The Big Sandy Film Festival is a two day festival held at The Garden Theater in Louisa, Kentucky on August 15-17, 2025.
The 2024 call for submissions opens September 6, 2024 and will run through June 7, 2025.
All films that are officially selected for our program will receive two free all-access pass to the festival and 20% off additional passes up to 2 passes.
Gem of the Big Sandy - Best in Show
Appalachian Award - Best Film produced in or by Appalachians
Feature Film Awards
Best Picture
Best International Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Documentary
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best International Documentary
Short Film Awards
Best Picture
Best International Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Student Films (Eligible for all other short/feature film categories)
Best Picture
Best International Picture