The Sunshine City Film Festival – Now Entering Its 11th Year and Officially IMDb-Accredited!!

The Sunshine City Film Festival spent three years on Withoutabox and, since moving to FilmFreeway in 2019, has continued building momentum year after year, now proudly entering its 11th year as an IMDb-accredited film festival celebrating independent cinema in style.

St. Petersburg sets the perfect stage for this unforgettable experience with year-round sunshine, postcard-worthy beaches, stunning waterfront views, and a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, entertainment, arts, and culture. SCFF is more than just a festival — it’s a creative destination where filmmakers, artists, and audiences come together to connect, celebrate, and inspire.

Each January, SCFF brings filmmakers and film lovers together for a dynamic week of events that go far beyond the screen. Highlights include our energetic Kick-Off Party, nightly industry networking mixers at some of downtown’s premier venues, filmmaker meetups, workshops, panel discussions, and special events designed to empower creators with valuable tools, knowledge, exposure, and meaningful industry connections. Sessions are led by accomplished professionals from the Tampa Bay Area and beyond, creating an atmosphere that is both educational and inspirational.
Films are carefully reviewed by our panel of judges and selected to be showcased on the big screen at respected venues such as AMC Sundial 12 and other historic and cultural theaters throughout the city. In recent years, the festival has also expanded to include virtual screenings and hybrid opportunities, allowing filmmakers to reach audiences well beyond St. Petersburg and Florida.
As an IMDb-accredited festival entering Year 11, SCFF continues to spotlight the dreamers, visionaries, and storytellers who help independent cinema thrive locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Sunshine City Film Festival… where independent filmmakers come to shine!

Visit our website to view highlights from previous years and learn more about the exciting experiences, screenings, and opportunities this festival has to offer.

Awards & Prizes

SCFF Categories for Prizes:
Best Documentary
Best Indie Short
Best Horror
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Feature
*Best A.I. Short (New Category)
*Made in the Bay-Best Locally Made Film (New Category)
Best Female Actor
Best Male Actor
Best Director
Best Music Video
Audience Choice:

The SCFF Committee embraces whole heartily the art of filmmaking and looks forward to congratulating this year's winners in all categories.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms:
Feature Length Films: Minimum 40 - 90Mins
Student Shorts: 2- 15mins
Independent Short Films: 5 - 30Mins
Animation: 2 - 10mins
Documentaries: 5 - 35mins
Web Series: Up to 3 Episodes 6 - 30Mins each Episode
Music Videos: No longer than 5Mins
Music Singles/Instrumentals: No longer than 4mins

We accept films and music in the above stated categories in any genre. We do not have a premiere restriction, but do let us know if this is a national, regional, or international premiere. All films must be in English or subtitled in English. All films must be original work and clear of hindrances that would interfere with showing at our festival. We welcome foreign films of any genre. We reserve the right to adjust or amend award categories dependent upon submissions. Cash or in-kind awards may be added. Except where specifically offered, travel, lodging, and expenses will be incurred by the filmmaker. If your film is accepted, you grant SCFF permission to use the film for marketing & promotional purposes on our ASE channel streaming network platform. You also may be required to have your film, if selected, converted into a DCP format if selected to screen inside of any commercial movie theater (AMC, Regal, Cobb, Etc...). You will receive a direct message from us if this is the case. Waivers may be granted on a special needs basis. Please contact us for more info on waiver codes for late submissions beyond Nov 15, 2025, unless you are reached out to by a SCFF Festival Representative directly.

With your submission please make sure it includes:
-The director’s name
-The film title
-A short (50-words or less) description of the film (Movie Synopsis)
-Cover Art for your movie for display on our website, and marketing materials if selected.
-With your Music Submission please make sure it includes: Artist Name, Cover Art, Producers Name, Writers Name, and Where it was recorded. Please submit in MP3 File Format.
26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” IG: @theredmarketfilm featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

    April 2026
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  • Elie J. Charles

    Beautiful film festival… absolutely recommend!!!

    March 2026
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  • Abby Bryan

    I had a wonderful weekend in St. Pete attending the Sunshine City Film Festival. The staff was dedicated to making the week a memorable one for all of the filmmakers.

    January 2026
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  • Peter Hardy

    I was delighted to have my short film SHE COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN selected for screening in this festival. I regret that I was unable to attend and so can't comment further.

    January 2026
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  • William Osley

    One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had!

    January 2026
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