San Diego International Film Festival

From wild road-trip comedies to heart-felt dramas, this series of films is comprised of the freshest films from both established and emerging filmmakers. In order to be considered for the Features Program, films must be longer than 30 minutes.

Based on real life stories, our documentary film section aims to provide a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors – taking audiences to places they might never have the chance to see, and introducing them to people they will be glad they got to know. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2019. To qualify as a Documentary Feature, the submitted project must be a non-fiction film not including entirely scripted or improvised reenactments or fictional depictions of actual events. Documentaries may contain some dramatization of actual events. Films longer than 30 minutes may be considered. If accepted, the Programming Department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.

Our shorts track is comprised of six short film programs (each program is comprised of approximately eight short films and runs 1.5 hours in length). We accept documentary and experimental shorts in this category as well.

Using the power of documentary films to tell transformational stories with lasting social impact and to create positive change in the world. The goal is to bring awareness to worldwide social issues. Issues can include, but are not limited to, homelessness, violence against women, LGBT+, Eco-Environmental, Sustainability, discrimination.

Support of American Indian filmmakers is part of the SDiFF’s core mission and has an annual program spotlight that includes short and feature length narrative and documentary films. To be considered for the American Indian category, the film must be directed, produced or co-produced by an American Indian or explore a topic pertinent to American Indian culture.

Films that honor our U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel by telling their stories, in order to help bring closure, create understanding and bridge the gap of empathy between the civilian community and our sailors, soldiers and airmen fostering the spirit of One Nation unified on the home front.

There are no limits on format. For filmmakers, there are no age limits or education requirements. Even animation industry professionals exploring the independent sector are eligible, or works-in-progress! Films entered in this category must be under 30 minutes in length and contain a significant amount of animation. If accepted, the programming department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.

Films that highlight the diverse and creative efforts of those who artistically pay homage to the horse. Films to show the rich history and diverse tapestry of horses in human culture.

Films that investigate and tell stories about the environment, and sustainable, renewable processes and systems. Including: the natural world, renewable energy, the impact of climate change, food systems, animal populations and all films that cover topics which relate to how our environment, the natural world and humans systems are related and impact each other.

Calling all Local Filmmakers! To be considered for the Local category: The film's director, producer, or major actors must be current San Diego residents or lived in San Diego within the past 3 years. Or a minimum of 75% of the film was shot in San Diego County. If you do not meet any of these requirements your film will be disqualified for competition. If you have questions and want to clarify your status email: programming@sdfilmfest.com.

Student narrative, documentary, and shorts are those films completed in High school, for degree requirements, while in school of a university or film school program. Student films represent solid storytelling and emerging visions from a broad range of categories, and this includes student animation.