San Francisco Greek Film Festival sponsored by the Modern Greek Studies Foundation

Eligibility Criteria

Films eligible for submission to SFGFF include:

Works by Greek or Cypriot filmmakers, or filmmakers of Greek or Cypriot descent worldwide.

Films about Greece or Greek culture.

Greek and Cypriot productions or co-productions.

Films featuring Greek or Cypriot directors, writers, or producers.

Films featuring Greek or Cypriot actors in starring roles, or projects with Greek or Cypriot co-directors, co-writers, or co-producers.

Important Note: Films publicly available on streaming platforms (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, iTunes, etc.) before or during the festival dates may not be eligible, at the discretion of the festival.

All non-English films must include English subtitles.

Completion date requirement: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022 to be eligible. Works-in-progress may be submitted, provided the final version is delivered by the submission deadline.

Submission Guidelines

All selected films grant SFGFF the right to upload a two-minute clip or trailer online for promotional purposes.

Multiple submissions are allowed, but each film must have its own completed online submission form.

The festival is primarily an in-person event, with a selection of films also available online as part of a hybrid format.

All films screened (in person or online) are automatically considered for awards unless the submitter explicitly requests exclusion.

Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway, unless otherwise arranged.

Submission fees are non-refundable. Fee waivers are granted solely at the discretion of the festival.

COVID-19 Update: Currently, there are no restrictions in place.

Screening Requirements

If your film is selected, you must provide:

A copy of the film in one of the following formats: DCP, .mov, or .mp4. Any other formats must be approved in advance.

A digital backup copy (preferred). DVD screeners are accepted as backups but are no longer required.

Delivery Deadline: Screening materials must be delivered no later than 4 weeks before the festival start date.

DCP Submission Instructions
DCP files in electronic format should be sent to:

SIMPLE DCP
c/o San Francisco Greek Film Festival
304 E Alameda Ave
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: (213) 375-8327

Alternatively, a secure link will be provided for electronic transfer of the DCP to Simple DCP.

Online Screenings
For online festival screenings, SFGFF will provide a link for upload via the Eventive platform.

Filmmakers are responsible for shipping costs, customs fees, and insurance for materials sent to the festival. Screening copies will not be returned unless prior arrangements are made.

General Terms & Conditions
Rights & Permissions

By submitting a film, the entrant affirms that they hold all necessary rights to the film, including music, images, and any other copyrighted materials.

Entrants are solely responsible for securing all necessary licenses and clearances.

The entrant grants SFGFF the right to screen the film during the festival and, if selected, to use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials for publicity and marketing purposes.

Liability

SFGFF takes reasonable care in handling all submissions and exhibition copies but is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.

The festival is not liable for any unauthorized duplication or piracy of submitted films.

SFGFF assumes no responsibility for third-party claims related to copyright, trademark, or defamation.

Promotional Use

Filmmakers consent to the use of their name, likeness, and film information (including trailers, clips, and stills) in festival publications, website, press releases, and promotional materials.

Programming Decisions

The festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility and selection of films at its sole discretion.

Scheduling of films, including dates, times, and locations of screenings, is determined exclusively by SFGFF.

The festival reserves the right not to present an award in any category if an appropriate candidate is not identified.

Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all San Francisco Greek Film Festival rules, terms, and conditions.