The Square Lake Film & Music Festival connects music with film, providing opportunities for public exposure, collaboration, and recognition on a local and international level.
By combining music and film into one arts event, the Square Lake Festival utilizes the already thriving Minnesota music scene to draw in and create new audiences for the lesser known but equally exciting short film and animation projects of this region.

Awards & Prizes

$500 first place
$250 second place
$100 third place
$250 International

Rules & Terms

The Square Lake Film & Music Festival focuses on short films, 15 minutes or less in length. We are particularly interested in the genres of animation, experimental, short narrative, and short documentary. About 80% of our film program consists of Minnesota-made or regional work. Approximately 20% of our submissions come from National & International artists. Films are screened during 30 minute segments between musical acts. We choose the films we will show approximately 30 days after the late submission deadline, and announce the prize winners at the festival. If you submit via a waiver, and your film is selected as a prize winner, a regular submission fee will be deducted from your prize award. All submitting filmmakers receive one free admission regardless whether film is selected.
By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants Square Lake Film & Music a non-exclusive license to exhibit the film during our events and at any related, affiliated, or year-round Square Lake Film & Music events presented by the festival organization. The filmmaker will be notified of any screenings outside the primary festival dates
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • soore vahe

    I am incredibly grateful that my film was chosen as the winner of the 2024 Square Lake International Film and Music Festival. I am deeply appreciative of the recognition and support from the jury. It was truly exciting to be part of such a wonderful festival.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Lisa Channer

    What a gem of a festival. Homegrown and pure heart.

    September 2024
    Helpful
  • Hallie Bahn

    This is truly a special festival, bringing together a great collection of filmmakers, animators, musicians, and artists of all backgrounds. The location is absolutely beautiful, the organizers are incredible and the entire event is honestly pretty awe-inspiring. I was super honored to have one of my films take home second place!

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Taylor Bakken

    This festival! So lovely. The vibe was great, the crowd was so relaxed and friendly, and selection of films were fresh and inspiring. ADVENT CALENDAR played so well, and my crew and I were thrilled to find we'd won an award. Will definitely be going back next year!

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Cy Dodson

    If you're looking for a festival that is more about art than glamour, this is the place to send your short film. Having screened three films here, I would say without a doubt, it's one my favorites. Come early and stay late, because there's lots to take in. I would highly recommend a submission! Oh, and leave your film pitches at home, you won't need them here.

    August 2018
    Helpful