Santa Barbara Film Awards is committed to indie film talents from all over the globe.
Our mission is to promote independent films of all genres from all around the world.

To honour the accomplishments of artists, all the winners will be presented with laurels and certificates. Santa Barbara--where the film industry began--has always attracted Hollywood's leading writers, producers, agents, managers, stage, television, and movie talent.

Featuring Oscar-Emmy-WGA Award-winning judges with vital industry connections. Those decision-makers are here in California in search of today's most promising independent film talents.

Submit your projects to our team.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary short
Best Experimental
Best Animation
Best Science Fiction
Best Horror
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Cinematography
Best Editor
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Script
Best Unproduced script
Best TV Series/Pilot/Web
Best Comedy
Best Student Film
Best Music Video
Best Thriller
Best Trailer
Best Composer
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Female Filmmaker
Best Independent Film

Rules & Terms

1- You must possess the rights to a film or have permission from the owner in order to submit it.

2- To be eligible for the Festival, films must have been completed after 2017.

3- Any foreign film with subtitles must be subtitled in English.

4- There are no refunds on any fees.
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adan Keys

    I'm incredibly honored to be an award winner of this incredible film festival! There's no words to describe the feeling of the crew and myself for this. Always keeping me informed of the process! Great experience!

    June 2023
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  • Michael Gould

    A privilege for my screenplay, SACRED SUN, to be selected for this festival awards. Thank you.

    April 2023
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  • Marcus Hamm

    Thank you Santa Barbara Film Awards for recognizing and awarding our film Triggered, a Cinematic Superhero Fan Film. The process was timeley and professional and we appreciate the clear communication 👏🏾 🙌🏾

    January 2023
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  • Rich Henkels

    Both ecstatic about and thankful for being selected for then awarded Best TV Series/Pilot/Web for this film festival. Thank you for making your festival another great opportunity for first time film makers and opening new doors for all of us. Everyone involved in Workforce - The Pilot thanks you!

    January 2023
    Helpful
  • Jorge Herrera

    I am very grateful to receive the award for Best First Time Filmmaker for the feature film Club Habana. Many thanks to the festival. It is a very recommendable and comforting festival for independent filmmakers. Thank you very much.

    January 2023
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