Catch the Next Wave of Independent Film at the 26th Anniversary of the Santa Cruz Film Festival!

The Santa Cruz Film Festival supports and promotes the love of the cinematic arts within Santa Cruz and the Greater Monterey Bay Area.

Through the production of an annual film festival, year-round events and educational programming, the Santa Cruz Film Festival engages the community in their appreciation of filmmaking, from short and experimental films, to narrative and documentary features. Since 2000, SCFF has screened over 2000 independent films, including scores of locally-produced works in front of tens of thousands of dedicated cinephiles.

Now in its 26th year, SCFF invites bold, innovative vision. All genres welcomed.

The festival is proud to not only showcase new creative movers and shakers, but also to provide an interactive experience where filmmakers, musicians, performers, and the community come together to celebrate cinematic creativity in an unforgettable week. Join Santa Cruz this October for a much-needed movie date.

Awards & Prizes

Honoring today's most creative independent films, SCFF presents awards in 18 categories:
Audience Award
Best Animated Work
Best Documentary Feature
Best Short Documentary
Best Experimental Feature
Best Experimental Short
Best Locally-Produced Work
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Student-Produced Work
Director’s Award for Artistic Merit
EarthVision Environmental Feature Award
EarthVision Environmental Short Award
Evan Kuhn Youth Film Award
Spirit of Pride Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film
Visionary Women in Film Award
Spirit of Action Prize (Feature)
Spirit of Action Prize (Short)

Rules & Terms

Santa Cruz Film Festival Submission Rules

1. Eligibility & Completion Date
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
- All genres are welcome.
- Local films (made in or by filmmakers from Santa Cruz/California) are highly encouraged.
- Student produced work please include either proof of enrollment - copy of Student ID.
- Santa Cruz/Monterey local produced work, please include proof of residency in Santa Cruz/Monterey County - Driver's License copy, etc.
- Youth works please include proof of age.
** SCFF alumni may submit for free. Please email logan@santacruzfilmfestivals.org for a code.**

2. Submission Format
- Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway through a secure screener link (Vimeo or YouTube preferred).
- No physical submissions (DVDs, Blu-rays, hard drives) will be accepted.
- If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-resolution digital copy (DCP, ProRes, or MP4) for screening.

3. Premiere Status & Online Availability
- The festival does not require a world premiere but prefers California or regional premieres.

4. AI-Usage Disclosure
- If AI-generated content was used in any capacity, filmmakers must disclose it in their submission.

5. Selection & Notification
- Official selections will be notified via FilmFreeway and email.
- If selected, filmmakers must provide:
* A high-resolution screening copy
* A press kit (stills, poster, director’s statement, trailer, social media links)
* The festival does not provide feedback on unselected films.

6. Screening & Attendance
- Selected films will be screened at venues within Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
- Filmmakers are encouraged to attend!
- The festival will host Q&A sessions, networking events, and filmmaker panels.

7. Ticketing & Passes for Filmmakers
- Accepted filmmakers receive 2 festival passes.
- Additional guest tickets may be available at a discounted rate.

8. Disqualification & Refunds
- No refunds on submission fees under any circumstances.
- Submissions that do not meet the above requirements will be disqualified without a refund.

The festival does not require a world premiere but prefers California or regional premieres.

Films may be screened more than once during the festival.

The Festival may use images and clips from accepted films for promotional purposes and festival trailers on social media, email newsletters, and during the festival itself.

** Submission does not guarantee selection. **
34 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Jesseca Ynez Simmons

    What an absolute pleasure to be apart of the Santa Cruz Film Festival. They have so much love for filmmakers, integrity in their programming and are vital to the Santa Cruz community. One of my favorite film festivals of all time!

    October 2025
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  • Dominic Howes

    I had great time at the Santa Cruz Film Festival! The team was very welcoming and we had a great screening!

    October 2025
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  • Sean Peoples

    This year’s Santa Cruz Film Festival was something truly special. My film When the Storms Hit premiered here, and I couldn’t have imagined a better home for it. The programming captured the city’s spirit perfectly—from fun and experimental shorts to daring documentaries and mind-expanding fiction.

    After a few years on hiatus, the festival’s return felt like a good omen for the future of filmmaking in Santa Cruz. You could feel the energy of a community coming back together—creative, curious, and ready to celebrate bold stories. Grateful to the organizers, volunteers, and audiences who made it such a memorable experience.

    October 2025
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  • Davide Fiore

    Great experience, communication was great, and the overall organization was top-notch. We had a brief but great time.

    October 2025
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  • Kristin Tieche

    Had a great time at the Santa Cruz Film Festival! The staff was very welcoming and accommodating. All the venues were within walking distance, which was nice. The folks at the theater were incredibly helpful. It was an honor to be included in the 25th SCFF!

    October 2025
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