The city of St. Petersburg is an oasis of its own with beautiful, year-round warm weather, pristine waterfronts that canvas its downtown scenery, real beaches that look just like the postcards, Restaurants, and shops that make it the perfect backdrop to enhance the festival experience. Attendees will be enthralled with what this festival has to offer from it's Pre- Launch Kick-Off Party, To our Nightly Social Industry Networking Mixers at some of the premier downtown hotspots, To our (DIY) Do it Yourself Workshops and Panel Discussions that are designed to help enhance the creative works of local filmmakers both near and far, conducted by top professionals in the Bay Area just to name of few things happening over the course of this magical week/weekend.

Films submitted are screened by our panel of expert judges and carefully selected to be presented on the big screen at the Sundial AMC 12, and other Highly respected and historic screening venues in the city. Due to COVID-19, safety precautions and restrictions we reserve the right to switch to an online streaming platform to screen films which also allows for a larger audience to view your work as well.

Visit our website to see some of last years celebration, and more specific event information that this exciting festival has to offer. We celebrate the dreamers, visionaries, and creative storytellers from around the bay and beyond.

Awards & Prizes

SCFF Categories for Prizes:
Best Documentary
Best Indie Short
Best Feature
Best Cinematography Film/ Music Video
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 4:45Mins

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 purposes. You also may be required to have your film, if selected, converted into a DCP format if selected to screen inside of the AMC movie theater. 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 Dec 15, 2024.

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
-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.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Space Boy MX

    It was an honor for us to have been included in the festival with our short film "10:35" The opportunity to share our story and message through film is invaluable and we are grateful for this platform to spread it. We thank the organizers and everyone involved in the festival for their dedication and effort to make it happen. Thank you so much! Spaceboy.

    www.spaceboy.mx
    https://linktr.ee/spaceboymx

    May 2023
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  • Geoff Tarson

    I was so thrilled that our web series, "A Short Tutorial" debuted at SCFF 23. The festival was very welcoming and communicative. Even though I couldn't physically attend, it's clear that there is a lot of energy, passion, and diversity at the festival. Thank you SCFF! I'm so glad we were selected.

    January 2023
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  • Debbie Garrett

    Thank you Sunshine City Film Fest For the opportunity to meet the St. Petersburg/Clearwater film Commissioner what a great time. Thank you for selecting my film to be shown, this is an excellent film fest.

    January 2022
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  • Ivy Tobin

    Having The Sunshine City Film Festival held in Florida was fantastic. Since I am located in St. Pete, and have wanted many local friends to see my pilot, having the festival local was great. It was fantastic invite all to the Sundial AMC and see the screening of MY LIFE AS A DOORMAT. And many thanks to Sunshine City Film Festival for honoring our team with the Best Web Series trophy. Fun festival! Great people.

    January 2022
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  • Paul Laudicano

    What a fabulous festival. The people that ran it were amazing. Wonderful networking. Great selection of films. One of the best!

    January 2022
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