Download the SFIFF55 Call for Entries brochure (pdf)

The longest-running film festival in the Americas, the San Francisco International Film Festival, recognized throughout the world for its eclectic, intelligent and adventurous programs and events, is accepting submissions to SFIFF55 (April 19–May 3, 2012). Works in all genres, forms and lengths are considered.

Golden Gate Awards Competition
SFIFF is deeply rooted in the finest traditions of film appreciation both as an art form and as a meaningful agent for social change and is an important showcase for the most searching and probing films from around the globe.

The Festival’s Golden Gate Awards recognize the best of international and Bay Area talent by honoring innovation in documentary, narrative, animation, experimental and television works.

General Information for Entries

• All entries must have been completed on or after January 1, 2011.
• Features previously exhibited in the Bay Area, either theatrically, at another local festival or via television or Internet broadcast are not eligible to apply. 
• Productions partially financed by television companies intended for theatrical presentation may be entered in non-television categories.
• Bay Area filmmakers are eligible for additional Bay Area awards given in recognition of the rich variety of work that has established Northern California as a center of independent production. 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).
• 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, 2012.

Entry Fees and Awards
Comprehensive information about entry fees and awards. Read more...

How to Enter
Everything you need to know about submitting your film to SFIFF55. Read more...

Enter Online
You may enter your film either through Withoutabox or through the San Francisco Film Society’s Web site. Read more...

Call for Entries FAQs
Answers to questions about the ins and outs of entering films, formats accepted, premieres and protocols. Read more...