Celebrating our 20th year!

Sunscreen is known for its friendly atmosphere in a sun-kissed waterfront setting in the arts-centric city of St. Petersburg, FL. Since 2006 the festival has screened top-notch indie films, provided our filmmakers with quality workshops and panels packed with Hollywood talent, hosted great parties, and has been the top film festival in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Florida area. Sunscreen is consistently ranked among the top 100 reviewed film fests on FilmFreeway out of over 12,000 festivals on Film Freeway.

The Sunscreen Film Festival was one of 23 festivals sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (the Oscars) in 2013-2014, named one of the top 25 “coolest’ film festivals by MovieMaker Magazine and Best Film Festival in the Tampa Bay Area by Tampa Bay Magazine.

The Sunscreen Film Festival is organized and presented by the St. Petersburg Clearwater Film Society. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to education, economic development, informing the public about the art of visual storytelling, enhancing opportunities for local filmmakers to develop their craft and art, and increasing the public’s awareness and support of local filmmaking as a cultural and economic asset.

The Sunscreen Film Festival has grown from its first festival in a local art gallery in 2006 to an internationally recognized event in St. Petersburg, FL. The festival has become known for its commitment to filmmakers. The festival is for filmmakers by filmmakers. Sunscreen is committed to diversity, taking chances on creative and edgy films. Celebrating diversity is a core value of St. Petersburg and the festival seeks each year to showcase that value.

One aspect that makes Sunscreen unique is that our celebrities and special guests participate in workshops, classes, or other events supporting the festival’s mission. Everyone who attends Sunscreen is accessible and easy to interact with. Many filmmakers love the collegial atmosphere during the festival and appreciate the chance to learn from one another. Sunscreen provides at least a dozen workshops during the festival each year.

Diversity Statement: Sunscreen Film Festival

At the Sunscreen Film Festival, we believe diversity fuels the creativity of the film industry. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where filmmakers from all backgrounds can share their unique stories.

Our festival embraces filmmakers of various races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting the world's diversity. We strive to promote equal opportunities and support underrepresented voices, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.

We ensure a fair selection process with a diverse panel of judges, evaluating films based solely on their artistic merit. We also provide networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for filmmakers from underrepresented communities and collaborate with like-minded organizations.

Join us at the Sunscreen Film Festival, where diversity is central to our programming and commitment to an inclusive film industry.

Sunscreen History Summary 2006-2024

Total Films Accepted:
3,261 films were accepted into the Sunscreen Film Festival from 2006 to 2024.

Country Representation:
75 unique countries were represented among the accepted films.

Genres:
443 unique genres were listed among the films.

Languages:
Films were produced in 70 unique languages.

Sunscreen presents juried awards in the following categories:

Best Short Film
Best Florida Film (Short or Feature)
Best Comedy (Feature)
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Web series Short
Best Narrative Feature Film
Best International Film (Feature)
Best International Film (Short)
Best Animated Film Short
Best High School Student Short
Best College Student Short
Best Director (Feature)
The Dale Pople Best Sci Fi Film Award
The Dave Barrett Cinematography Award

1. Productions may be created in any format, but all entries for pre-screening must be in a digital file.
2. Productions must be entered by the primary rights holder or their authorized representative. If you are acting on the behalf of the rights holder of the film, you may be required to furnish proof of authorization.
3. All entries must be in English, dubbed in English or contain on-screen English subtitles. Non-English entries submitted without dubbing or on-screen English subtitles will be automatically disqualified.
4. Entries must be be submitted by deadline dates.
5. Works-in-progress may be accepted for consideration, provided a completed version will be available by March 17, 2025.
6. We do not require, but STRONGLY RECOMMEND providing an "all audiences" trailer (downloadable) for your film in online format. This will greatly increase your chances of being included in all social media promotions for the Festival and social media is what this festival relies upon for advertising and promotion.
7. For each accepted entry, the Sunscreen Film Festival will allocate up to four (4) filmmaker passes to all festival events. A representative of your film must pick up all passes at check-in.
8. Based upon availability, Sunscreen will arrange discounts at hotels for filmmakers traveling to the Festival. This is provided on a first come, first serve basis.
9. Local premiere preferred. Films that have screened at another film festival in the Tampa Bay area are eligible to be accepted, but only in special circumstances. In most cases, films that have already screened at any other Tampa Bay area film festival before the Sunscreen Film Festival will NOT be accepted.

