The Sun Valley Film Festival invites filmmakers to be a part of the legacy of storytellers, artists and filmmakers that have defined our town’s rich cinematic history.

Attracting industry icons who return year after year, SVFF invites filmmakers to become a part of an ever-expanding network. Past festival guests include Hollywood legends such as Gal Gadot, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Ethan Hawke, Amy Poehler, and Woody Harrelson as well as avant-garde writers and filmmakers like Eliza Hittman, Shaka King, and The Duplass Brothers. With over 4,000 yearly attendees, SVFF is quickly becoming known as the Festival for Filmmakers: a boutique event beloved by film fans and auteurs alike.

The Sun Valley Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art of filmmaking. In the 12 years since it was founded, the Festival has proven to be a concierge of opportunity connecting filmmakers with support both financially and through mentorship.

Awards & Prizes

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
Awarded to the best narrative feature film in the festival.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Awarded to the best documentary feature film in the festival.

AUDIENCE AWARD
The Audience Award is voted on by movie goers.

ONE IN A MILLION AWARDS
The One in a Million Awards honor feature length stories made for under one million dollars. One narrative and one documentary film are each awarded.

THE SVSHORTY AWARD
The best short film across all categories.

GEM STATE AWARD
This award recognizes an Idaho filmmaker whose work best reflects the beauty and diversity of the Gem State.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
• Filmmakers are encouraged to submit as early as possible.
• The Sun Valley Film Festival reserves the right to determine eligibility of any project submitted.
• Features currently available to the public on the internet, DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, that have had significant television play, or currently in wide theatrical release will not accepted.
• Please include FilmFreeway tracking number on all submitted materials.
• All submitted materials become the property of the Sun Valley Film Festival and will not be returned.

IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
• In order to ensure that we are able to service filmmakers to the best of our ability, we are programming a reduced lineup this 2021 season.
• The festival will not refund submission fees due to event changes incurred by COVID-19. These fees directly support our programming staff, allowing the festival to thoroughly review all films and keep the lights on.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eve Weston

    We had such an incredible time at Sun Valley Film Festival! They picked an awesome range of films that were interesting, inspiring, and thought provoking. Bennet was an amazing host. He checked in with everyone and made a real effort to get to know everyone and introduce us all to each other. Highly recommend this festival!

    April 2023
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  • Gus Reed

    Screened our short film Ringing Rocks in the After Hours shorts program at SVFF 2023 and had a great experience-- adventurous programming in a beautiful place with many interesting people to meet -- well worth submitting and attending!

    April 2023
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  • Lovell Holder

    Sun Valley is a top-tier film festival that is easily one of my best festival experiences I've had. The chosen films are beautifully curated, and the staff works overtime to make all visiting filmmakers feel special and included. The whole community really shows up to support the festival as well, and that fact makes the experience all the more special.

    April 2023
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  • Arlie Sommer

    Showing my film at the Sun Valley Film Festival was a very special experience. Thanks to the festival for their excellent communication, programing, and hospitality!

    April 2023
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  • Alexandra Henry

    Thank you Sun Valley Film Festival for having our film play in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho. We're sorry we couldn't be there in person, but all of the communication and organization was very helpful leading up to the event. And we received nice feedback from audience members who saw our film in-person. Hope to be back soon!

    May 2022
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