Some of us still remember it. That very first time of being filled with joy as we realized that there are so many good films being made that a lifetime of watching would not be enough, and at the same time, being broken by the fact that, well that there are so many good films out there that a lifetime of watching would not be enough. Holding the rented out VHS tapes with reverence as if they were the holiest of relics, we felt the possibility, the power of the medium to change lives and the future. Some of us modified our sleep routine, some skipped school or at times did not show up for work, yet we are nowhere close to enjoying all of the good stuff out there. With new technologies available that make filmmaking an increasingly affordable quest, talent is manifesting itself in every corner of the planet, and even though it is safe to say that one’s lifetime is certainly not enough to experience all of it, we say … let’s try.

Awards & Prizes

Audience award for best feature film
Audience award for best short film
Audience award for best music video

Rules & Terms

FEATURE ELIGIBILITY

Films must be 40 minutes or more (including credits, max 180 min).

Films must be submitted with a private link (self hosted, VIMEO, YouTube or a FilmFreeway screening file) other formats are currently not accepted.

Any submissions with non-English dialogue or text must be submitted with English subtitles.

Films that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

SHORT ELIGIBILITY

Films must be 40 minutes or less (including credits).

Films must be submitted with a private link (self hosted, VIMEO, YouTube or a FilmFreeway screening file) other formats are currently not accepted.

Any submissions with non-English dialogue or text must be submitted with English subtitles.

Films that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

MUSIC VIDEO ELIGIBILITY

Music videos must be 10 minutes or less (total runtime).

Films must be submitted with a private link (self hosted, VIMEO, YouTube or a FilmFreeway screening file.) other formats are currently not accepted.

Music videos that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

JUDGING STATUS DEADLINES

In order for us to properly judge each film, it may take some time for the submissions to be decided on. This means that the judgment status on your film usually won't be updated until two weeks after the final submission deadline closes. Although this may seem like a long wait, rest assured it's because we are taking our time and are carefully judging each and every eligible submission.

SCREENINGS & EVENTS

We are an annual festival, we hold live screenings in front of a live audience and these screenings aim to showcase some of the films submitted, as well as act as the voting process.
29 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pat Battistini

    A BIG thanks to everyone at SFF for their perseverance in holding the fest this year! The communication and organization was great. We hope to be back next year!

    November 2021
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  • Lenore Sagaskie

    A great online festival this year! I'm glad my short film, Rage, was a part of it!

    November 2021
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  • Andrey Arutiunov

    Great and wonderful festival! Thanks!

    November 2021
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  • Maureen M. Miller

    It was an honor having my short film "Morris Morose" selected to screen at the Sands Film Festival! Communication was fantastic and the Festival team super nice. A wonderful opportunity for independent filmmakers to be part of such a great event. Official Selection laurel was absolutely beautiful! Thank you Sands Film Festival for your kind support of my work! Will submit again.

    November 2021
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  • Angel Katherine Taormina

    A very nice festival for everyone to join

    November 2021
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