Join us for an extraordinary showcase of sports, film and culture at the 2026 Summer League Film Festival, held during the annual NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV. Daily screenings will be held from the Strip View Pavilion from inside the arena of the NBA’s premiere summer event.

The Summer League Film Festival showcases projects from all aspects of life and the impact sports has on our society. The SLFF is not limited to basketball, we invite filmmakers to present stories that capture the passion, perseverance, and personal journeys inherent in the world of sports.

We are seeking films which offer originality, fresh perspectives and untold stories within the sports world. Whether it’s an underdog’s journey to triumph, an exploration of the cultural impact of sports on communities, or a deep dive into the personal struggles and victories of athletes off the field, we want narratives that resonate on a human level. Our goal is to present a rich tapestry of voices and experiences that showcase the dedication, resilience, and spirit inherent in sports. By sharing these powerful stories, we aim to inspire audiences and foster a greater appreciation for the profound connections between sports and society, the characters involved, and the inspiration for achievement.

In its second year, festival co-founders Kevin Garnett (Content Cartel) and Albert Hall were joined by Mark Wahlberg’s Unrealistic Ideas and filmmaker Deon Taylor (Hidden Empire Film Group). SLFF25 represented a bold step towards disrupting traditional film festival programming. Our innovative approach is designed around distribution potential and built to cultivate meaningful connections and conversations around you and your film. The SLFF programming schedule allowed for nearly a 2:1 ratio of screening and Q/A panel events hosted by a collection of media talent around the sports and basketball industry. This allowed for generation of production-quality on-stage interview recordings, media interviews and other valuable promotional content, which was delivered to participants following the conclusion of SLFF25.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled festival experience where sports and cinema converge amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. We anticipate several studios and decision makers on site, and all selected filmmakers will receive an invite to a private SLFF Tip Off event, attended by top athletes, agents, and industry professionals.

Join us at the 2026 Summer League Film Festival and celebrate the spirit of sports through the art of cinema.

Awards & Prizes

Best Documentary Feature
Awarded to the documentary feature film that provides the most compelling insight into the world of sports, culture or athlete experience.

Best Documentary Short
Awarded to the documentary short film that provides a profound glimpse into the world of sports, culture or athlete experience.

Best Narrative Feature
Awarded to the narrative feature film that exemplifies excellence in storytelling, direction and production within the sports genre.

Best Narrative Short
Awarded to the narrative short film that exemplifies excellence and efficiency in storytelling, direction and production within the sports genre.

Prestige Audience Award
Presented to a film in any category which recognizes an outstanding story and its resounding connection to the growth of modern sports culture.

Social Impact Award
Presented to a documentary that, through bold storytelling and cinematic craft, seeks to honor civil rights struggles, amplify marginalized voices, and spark dialogue around justice and equity in sports and around the world.

Game Changer Award
Awarded to a documentary film that shines a light on the lesser-known corners of basketball history and/or reflects a substantial contribution with lasting impact toward the evolution of modern day basketball.

Rules & Terms

We invite filmmakers to submit their works for the 2026 Summer League Film Festival, focusing on sports culture and athlete stories across all disciplines—not limited to basketball. Below are the rules and terms governing submissions to our festival.

Submission Requirements:
Submissions are accepted in the categories of Narrative Shorts, Documentary Shorts, Narrative Features, and Documentary Features. Films should align with our festival theme and provide a unique perspective on sports culture or athlete experiences.

For each submission, please provide a secure online screener link through FilmFreeway with any necessary passwords. Ensure that the link remains active throughout the selection process.
In addition to your film, your submission must include a synopsis and at least one high-resolution still image of your film’s poster (minimum 5x4 inches at 300 dpi in JPEG or PNG format). Please provide current contact information, including a valid email address and phone number. Notify us directly if any of this information changes, as all communication will be conducted via the email provided at submission.

Eligibility:
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. Short films should have a maximum runtime of 20 minutes, while feature films should have a minimum runtime of 120 minutes. If your film is not in English, it must include English subtitles.
Format Requirements:
If selected, your film must be available for exhibition in .MOV format. Exceptions may be made for certain projects; please contact us if you have concerns regarding the exhibition format. Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format may be requested at discretion of SLFF Staff.

