• All Feature entries must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021 and are only eligible if the film’s premiere date is after September 1, 2021. This does not apply to mid-length or short submissions.
• Please note that any film (feature, shorts, and mid-length) previously exhibited publicly — either theatrically, via television, VOD, or internet broadcast — are not eligible for submission. Festival participation does not disqualify submissions to SFFILM Festival.
• As of 2020, a California premiere is required for all Feature Films. This does not apply to mid-length or short submissions.
• All filmmakers must provide accurate and complete information when submitting to the SFFILM Festival. SFFILM requires each filmmaker to include the following specifications:
- Filmmaker name, email, mailing address (city, state, zip code)
- Production credits
- Film language
- Run time
- Completion date
- Student project
- Youth Work submissions (You will be asked to send or upload photo ID with date of birth (proof of age 18 years and younger) to gga@sffilm.org with the subject line: Youth Works Submission + FFW Confirmation Code.
• Incomplete application / entry forms will not be accepted and will need to be re-submitted.
• A complete application includes participation in SFFILM’s demographic survey.
• Bay Area filmmakers (directors only, not production crew or cast) are eligible for entry fee discounts and additional Bay Area awards given in recognition of the rich variety of work that has established Northern California as a center of independent production. Bay Area awards are presented to a documentary feature film and two short films. To qualify for a Bay Area award, entries must have been made by a filmmaker who is a current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area (the area from Monterey to Mendocino: postal zip codes 93901 to 95457).
• The Festival is unable to waive entry fees or provide discounts beyond those indicated. Entry fees are not refundable. We encourage and urge all filmmakers to submit by the early deadline of October 19 before fees increase.
• You may submit any number of titles; however, a separate entry form, preview copy, and entry fee are required for each title. If the Festival determines a work is entered in the wrong category and needs to reassign it, any discrepancy in entry fees between the categories must be paid by the filmmaker.
• Narrative, documentary, mid-length, and animated short films (under 30 minutes) can also be considered for inclusion in our popular Family Films program. Family Films should be suitable for ages 7 and up. Selections in this category engage and entertain the entire family. This program traditionally mixes emerging talent with established filmmakers such as Glen Keane, Bill Plympton, Cartoon Saloon, Aardman Animations, and Tonko House.
• Rough cuts or works-in-progress are accepted and reviewed. However, filmmakers are urged to submit as close to the final cut as possible. The Festival will not accept new versions of an entry unless requested by the programming staff.
• All entrants will be notified of the Festival’s decision by March 8, 2022.