The San Francisco Women Film Festival is an online celebration dedicated to promoting the work of talented women filmmakers from around the globe. This dynamic event showcases a diverse range of both short and feature-length films, highlighting stories by and about women. Our mission is to amplify female voices in cinema, offering a platform not only to women filmmakers but also to male filmmakers who create films with a strong focus on women's experiences and perspectives.
The festival aims to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences by presenting a curated selection of films that challenge, provoke, and uplift. With a variety of categories, the festival encourages submissions from all genres, offering a unique opportunity for both emerging and established filmmakers to share their work with a global audience.
Whether you're an aspiring director, an experienced filmmaker, or an enthusiast of cinema, the San Francisco Women Film Festival invites you to join this vibrant celebration of stories that matter.

Narrative Short
Documentary Short
Animation
Experimantal
Student Film
Men's Films About Women
Comedy
Drama
Thriller/Mystery
Horror
Scinece Fiction/Fantasy
Romance
Action/Adventure
Musical/Dance
LGBTQ+ Stories
Historical Film
Coming of Age
Social Justice and Activisim

Regulations
1 Eligibility:
◦ Open to women filmmakers and male filmmakers who create films with a focus on women.
◦ Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
◦ Submissions are welcome from all over the world; however, non-English films must have English subtitles.
2 Submission Categories:
◦ Films can be submitted in various categories, including short films, feature films, documentaries, animation, and experimental films.
◦ A separate category exists for student films.
3 Film Length:
◦ Short Films: Up to 40 minutes.
◦ Feature Films: Over 40 minutes.
4 Format:
◦ All films must be submitted digitally via a secure online link or through designated film submission platforms.
5 Premiere Status:
◦ There is no premiere requirement; however, films that are premieres (world, U.S., or California) may be given preference.
6 Screening and Rights:
◦ By submitting, filmmakers grant the San Francisco Women Film Festival the rights to screen their film online as part of the festival program.
◦ Filmmakers retain all rights to their work.
7 Submission Fees:
◦ A nominal fee is required for each submission, with discounts available for early entries and students.
8 Selection Process:
◦ Films will be reviewed by a panel of experienced judges from the industry.
◦ Selected filmmakers will be notified via email and will receive two complimentary passes to all online screenings.
9 Awards and Prizes:
◦ Awards will be given in various categories, including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Director, Audience Choice, and more.
◦ Winners will receive a certificate, festival laurels, and potential distribution opportunities.
10 Festival Participation:
◦ All selected filmmakers are encouraged to participate in Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and other online networking events organized by the festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Olivia N'Ganga

    San Francisco Women Film Festival is perfect !

    April 2026
  • Wonderful, as first time female director, our short film TWO STEPS is in Semifinal.. We wan to thank the festival and the jury to recognize our work and we thank you for all other film makers whose work is acknowledged.

    April 2026
  • Lynwood Shiva Sawyer

    Dear San Francisco Women Film Festival,
    The darkly sardonic short, The Country Gentlewoman, is our debut effort. We wanted to express how dead chuffed [delighted, pleased] to receive the recognition from such a prestigious Festival.
    Wishing you much success in this year’s and all you Future festivals.
    Hope, Ellie and Lauren

    April 2026
  • MAUREEN MEEHAN

    It is such an honor to be part of this amazing film festival. San Francisco Women Film Festival is truly special for my novel, script, and trailer for my movie, "60 Dates in Six Months (with a Broken Neck)" -

    Maureen Anne Meehan

    September 2025
  • Thanks for selecting my film “Barbie Styles” as a semi-finalist. I appreciate the acknowledgement.

    June 2025