SLIFF is a global film festival that invites audiences to see the world through film. We believe that encountering other cultures on screen helps us understand our own. Our programs present exceptional international films and explore themes of identity, race, and lived experience — bringing works to St. Louis that might never be seen here otherwise.

USA Today named SLIFF one of the 2019 top "10 amazing film festivals worth traveling for."
Cinema St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization, produces the festival.

SLIFF is one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed film festivals in the world.

Cinema St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization, produces the festival.

Awards & Prizes

All films in the official selection will compete for awards in their specific categories.

SLIFF presents both juried and audience-choice awards. Juried awards include the Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Award ($5,000 cash prize) and the New Filmmakers Forum's Emerging Director Award ($500 cash prize).

Additionally, SLIFF is an Academy-sanctioned qualifying festival for Best of Fest Shorts, Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Live Action Short. Winners of these awards can submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar® consideration.

There are also juried awards for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Local Short, Best Comedy Short, Best Short Short (Under 5 minutes), Inspiration Documentary, and Audience Awards in Documentary, Narrative, and Best Of Festival.

Rules & Terms

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING FEE WAIVER REQUESTS. WE CAPPED THE NUMBER THIS YEAR AND THE LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED.

CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY

This is a competitive, curated event; submission does not guarantee selection.

READ BEFORE SUBMITTING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE FESTIVAL.

All films must:
1. Be fully completed by the entry deadline (NO WORKS-IN-PROGRESS).
2. Be a ST. LOUIS THEATRICAL PREMIERE, meaning no previous public, ticketed screening in the St. Louis metro area (St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and adjacent Illinois counties). Private cast/crew screenings and educational classroom use do not count as theatrical screenings.
3. Include ENGLISH SUBTITLES if not primarily in English.
4. Be submitted with COMPLETE FILM FREEWAY ENTRY INFORMATION and the required fee.

If Your Film Is Accepted

The following requirements apply. FAILURE TO COMPLY OR MEET DEADLINES WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE FESTIVAL.
1. A SIGNED FILMMAKER AGREEMENT by September 10, including an updated synopsis, three film stills, and any additional promotional materials requested.
2. Some SLIFF venues require DCPS. If your film screens at one of these venues, a DCP must be delivered no later than SEPTEMBER 28, 2026. If your venue accepts MP4s, that file is also due on this date. You will be notified of your screening venue no later than SEPTEMBER 15.

MUSIC RIGHTS AND COPYRIGHT CLEARANCES ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FILMMAKER.

Entry Procedure

Submit through FilmFreeway with complete information. Films must be provided as secure online screeners within the platform (DO NOT MAIL PHYSICAL MEDIA).

All entrants will be notified of their status via email no later than SEPTEMBER 1, 2026.

Notification of acceptance or rejection will NOT INCLUDE CRITICISM OR FEEDBACK.

Please contact Cinema St. Louis with questions or clarification.
125 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Hayden Mclean

    Although we couldn't attend in person, it was a blessing to have 'The Last Dance' screen at the festival. They were extremely warm communicative with a great lineup of films alongside ours! Would 100% submit future work to this wonderful festival!

    February 2026
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  • Erika Valenciana

    What an awesome fest! Great communication, solid curation, nice theaters, a neat filmmaker experience overall. I hope to return in the future!

    January 2026
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  • Pranab Aich

    St Louis is a good film festival; I had a very good experience.

    January 2026
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  • Lindsay Nyman

    It was such an honor for our film They Call Me The Tattoo Witch to screen at the St. Louis International Film Festival! This is an exceptionally run festival with amazing programming, and it was a dream come true to be part of the lineup. Thank you to the incredible team for making filmmakers feel supported every step of the way. I will definitely be submitting more films in the future.

    December 2025
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  • Tony West

    SLIFF has long been an excellent festival to introduce your film to the public. Great venues to screen your film and an opportunity to qualify for the Academy Awards.

    December 2025
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