Sacramento International Film Festival

It gives us great pleasure to introduce you to Sacramento's Premier Cinema Experience, The Sacramento International Film Festival, being held April 24-26th, August 24-30th, and December 11-13th, 2026.

For 31 years audiences and filmmakers alike have enjoyed the Sacramento Film Festival (SFF) for its exceptional hospitality and its commitment to visionary artists. SFF regularly showcases award-winning international cinema like "PORCELAIN WAR" (Grand Prize Winner Sundance), "STRANGERS NO MORE" (Best Foreign Short Oscar), "SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE" (Best Picture Oscar), as well as award-winning LOCAL films!

By accepting only films that have not previously screened in the region and working with Hollywood and independents alike, SFF grows the art and craft of filmmaking here in California's capital city.

Join us in 2026 for our 31st year anniversary with LIVE, IN PERSON screenings + Hybrid and Digital offerings throughout the year, giving filmmakers more options to find and connect to audiences!

Previous guests include Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple), Will Roberts (Oppenheimer), Colin Hanks (Fargo), DB Sweeney (The Cutting Edge), Dr. Lew Hunter (UCLA Screenwriting), Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs), Dominique Swain (Lolita), John Daly (Platoon), and Timothy Bottoms (The Last Picture Show) to name a few!

Enthusiastic audiences, beautiful venues, and innovative ONLINE PREMIERES offer filmmakers a first-class showcase for serious cinema. In addition, SFF hosts two full-day film conferences: The "DIGITAL ODYSSEY" technology expo and the "AMERICAN SCREENWRITER'S CONFERENCE". Add screenings like our "CINE-SOUL" and "CINE LATINO" showcases and you will find a complete cultural experience unlike any other!

SFF organizers are proud to offer this extraordinary "Festival of Cinema" to highlight Northern California as an arts and culture destination and celebrate amazing artists like you.

Visionary Spirit Award
Outstanding Film
Outstanding Short
Outstanding Norcal

The following guidelines govern submissions for the Sacramento International Film Festival. For more information, call 916-524-5138. Please read these guidelines carefully and follow all directions for submission.

General guidelines for all films. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

NOTE: SFF is a PREMIERE fest, meaning only films that have NOT previously played in the greater Sacramento region will be accepted for general entry. Films with ANY form of distribution in the Sacramento region before the fest are disqualified. This INCLUDES Cast and Crew screenings and online showcases like YouTube. The Festival does reserve the right to periodically make exceptions for "RETROSPECTIVE" screenings. That said, any form of distribution for a 1st-run entry seen in the greater Sacramento region before the fest is generally considered a disqualification. The Sacramento region is defined as a "media market" which includes all locations generably reachable by Sacramento radio and TV.

1) Types and Categories of Entry:
There are three main "Types" of entry for this festival, short-form (under 20 minutes total running time), long-form (20 minutes to an hour total running time), and features, (over one hour total running time), plus special Showcases. The categories are listed below. If you are from Northern California or your film was shot here, it is ALWAYS preferable to submit under the "Nor Call All-Stars" category, regardless of running time as we give much deference to locals.

Please make certain that you have specified which genre(s) your film falls under. A genre helps our judges to identify the film's content. All styles of film will be accepted for review.

2) Eligibility Requirements:
Only films that have NOT previously played in the Sacramento region are eligible for entry. This includes private screenings, physical media, TV, or online distribution of any kind. Employees, volunteers, interns, and board members are prohibited from entering. By acceptance of these rules and submission to our festival, the entrant certifies that he/she has sole legal authority to enter into this agreement.

3) Format Requirements:
Please submit a preview copy of your film via the FilmFreeway or another listed online submission engine. Sound must be 2 channel mono or stereo, 48 hz 16 bit. If accepted, you will be contacted to provide a final screener. All final exhibition screeners will be provided as an MP-4 or H264 1080p file with two channel, stereo audio.

4) Disclaimer:
The festival holds no responsibility for lost media or promotional items.

5) Awards: Awards and acknowledgments for best International film, best short, best local short, and the "Visionary spirit" best overall film will be awarded at the festival.

