SLIFF is a regional, internationally-themed film event dedicated to exploring cross-cultural understanding through the art of the cinema. The organization aims to showcase the best in international, documentary, and American independent cinema. Believing that we discover something about ourselves when we learn about others’ cultures and perspectives, SLIFF offers programs that provide glimpses of the human experience from around the world and thoughtfully address issues of race, ethnicity, and sexual identity. The festival is especially concerned with allowing local filmgoers to see works that would otherwise never screen in St. Louis.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: After temporarily converting to a virtual fest in 2020 because of the pandemic, we have returned to a traditional in-person presentation for our festivals. However, if an in-person SLIFF cannot be presented safely, we'll again use the secure Eventive online platform and hold the fest virtually instead.

Awards & Prizes

SLIFF presents approximately 20 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 both narrative and documentary shorts. The juried award winners for Best Live Action Short, Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best of Fest (Narrative Short) can submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar® consideration.

Full award information can be found on the Cinema St. Louis website.

Rules & Terms

Conditions for Eligibility:

This is a competitive, curated event, and submission does not guarantee an invitation.

All films must fulfill the following requirements:
1) Be fully completed by entry deadline (NO works-in-progress).
2) Be a St. Louis theatrical premiere.
3) Be submitted with English subtitles if in a language other than English.
4) Be submitted with complete entry information and appropriate payment.
5) Not be widely available on video/DVD, cable, YouTube, Vimeo, iTunes, or VOD in the St. Louis region before the festival dates. A film's availability on one of these platforms does not absolutely disqualify an entry, but first priority will be given to works that are true premieres.

Music rights and all copyright clearances are the sole responsibility of the filmmaker.

Cinema St. Louis (CSL) will not be held responsible for any legal disputes regarding the exhibition of this film.

Entry Procedure:

Provide complete information on FilmFreeway. Films should be submitted as secure online screeners on the platform (do not send DVDs or Blu-rays to our office).

All entrants will be notified of the status of their submission by e-mail no later than August 5, 2024.

Notification of acceptance or rejection will not include criticism or feedback specific to your entry.

If your film is selected, publicity images must be sent immediately (300 dpi or higher electronic images are preferred in .jpg or .png format). All invited shorts must be immediately available for upload or delivery on invitation.

Please contact Cinema St. Louis for questions and clarifications.

91 Reviews
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  • Tom Harmer

    Grateful to have been selected for this festival.
    Would have loved to attend and experience the vibe, sadly UK based so wasn't able to visit.

    Keep up the great work!

    June 2024
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  • Rob Pfaltzgraff

    SLIFF is a fantastic festival, in which we've been proud to screen multiple films, including KEMBA and PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME. SLIFF has dedicated volunteers, excellent venues, enthusiastic and engaged audiences. and we are always honored to be a part of what's become one of our favorite festivals. This festival is absolutely worth attending and the team is great.

    February 2024
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  • Michelle Danner

    Such a fantastic festival, with one of the best staff I've encountered in the festival circuit. I met so many great people.

    December 2023
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  • Aryasb Feiz

    It was such an honor to be nominated at such a prestigious film festival.
    Special thanks to Joshua Ray for assisting in every way.
    Looking forward to participating in the festival again.

    December 2023
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  • Rob Underhill

    Everyone involved in the St Louis Int'l Film Festival, including the community, loves the filmmakers and showcasing their works and provide a premium visual and audio experience for everyone to enjoy the films.

    December 2023
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