TERMS:

1. Only complete entries (including entry, payment, and media file) will be processed and considered for screening.
2. Films must have been created no earlier than 2023.
3. Films promoting or advertising products or services for "for-profit" companies (excluding music videos) will not be given consideration.
4. Entrants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance into the fest by March 6, 2025.
5. Entrant stipulates that they control all rights to the submission and that public exhibition is authorized during the 2025 Sunscreen Film Festival if the film is accepted to the Festival.
6. If selected, entrant agrees to provide a copy of the film in an approved format for public exhibition no later than March 17, 2025.
7. If the Entrant wishes to decline acceptance to the Sunscreen Film Festival, it must be provided in writing no later than March 11, 2025.
8. There are no refunds of submission fees.
9. If your film is selected for screening, entrants will be required to fill out a festival acceptance form. The form link will be emailed to the contact person listed in FilmFreeway for all accepted films.
10. Participants agree that all materials related to their film (including excerpts of the film) may be published for any promotional purpose related to the Sunscreen Film Festival, including the Festival Program, Festival Web Site, and any local or national media. Posters and images of the film may be used independently or in combination with images from other films to promote the film and the Sunscreen Film Festival.
11. Productions must be entered by the primary rights holder or their authorized representative. If you are acting on the behalf of the rights holder of the film, you may be required to furnish proof of authorization. Films already steaming or available for purchase, films that have aired on a broadcast, cable or VOD platform for wide viewing by a general audience will not be accepted.
12. DCP's will not be mailed back unless the filmmaker provides a return shipping label.
13. DCP delivery deadline is March 21st. Anything sent after this deadline may not be included in the festival.
14. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Sunscreen Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Steve Stein

    This festival is incredible. They truly do a great job bringing together the film community in Florida and providing a top quality experience. I am so proud to have had my film screened amongst the other incredible films that were showcased during the fest. The panels they put together provided so much information around various complex topics. With or without a new film this year, I plan to attend the 2025 festival.

    July 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We love that you enjoyed it and hope you have a film to submit for 2025. If not we will still see you there!

  • John Gigrich

    Even though I wasn't there it was a great experience.

    June 2024
  • Had a wonderful time at the festival, unfortunately I was not able to attend all the days but it was great, the pitching session was an awesome and informative block! The communication process of the festival with the filmmakers was extremely good. Can't wait for next year!

    May 2024
  • Marc Griffith

    The Sunscreen Film Festival is an absolute gem in the world of film festivals. Tony Armer and his incredible team were phenomenal hosts, making every attendee feel like the star of the show. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this festival was something special.
    The screening venues were nothing short of spectacular. Both visually stunning and technically flawless, they provided the perfect backdrop for every film showcased. The attention to detail was evident, and it truly enhanced the viewing experience.
    One of the standout aspects of the festival was the impeccable organization and seamless communication with the staff. Throughout the event, every detail was meticulously planned, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. It made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free.
    The discussion panels were another highlight. They were exceptionally well-organized and provided a wealth of knowledge. Each panel was educational, engaging, and offered invaluable insights into the film industry. We left each session feeling inspired and informed.
    Our team made numerous new connections, and we are already in discussions about new projects. The networking opportunities at the Sunscreen Film Festival were fantastic, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration thrived.
    The food venues in the area were superb, offering a delightful variety of options. Conveniently located within walking distance of the hotels and the festival, they made it easy to enjoy great meals without any hassle.
    Lastly, the town of St. Petersburg, aka St. Pete’s, was a wonderful backdrop for the festival. Its charm and hospitality left a lasting impression on all of us. We can't wait to return and experience it all over again.
    In summary, the Sunscreen Film Festival is a must-attend event. With its outstanding venues, exceptional organization, enlightening panels, and vibrant networking opportunities, it sets the gold standard for film festivals. Tony Armer and his team deserve immense praise for creating such a memorable experience. We eagerly look forward to returning next year!

    Marc Griffith p,g.a. "Bau, Artist At War"

    May 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Marc! We are so appreciative of your kind words and can't wait to have you back at the festival!

  • Kathleen Krenitsky

    Greatest festival's I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. Everything was wonderful; from the staff and volunteers, to the venue, the parties, the attendees and the lineup. It was truly an honor to screen Bayoutech, and I hope to come back in future years. Deepest thanks.

    May 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you! We're so happy you had a great time and that you appreciate all the work our team put into the festival.