We Are The Sacred Underground

We are a homegrown, grassroots film festival dedicated to showcasing local and remote talent while supporting charitable causes.

The Sacred Underground is more than a name - it's a community. That includes you. That includes all of us, working together in the spirit of creativity and connection.

We call ourselves Sacred because something deep within drives us to create. Through that shared calling, we come together to celebrate the act of artistic expression.

We are proudly Underground - not hidden, but rooted. Every meaningful movement begins from the ground up. This is our moment to shine, a collective unveiling of the voices and visions shaping our cultural landscape.

We honor the storytellers - writers, filmmakers, actors, and behind-the-scenes innovator - who represent a rich and diverse creative ecosystem. Our programming spans genres, including action, comedy, documentary, music video, stream of consciousness, suspense, and horror.

Each year, The Sacred Underground embraces a unique theme that colors our festival experience. For 2026, we’re turning back the clock to the electrifying 1980s. Guests who arrive in 80’s attire will enjoy 50% off tickets at the box office - so dress the part, step into the era, and celebrate the spirit of the 80s with us.

Based in the creative heart of Texas, from the (210) to the (512), we invite you to join us in this celebration of independent art and community spirit.

Welcome to The Sacred Underground
Where creativity grows.
Where voices rise.
Where we rise - together.

Awards & Prizes

🎬 Top-Level Awards
* Puro Award ( Best San Antonio Based Short Film - All Genres )
* Best Short Film ( Best Non-Local Short Film - All Genres )
* Best Student Film
* Best Music Video
* Audience Choice ( Live Voting at the end of Matinee and Main Event )

( Music Videos are eligible for Audience Choice Award & Creative & Technical Awards )

🎭 Performance Awards
* Best Actor
* Best Actress
* Best Supporting Actor
* Best Supporting Actress

✍️ Creative & Technical Awards
* Best Director
* Best Screenplay
* Best Cinematography
* Best Editing

🏆 Special Recognition / Honorable Mentions
* Honorable Mention (in any category) ( Selected are given an Honorable Mention Laurel )

Rules & Terms

Categories
You may submit to the following categories:
* Short Film ( 20 Min. Or Less )
* Extended Short Film ( 20 - 45 Min )
* Student Film ( 20 Min. Or Less )
* Music Video ( 1-10 min )

Note: You may submit the same film to multiple categories, but each submission requires a separate fee.

Eligibility
* Films of any genre and from any country are eligible.
* All films must have been completed within 2 years of submission.
* Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Submission Formats
* All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.
* Submit a secure, password-protected streaming link (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) or upload via the submission platform.
* Rough cuts are accepted but must be clearly labeled. Final versions must be submitted before the notification date.

Entry Fees
* Each submission must be accompanied by a non-refundable entry fee.

Selection Process
* All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by the festival committee.
* Entries are judged on originality, technical execution, storytelling, and emotional impact.
* Submission does not guarantee selection. All decisions are final and made at the discretion of the festival team.

Notification
* Official selections will be notified via email and/or FilmFreeway.
* Selected filmmakers are required to confirm their participation via email and submit a downloadable final version of their film to The Sacred Underground Film Festival.
* Final screening copies must be submitted in a .mp4 or .mov container, H.264 / H.265 / ProRes 422 / ProRes 422HQ encoding with a resolution range of 1920x1080 - 4096x2304.

Screening Rights
* By submitting, you grant The Sacred Underground Film Festival the right to screen your film during the festival and in any promotional contexts (trailers, reels, etc.).
* You retain full ownership of your film.

Promotional Use
* If selected, you agree to let the festival use excerpts, stills, and your name for promotional purposes (website, social media, press).

Tickets & Admission
* Each officially selected film will receive two (2) complimentary festival tickets.
* Any additional tickets must be purchased separately and are subject to availability.

Travel & Attendance
* While attendance is encouraged, it is not required for participation.

Disqualification
The festival reserves the right to disqualify submissions for:
* Incomplete applications
* Unpaid fees
* Offensive or harmful content that violates our community standards

❗ Legal Stuff
By submitting your film, you acknowledge that:
* You have secured all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances.
* You indemnify and hold harmless the festival, its affiliates, staff, and sponsors from any claims or liabilities.

15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marcio Moreno

    Thank you so much for the nominations and awards. Sad I couldn’t make it.
    Great festival.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • mark petrasso

    Thank you to the organizers and jury members for this magnificent opportunity. My short, The Screenwriter, was selected and screened at the live event. Communication was prompt and clear. I liked the updates/posts on social media which gave me chance to see how the festival was organized. I recommend submitting to this festival!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Alexandra Lukina

    The Sacred Underground was truly inspiring, and it was awesome to watch such a diverse, exciting mix of rare curated films. With such a strong program of short films, I am honored that my short received Best Short Film and Audience Choice. Huge thanks to the organizers, the jury, and everyone who came out to watch. I hope to attend again, even if my film isn’t in the program.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Teresa Garza

    A beautiful and enriching festival.
    The curation was powerful and intentional — every film felt meaningful. The organization and hospitality created a space where filmmakers could truly connect and feel supported.
    For us, it was a moment of creative renewal and a reminder of the power of storytelling.
    A truly cinematic experience. Highly recommended.

    November 2025
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  • Carys Bowen

    Fantastic festival with an excellent slate of short films on the screen, and a group of incredibly caring and genuine people on the ground. Thank you so much for including "Stepping Gently"! You made my first festival-as-a-filmmaker experience truly special.

    November 2025
    Helpful