We are a film festival which connects industry professionals and independent filmmakers from all around the world with the best student filmmakers. We reward excellence in student filmmaking from all around the world with awards, prizes, and increased exposure to professional channels resulting in professional networking opportunities.
We provide weekly updates, tips, tools, prizes, and more via our newsletter. We also highlight a filmmaker and a university/college film department. Sign up to get on the list:

https://StudentFilmmakerAwards.substack.com

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes, software and equipment prizes.

SFA Film of the Year
Audience Choice Award
Emerging Filmmaker of the Year
Best Directing
Best Acting
Best Cinematography
Best Screenwriting
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Animated Film
Best Documentary

Best Short Script
Best Feature Screenplay or Pilot

Rules & Terms

Films and screenplays will be uploaded and submitted here in FilmFreeway for screening by the festival jury. Officially selected films/scripts will be required to submit a high quality version either physically or by file upload.
More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be submitted separately and will be subject to an entry fee.
All content must be original. Copyrighted music without distribution rights for your film is not allowed. Use of Artificial Intelligence is not allowed at this time.
All entries must be from student filmmakers (within the last five years).
Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles or be dubbed in English. (unless special arrangements have been made with the festival).
Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances, and permits necessary to present their work.
The selection committees’ and juries’ decisions are final.
Entry fee is nonrefundable.
The Student Filmmaker Awards Festival Directors reserve the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or festival scheduling.
Exceptions to the festival regulations must be authorized by one of the Festival Directors.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dhananjay Nachar

    SFA was a good experience. The event brought together talented filmmakers from around the world and the atmosphere filled with passion for cinema.

    Winning the Best Editing Award for my short film was an incredible honor. It’s a moment of validation and encouragement for all the hard work, late nights, and creative risks that went into the project.

    October 2025
    Helpful