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, Josh Brolin, 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.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rebecca Davis

    We had the best time in Sun Valley at this festival! Can't wait to go back with a future film or as an attendee!

    March 2024
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  • baby sun

    It’s an honor to be a finalist and thank you to the Sun Valley Film Festival for choosing “Nightmare”

    March 2024
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  • Heather Dermott

    We screened our short documentary film, The Balloonist, in the Idaho shorts program and had a great time. The festival is incredibly well organized with a diverse range of films to see and people to meet. It's also pretty hard to beat the charm and beauty of Sun Valley. We were proud that our little film won the best Gem State short film award! We highly recommend this festival and will attend in the future!

    March 2024
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  • 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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