The Snake Alley Festival of Film (SNAFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best short films from around the world.

The annual summer event has celebrated the unique art of storytelling since 2012, showcasing an exceptional array of films and screenplays from both established and emerging filmmakers.

Enjoy an array of genres, Q&A with filmmakers, screenplay table reads, and several days of exciting networking opportunities.

SNAFF is a captivating experience that brings together a vibrant community of film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and passionate filmmakers, held at the beautifully restored Capitol Performing Arts Center in the heart of downtown Burlington, Iowa.

An Iron and wood sculpture for Best of the Fest, The Audience Choice, Best Iowa Film and The Directors Award for outstanding performance.

The winning short screenplay will receive the Andy Wassom Writer's Block award.

Additional prizes for the winners of each category.

PLEASE READ ALL THE RULES & TERMS

Snake Alley Festival of Film is dedicated to showcasing the best short from around the world with a strong emphasis on story.

All films must be 35 minutes or less.

All parties and events are open to festival pass holders.

Marketing material must be provided three weeks in advance.

By submitting an entry, entrant recognizes and accepts their work will be screened without compensation, both during the selection process and in theater, if selected.

If your film is selected you must provide a downloadable link and one still within 48 hours of selection.

We only accept films that have been produced in 2024, 2025 or 2026.

No fan films.

Submitting authorizes the Snake Alley Festival Of Film to use short clips and/or stills of the submitted film in promotional materials for the Snake Alley Festival Of Film, during the year the film was submitted.

All work submitted to the Snake Alley Film Festival will be digitized and made available on a secure site for the festival judges to review.

Entrant agrees to the Official Rules, and further agrees to indemnify and hold the Snake Alley Festival Of Film Parties and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders or other partners, and any of their employees (collectively, the "Project Indemnitees"), harmless from any and all claims, damages, expenses, costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and liabilities (including settlements), brought or asserted by any third party against any of the Project Indemnitees due to or arising out of the Entrant's Entry materials in this Project, or the Entrant's conduct during and in connection with this Project, including but not limited to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights, right of publicity, right of privacy or defamation.

Entrant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless the Snake Alley Festival Of Film and Associated Parties from any and all claims that any advertising, presentation, web content or any other material subsequently produced, presented, and/or prepared by or on behalf of the Snake Alley Festival Of Film or the Associated Parties infringes on the rights of Entrant's work as contained in any Entry.

Students must upload student ID or proof of current educational status.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hunter Norris

    Great Event. Super responsive organizers. Well curated blocks. Worth the trip!

    July 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Hunter, it was great having you!

  • Nils Guldberg

    Wonderful festival. Welcoming to veterans and newcomers alike. Tons of great films and great to meet other filmmakers!

    July 2026
  • Charles Hall

    My screenplay was selected as a finalist at the 14th edition. This is an easy festival to recommend to screenwriter and filmmaker contacts; it's well organized and gets high marks for communication, hospitality, audience engagement, and other aspects that creatives consider when looking for a venue to showcase their work.

    July 2026
  • Richard Morell

    Good people, and excellent programming. I felt honored to see my film nestled in with such worthwhile movies. Great festival!

    July 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your film with us Richard!

  • Frank Marino Boyd

    Always a good time when we head back to Burlington for SNAFF!!
    Well done!!

    July 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Frank, great to have you at SNAFF again.