The Southern Margins International Short Film Festival showcases exciting and innovative short works exploring experiences of southern and marginal persons and communities. Open to national and international submissions that address and extend notions of the South, southern marginalization, and minoritarian identity.

As we examine the state the world is in, we know it is more important than ever for independent filmmakers to have their work seen and their messages heard. We are also continuously reminded of the financial constraints present for so many artists world-wide. Our festival is no exception to this; all financial support for our festival is on pause, and we are unable to offer prize money for winners. We also know that physical constraints make holding an in-person festival both impossible and irresponsible. That is why, for 2021, we have elected to hold a FREE and ENTIRELY VIRTUAL festival for all filmmakers!

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Awards & Prizes

Grand Prix
Most Innovative
Audience Award

Rules & Terms

Submissions must adhere to the categorical limitations (as outlined in this submission portal), and must have a full-run time of no more than 40min. Filmmakers are encouraged to adhere to the description and mission of SMISFF, focussing on southern identity and/or marginalized peoples, however the filmmaker decides to interpret such concepts.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Giampaolo Manara

    Great communication and availability, a human cinema festival. I am very proud to have been able to participate with Alice in this event. Thank you so much. Highly recommended

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Trial&Error Acting

    Hello Southern Margins I.S.F.Festival Team,

    It was great honour for me that my short film on Covid-19 awareness got selected as "Finalist".

    But I would like to give one very important suggestion to festival organizers that if they could provide Certificate for Finalist candidates with candidate Name, their project name & under which category they have been selected for example Best Director or Best Short Film etc, then it would work as a great resume for the participants and will help in boosting up their moral & as well as will be very helpful in promoting Festival also.
    Kindly have a look.

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Birdman Production

    Awesome Festival,great comunication and staff make the experience wonderful

    April 2021
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  • DANIELE PIGNATELLI

    I'm honored to be selected and FINALIST and WINNER OF GRAND PRIX AWARD and MOST INNOVATIVE AWARD in this amazing festival with my short "Nuovo Cinema Para-Virus"! Thank a lot and good luck!

    April 2021
    Helpful