Like so many festivals who had to close their doors in 2020, The Sun Valley Film Festival has had to reimagine what it means to be a film festival in the times of COVID-19. Though health and safety are the top priority, SVFF does not intend to lose any of its magic - honoring storytellers, artists and filmmakers that continue to add to the town’s rich cinematic history.
It is the goal of the festival to get filmmakers work on the big screen, to share their stories with audiences and to join the festival's ever-expanding family of artists. However, SVFF is prepared to honor filmmakers with digital alternatives. Whether it’s on a laptop or one of the festival's gorgeous venues, if your film is selected, SVFF will do everything possible to present and proliferate your work.
The Festival has always been known for its intimate accessibility, attracting industry icons who return year after year, creating a community of artists that define the Festival’s unique atmosphere. Festival guests include Hollywood legends such as Amy Poehler, Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Geena Davis and Oliver Stone as well as avant-garde writers and filmmakers like Eliza Hittman and Mark and Jay Duplass. With over 4,000 yearly attendees, SVFF is quickly becoming known as the Festival for Filmmakers: a boutique event beloved by film fans and auteurs alike.
The Sun Valley Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art of filmmaking. In the ten years since it was founded, the Festival has proven to be a concierge of opportunity connecting filmmakers with support both financially and through mentorship.
AUDIENCE AWARD
The Audience Award is voted on by movie goers.
PRODUCER’S VISION AWARD
This award recognizes a producer’s ability to keep a dramatic, feature length film in focus during the journey of the project.
ONE IN A MILLION AWARDS
The One in a Million Awards honor feature length stories made for under one million dollars. One narrative and one documentary film are each awarded.
THE SHORTY AWARD
The best short film across all categories.
GEM STATE AWARD
Presented by Festival sponsor Zions Bank, this award recognizes an Idaho filmmaker whose work best reflects the beauty and diversity of the Gem State.
FUTURE FILMMAKER FORUM
Showcases student-made films and encourages students in their craft, storytelling, and self-expression.