South Florida Greek Film Festival

Held annually in South Florida, the festival showcases outstanding films connected to Greece, Cyprus, and the global Greek diaspora. We welcome bold, thoughtful storytelling — from emerging voices to established filmmakers — films that reflect a strong artistic voice and a meaningful connection to Greek, Cypriot, or diasporic identity. The festival is powered by the Hellenic Cultural Society of South Florida, a volunteer led 501 c3 nonprofit organization.

SFLGFF is a curated, in-person cultural event that brings filmmakers and audiences together for meaningful engagement. The festival has been recognized by the City of Fort Lauderdale, which officially proclaimed a week in October as South Florida Greek Film Festival Week. As Fort Lauderdale maintains a Sister City relationship with Thessaloniki, Greece — home to one of Europe’s leading film festivals — SFLGFF participates in a broader international cinematic dialogue.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award

Determined by audience ballot during the festival, this award honors the film, documentary and the short that most resonates with our viewers and reflects the power of shared cinematic experience.

Rules & Terms

Submission categories
Narrative
Documentary
Short Film

Films must meet at least one of the following:

• Created by Cypriot or Greek filmmakers, or filmmakers of Greek/Cypriot descent
• Feature Greek or Cypriot actors in principal roles
• Greek or Cypriot productions or official co-productions
• Thematically related to Greece, Cyprus, Hellenism, or the Greek/Cypriot diaspora experience (when submitting, please add a short description of how your film thematically relates)

Additional requirements:

* Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles
* Films in Greek receive priority
* Florida premieres are preferred and receive programming priority
* Films that have been publicly available online prior to the festival may be considered; however, preference is given to films that have not been previously released online.
* Films must be fully completed before the end of the submission period
* Restriction on completion date: 8/2022
* One submission per category/filmmaker
* Recommended to have a downloadable film trailer

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway unless otherwise arranged
• Submission fees are non-refundable
• Fee waivers and discounts are granted at the sole discretion of the festival (invited filmmakers, alumni, or demonstrated financial need)
• All selected films are eligible for the Audience Award
• Selected filmmakers grant the festival the right to use trailers (up to 2 minutes), stills, and promotional materials for publicity

Screener Requirements

• Filmmakers must submit an online screener/vimeo link through FilmFreeway.

• For commercial transfer services (e.g., WeTransfer, Dropbox) contact us: film@hcssfl.org

• Screeners must remain accessible through the festival review period.

Screening Policy

• No screening fees are paid for short films or documentaries

• Narrative feature screening fees subject to budget availability.

Selected films must provide a DCP, .mov (ProRes preferred), or .mp4 exhibition copy no later than five (5) weeks before the festival.

Programming Decisions
* The festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility and selection of films at its sole discretion.
* Scheduling of films, including dates, times, and locations of screenings, is determined exclusively by the festival.

Acceptance of Terms
* By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they read and agreed to all South Florida Greek Film Festival rules, terms and conditions.

We invite you to be part of this year’s festival. Looking forward to watching!