Submission Guidelines:
All submissions must be received by the final deadline to be considered; late or incomplete submissions may be disqualified. Submission fees are non-refundable. Students may qualify for discounted fees upon providing a valid student ID.

Selection and Notification:
Our programming team will review all submitted films. Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email by the listed notification date. Please ensure your contact information is up to date, as all communication will be through the email provided at submission.

Screening Terms:
Films must not be available online publicly or commercially prior to the end of the festival. By submitting your film, you agree to screen it at the festival if selected. The festival reserves the right to schedule screenings at dates, times, and locations of its choosing. Filmmaker attendance is highly encouraged.

Legal Terms:
By submitting, you warrant that you have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for all elements of your film, including music, images, and content. Your film must not infringe on any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights. All material owned by the NBA (i.e. game footage, NBA highlights etc.) must be cleared through the regular clearance channels prior to festival screening. The festival is not responsible for any claims related to your film, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, or royalty infringements.

Promotion:
You grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, and images from your film for promotional purposes. We may also use your film’s synopsis and other provided materials in our program guides and marketing materials.

Additional Terms:
Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all the above rules and terms. The festival reserves the right to make changes to these rules, and any changes will be communicated to submitters promptly.

Contact Us:
For any questions or concerns regarding your submission, please contact us at filmfestival@vegassummerleagueevents.com.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Gables Distribution

    My team screened a film at the NBA Summer League Film Festival in 2025, I can genuinely say the experience exceeded expectations. The entire team was enthusiastic, passionate, and deeply dedicated to making filmmakers feel supported and celebrated.

    The screenings are only part of what makes this festival special; the ancillary events, networking opportunities, and added moments of exposure are thoughtfully curated and truly valuable. It’s a unique festival environment with real energy behind it, and you can feel how much the staff cares about the filmmakers and the work. Highly recommend.

    January 2026
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  • Groupies Inc

    As someone who has personally participated in the NBA Summer League Film Festival, I can honestly say this festival is unlike any other—because it’s backed by the NBA and it feels like it.

    From the moment you walk in, the experience is elevated. Seeing the film poster for Groupies—Daphnique Springs’ short—featured on the Megatron during live NBA Summer League games, with film posters displayed throughout the arena, was surreal. It wasn’t just a screening; it felt like being fully integrated into the NBA world. The SportsCenter-style post-screening Q&A, professional photographers, and media-level production made filmmakers feel seen, respected, and celebrated.

    Having been through many festivals myself, I know how much intention goes into every detail. Groupies stood out for its sharp storytelling, cultural relevance, and confidence. Recognition here is earned, not handed out.

    January 2026
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  • Clay DeHart

    An overall fantastic event! Not only are films presented in front of a passionate basketball-centric audience, but the live Q&A and media availability provide filmmakers with an unmatched platform and priceless exposure. It's by far the most unique atmosphere of any film festival in the country! Truly nothing but great things to say about the festival and everyone involved.

    January 2026
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  • rich k

    This was a one-of-a-kind festival in which our team had a wonderful experience showcasing a preview of our film". The accommodations and hospitality were top notch, and we truly felt at home showcasing a basketball film at the famous Thomas & Mack Center. I'd highly encourage filmmakers delving into sports of all types, not just basketball, to consider submitting here. It's only going to grow in size and esteem, don't miss out! Looking forward to going again some day.

    January 2026
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  • Taylor Sharp

    An absolute must for anyone at the intersection of sports + film. Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or basketball fan, the Summer League Film Festival is for you! Our team is so glad we ventured to Vegas to introduce select members of the hoops world to our project "Hoop Portraits: A Life in Basketball" through screening a work sample of our film at the fest. Kevin Garnett and AJ Dybantsa even showed up to our screening with popcorn in hand, a fun surprise for everyone in attendance. Thanks to Warren and Albert and the entire VSL team for putting on a wonderful event. We'll be back!

    January 2026
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