The Shawna Shea Film Festival (SSFF) is a fringe independent international film festival. We love quirky and experimental films as much as we love straight narratives.

Our philosophy is best explained in the 2005 version of Amos Vogel's book "Film as a Subversive Art."

In it he writes explaining the importance of independent cinema and festivals, "Not those fake 'independent' films whose makers only aspire to become the next Hollywood stars, but those true iconoclasts and independent features, avant-garde or documentary filmmakers-who even under today's bleak circumstances audaciously continue to 'transgress' (i.e. subvert) narrative modes, themes, structures, and the visual/aural conventions of mainstream cinema."

Our goal is to give as much exposure to these kind of films that push those artistic boundaries.

Established in 2012 the SSFF is a fundraiser for the Shawna E Shea Memorial Foundation Inc, a 501(c)(3), to honor Shawna's unique independent spirit by highlighting truly independent films that share the same quality.

The funds raised from the festival go towards scholarships and fellowships, including a Women in Film Fellowship.

Every year we have an opening night networking party and on the closing night we have an awards ceremony and party with pizza and fun networking. It is a party!

Every year we give out Best of Awards in many categories.

We give out a Shawna Spirit Award to those artists who push the boundaries and norms of the artwork. Truly independent artists.

We also offer a Female Fellowship Award every year to aspiring female filmmakers from around the world. Go to the ShawnaFoundation.org website for more details.

All films must have been produced in the past three years. We accept digital files only for screening purposes. No fee waivers are offered. We reserve the right to screen accepted films at festival events throughout the year. All films that are not in English must have subtitles. For our screenings we require MP4 files.

All screenplays must be under 110 pages for features.

No Waivers. Please don't ask for waivers. This is a fundraiser for our foundation. That would defeat the purpose.

We are not responsible for travel or accommodations.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Samantha deManbey

    Great festival that is extremely supportive to independent filmmakers! Wide selection of films from experimental to more traditional comedies and dramas.

    October 2024
  • The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival is a true advocate for independent filmmakers. Screening my short film there was an amazing experience! The venue had a cool, quirky vibe that added to the charm, and Patrick’s insightful questions about each film stood out. I especially loved the setup at the Starlite Lounge, where you could watch films right at the bar while chatting with fellow filmmakers. It was the perfect blend of laid-back fun and creative energy. Skip went above and beyond to foster an inspiring and nurturing environment that truly celebrates the unique spirit of independent filmmaking.

    September 2024
  • Stephanie MELYON-REINETTE

    Great Congeniality (even though it was only online! I oculd feel how warm they were and really sipported my production ! I liked their commitment to cinema, filmand productions withpurpose. Thank you for selecting OTOTEMAN and for valuing it all the more. Best !

    September 2024
  • Showing Blue Bear Woman at The Shawna Shea Memorial Film Festival was a delightful experience. Warm and bright assistance, warm and bright reception, very fine fine fine people taking good care of me. I had a great pleaure in Southbridge, MA!

    August 2024
  • József Gallai

    Though I wasn't able to participate in person, my experience with this festival has been exceptional. Great communication and value, I highly recommend it.

    August 2024