6) By submitting your film you agree that you have the sole legal authority to enter into this agreement. Further, you authorize the Sacramento International Film Festival, The California Film Foundation, and/or their designees to exhibit your film's content (in part or whole), without restriction via Theatrical, Digital Media, TV, Radio, and/or other means.

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Dates & Deadlines

November 13, 2025
Opening Date
March 24, 2026
Flash Forward Deadline
April 28, 2026
Earlybird Deadline
May 26, 2026
Cinema Verite Deadline
June 23, 2026
Cross Fade Deadline
July 28, 2026
Industry Deadline
September 29, 2026
Deep Focus Deadline
October 27, 2026
Final Cut Deadline
November 1, 2026
Notification Date
December 11 – 13, 2026
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Short Form
All styles of film will be accepted for review. Short form must be under 20 minutes total running time. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $45
- Student: $40
- Gold Members: $40
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Student: $55
- Gold Members: $54
Submit Now
Long Form
All styles of film will be accepted for review. Long form must be over 20 minutes but under 60 minutes total running time. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $55
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Feature
All styles of film will be accepted for review. Feature films must be over 60 minutes total running time. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $65
Submit Now
Latino Fimmaker's Showcase
The Cine Latino showcase is a special complete festival. The emergence of Latino films and media in Hollywood has underscored the contribution and importance of this community to the overall cultural fabric of our country. Locally, one of the largest ethnic groups in our region is the Latino population. Issues of importance to this segment of our community are of paramount importance to this Festival. Latino and filmmakers are encouraged to submit work of any theme or variety to this category. The only pre-requisite is that the film-maker must be of Hispanic, Latino or native American descent. Thank you for your consideration and good luck! Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Environmental Visions
This year, the Sacramento Film Festival seeks films of an environmental nature and theme. Working closely with University of California Davis, Environmental Sciences Department, the City and county of Sacramento, we're seeking the best films that speak to the fragile nature of our environment and how we all can keep it safe. Knowledge is the key. We look to your film as part of the solution to our environmental issues as a planet by shedding light. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Urban Films Showcase
This category responds directly to the rise of African American Cinema. While mainstream media is slow to support African American productions, the Sacramento Film Festival seeks to acknowledge these amazing works and their contribution to Cinema art. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Animated Film Showcase
This year, The Sacramento Film Festival honors animation: These are films that have been created in some way through manipulation of real, digital or drawn images to create a final piece which simulates live motion. With a long history of support for animation and animated pieces, the Sacramento Festival now officially recognizes animation as a specific category of entry. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Future Visionaries: Youth Showcase
This program displays the best in Youth Filmmaking, meaning projects created by students from 7th to 12th grades. These filmmakers are the future Spielbergs, Lucas' and therefore are our future visionaries. Films must all be under 20 minutes in total running time and must be suitable for all ages viewing ( G - general audiences) to qualify. The Sacramento International Film Festival will acknowledge up to ten projects created by student teams. The topics may range. Both documentaries and dramatic forms are accepted. Films that are currently in distribution or have played in Sacramento are not eligible for submission.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Nor Cal All-Stars
The Absolute BEST films from Northern California. How do you know if you are a NorCal All-Star? By being accepted to the Sacramento International Film Festival. Join your peers. Join the fun. Be recognized as a NorCal All-Star!
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
American Screenplay Challenge (Comedy)
These may be any genre or subject matter so long as they are a feature and the intent is to make the audience laugh.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
American Screenplay Challenge (Dramatic)
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
American Screenplay Challenge (Short)
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Cine Asia
Asian films are defined as being made by Asian film makers or having predominantly Asian cast and subject matter.
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now
Fashion On Film
These are short form films not to exceed 7 minutes that highlight some aspect of fashion or the fashion industry. They may be narrative or doc, animation or music video. The only limitation is a 7 minute total running time. We want to see your imagination run amok on this category!
- Flash Forward Deadline
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $22.50
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $27
- Cinema Verite Deadline
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $31.50
- Cross Fade Deadline
- Standard: $40
- Student: $35
- Gold Members: $36
- Industry Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Student: $45
- Gold Members: $45
- Deep Focus Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $50
- Final Cut Deadline
- Standard: $75
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $60
Submit Now

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