SIMI Film Fest

NOTICE: No fee waivers will be given under any circumstances.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Please carefully review all submission materials and requirements before submitting.

By submitting, you confirm that you hold all necessary authority, rights, and permissions and that you agree to all submission rules.

Due to the volume of entries, individual feedback cannot be provided.

Selection decisions are made solely at the discretion of SIMIFF and are final.

Submissions are evaluated based on story strength, production quality, originality, and creative vision.

SIMIFF reserves the right to modify deadlines, programming, and rules without prior notice.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Selected films grant SIMIFF the non-exclusive right to use submitted materials—including film stills, posters, clips, and credits—for promotional purposes related to the festival.

SIMIFF is not responsible for travel expenses, accommodation, or program changes.

All ticket and submission fees are non-refundable.

Festival organizers reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or alter the festival format as necessary.

Filmmakers are responsible for securing all necessary licenses, permits, and clearances prior to submission.

SCREENING DETAILS

A DCP exhibition copy is required for all selected films and must be submitted via The Archetype Company through the official link provided.

The DCP submission deadline will be announced with the official selections.

Failure to provide or respond to DCP submission requests within the given timeline following the announcement of official selections may result in disqualification and forfeiture of your screening slot.

SIMIFF is not responsible for lost, damaged, or late-delivered prints or files.

Press kit materials—including a high-resolution film still, official poster, short synopsis/logline, and a 10-second clip—will be required for promotional use.

Filmmakers will also be asked to provide social media handles and any additional assets needed to promote their film.

Failure to communicate with the SIMIFF team or submit required promotional materials within the established deadlines may result in disqualification from the official lineup.

SIMIFF does not pay screening fees.

AWARDS AND ELIGIBILITY

Open to both U.S. and international entries.

No completion date requirement or premiere policy.

Films previously submitted to SIMIFF are not eligible.

Non-English language films must include English subtitles.

Only completed films are accepted; works-in-progress will not be considered.

Films are ineligible if they have been made commercially available for sale or paid streaming prior to the festival (including DVD/Blu-ray, VOD, or television broadcast).

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Feature films: 40 minutes or longer but not to exceed 120 minutes.

Short films: 39 minutes and 59 seconds or under.

Series Pilot/Concept must be under 60 minutes.

Separate submissions and fees are required for each film entry.

No refunds will be issued for duplicate submissions, non-acceptance, or withdrawal requests.

Cover letters are not required but are welcomed.

DISCOUNT CODES

Discounts are available for Ventura County filmmakers and student filmmakers.

To request a discount code, email director@simiff.com
and provide:

For the Ventura County Filmmaker Discount: confirmation that the project was both shot and directed within Ventura County.

For the Student Filmmaker Discount (not in the Youth Film Fest Category): a valid, current student ID.

For the Youth Film Fest the directors and writers need to be age 20 or under at the time of production.