Join us for an extraordinary showcase of sports, film and culture at the 2025 Summer League Film Festival, held during the annual NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, NV. Daily screenings will originate at the Strip View Pavilion from inside the arena of the NBA’s premiere summer event.

This 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.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, project partner and NBA legend Kevin Garnett and his Content Cartel team will return to lend their hand and creative juices in 2025. Last year’s inaugural event featured impactful projects: “50ForDaCity” starring Zach Randolph, “Tony Allen: The Grindfather”, “Marc Gasol: Memphis Made”, and “The Spoils: Selling the Future of American Basketball.” These films highlighted personal stories and critical issues within the basketball lifecycle while engaging audiences and industry professionals alike.

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.

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 2025 Summer League Film Festival and celebrate the spirit of sports through the art of cinema.

Awards & Prizes

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

Best Documentary Feature
Recognizes the most compelling documentary feature that provides insightful exploration into sports culture or athlete stories.

Best Narrative Short
Honors the best narrative short film that effectively conveys a powerful sports-related story in a limited runtime.

Best Documentary Short
Awarded to the documentary short that offers a profound glimpse into sports themes or athlete experiences.

Audience Choice Award
Determined by the festival attendees, this award honors the film that resonates most powerfully with the audience, celebrating its impact and appeal.

Rules & Terms

We invite filmmakers to submit their works for the 2025 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 with any necessary passwords. Ensure that the link remains active throughout the selection process. Alongside your film, include a synopsis and at least one high-resolution still image (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, 2024. 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 Digital Cinema Package (DCP) format. Exceptions may be made for certain categories; please contact us if you have concerns regarding the exhibition format.

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.

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. 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.