Set against the stunning backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains, the Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest is a vibrant celebration of cinema that breaks boundaries, sparks conversation, and amplifies voices from every walk of life. This community-rooted festival invites audiences and filmmakers alike to engage with bold storytelling across a wide range of genres and styles.

At its heart, the Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest is driven by a commitment to inclusion, diversity, and action. We believe film is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for change, understanding, and connection.

From emerging voices to seasoned directors, we champion the bold, the original, and the authentic. Whether it's a short animation by a young local artist, a gripping environmental documentary, or an adrenaline-pumping action sports film—if it’s a film that feels, it belongs here.

Join us in Sandpoint for an unforgettable weekend where stories ignite change and every frame counts.

#NotBoringFilms #SandpointIdahoFilmFest #SPIDFF

Awards & Prizes

Honoring today's most creative independent films, SPIDFF presents awards in 18 categories:

Audience Award
Best Animated Work
Best Documentary Feature
Best Experimental Award
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Short Documentary
Director’s Award for Artistic Merit
Green Horizons Award
Love Out Loud Award
Made in Idaho Award
Past Forward Award
The Next Wave Award
Untamed Action Sports Feature Award
Untamed Action Sports Short Award
Youth Film Award
Visionary Women in Film Award
Voices For Change Award

Rules & Terms

Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest 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 the state of Idaho) are highly encouraged. 

- Student produced work please include either proof of enrollment - copy of Student ID. 

- Sandpoint/Coeur d’Alene/Bonners Ferry local produced work, please include proof of residency in Boundary, Bonner, or Kootenai County (Driver's License copy, etc.)
- Youth works please include proof of age.
- Please submit films into the category that best fits your status and genre. For example, if you are under 18 but live in Idaho, please submit to the Youth Works category. If you are in school and live in Idaho, please submit to The Next Wave category.

2. Submission Format

- Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway through a secure screener link (Vimeo or YouTube preferred).
- If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-resolution digital copy (DCP, ProRes, or MP4) for screening.
- We currently only accept physical submissions including Film, DVDs, Blu-rays, or Hard Drives if submitting to the Past Forward category.

3. Premiere Status & Online Availability 

- The festival does not require a world premiere but prefers Idaho 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 the city of Sandpoint, ID.
- Filmmakers are encouraged to attend!
- Films may be screened more than once during the festival.

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 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. **

Please contact us at info@sandpointidahofilmfest.org for any questions.