the medium of film can be!