The Smith Sound Film Festival was formed in 2017. We're located in Clarenville, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. We're a very small festival which operates in the George's Brook-Milton Community Cultural House our neighboring community. We're also situated on the East Coast of Newfoundland one of our prime tourist destinations in summer taking in historic Trinity and Bonavista visitation points. If you are into winter sports, our communities have some nice trails for the outdoor adventurer. In summer, kayaking is a must along the shores of Random and Smith Sounds.

Our festival's theme since its inception is works rarely seen in recent years or new and upcoming films outside of mainstream festivals. Our main genres include drama, comedy, documentary and the experimental filmmaking craft.

Our theme for 2026. Comedy & Drama. Runtime of 12 minutes or less.

Our festival is planned for Friday September 18th 2026 . Last year's was a great success and we hope to see some of our returning filmmakers this year.

Awards & Prizes

We're an audience driven film festival awarding prizes based on the highest number of votes. The Smith Sound Silver Spike Award is the top prize.

Rules & Terms

1. I agree to allow my film to be shown in public at the Smith Sound Film Festival (SSFF) on Friday, September 18th, 2026.
2. Films must be 12 minutes or less and made after 2021.
3. I understand there is no monetary value associated with the festival. Only prizes awarded under the Audience Best Choice and the Martin Bourne Award shall be granted to the winning filmmakers.
4. By submitting to SSFF, the submitter consents that they have permission from all other participants such as the producer, director, writers, actors and any other artistic contributor including music rights to have the film submitted to SSFF for consideration into the festival’s programming this year.
5. If the submitted film is selected for programming, the submitter agrees to the above terms that they are the holder of the rights to the film work and all parties involved in its creation agree to have the film screened in public.
6. We may provide stills from your film, if programmed, for future promotion of on our website and/or on social media platforms.
7. Non-English language films must be subtitled in English for consideration into the festival.
8. Official Selections for screening will be notified via email
9. If your film is on 16mm print, we do require a digital screener copy submitted of course on FilmFreeway.
10. If you attend our festival, please enjoy our refreshments while watching some fine films. That's the rules!

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ashley MacDonald

    The folks at the Smith Sound festival (Stephen in particular) were amazing. It was truly a community event with a small but dedicated fan base that had such a welcoming vibe.
    It wasn't the biggest festival but it certainly has huge heart.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Pat Battistini

    Thank you, Stephen and Justin for the opportunity to screen our film. Truly appreciate you taking a chance on us. We hope to be back!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Romi Robinson

    Thank you for taking the time to show my short How to Ghostbust a Bathroom! The vibes were unparalleled and everyone was so welcoming. Looking forward to seeing this festival grow bigger with each passing year!

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Graham M. Sheppard

    Just a fantastic regional film festival!

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Stephen Coombs

    We had a wonderful time at the Smith Sound Film Festival. It was an honour to have our debut short film 'World's Greatest Dad' screened among such amazing films. Everyone at the screening was so wonderful and accommodating. We look forward to attending again in the future! All the Best! Cheers!

    March 2024
    Helpful