for Filmmakers
Submissions open July 1.
Local filmmakers, please email programming{at}sbfilmfestival{dot}org for information on submitting your film.
For distribution information, click here to download the Distribution Contact List.
Submission FAQs
What are the deadlines and fees for submission?
Earlybird Deadline: August 15th
Features: $35
Shorts: $25
Regular Deadline: September 19th
Features: $50
Shorts: $35
Late Deadline: October 31st (*please note change in date*)
Features: $75
Shorts: $50
Drop Deadline: December 2nd (*please note change in date*)
Features: $95
Shorts: $65
All entries paid through Withoutabox (WAB) are eligible to receive a $5 discount. Submission fees are non-refundable.
These are postmark deadlines. If your entry is processed on WAB during one deadline but is postmarked during a later deadline then you will be responsible to pay the difference between the two deadline fees.
How do I submit a film?
Just log on to our Withoutabox page at http://www.withoutabox.com/login/1305 and follow the instructions for entry. All entries must be processed through Withoutabox.
Films must have been completed in 2008
How can I get a fee-waiver?
Because we are a non-profit organization and the revenue from submissions play an integral role in running the festival we are unable to offer fee waivers. We recognize it can be difficult enough to raise money to make a film, let alone paying festival submission fees, but these fees are necessary to keep the festival running.
Take advantage of our Earlybird deadline, which was not offered in past seasons, as well as the $5 discount for paying through Withoutabox.
LOCAL FILMMAKERS may apply for a fee waiver. Please follow the instructions for local filmmakers listed at the end of this FAQ.
What formats will you accept for previewing?
We only accept region 0 or region 1 NTSC DVD screeners. We no longer accept VHS tapes. If your film is only available in PAL/SECAM format please e-mail us at programming@sbfilmfestival.org for more information and we will do our best to accommodate.
What formats will you accept for exhibition?
We accept 35mm, HD Cam, DigiBeta, and BetaSP. Digital tapes must be in NTSC format. We cannot screen films in PAL and/or on DVD.
What running time do you consider a feature film or short film?
Films with a total running time over 40 minutes are considered a feature film. Films 40 minutes or less are considered short films. This rule is strictly observed.
Do you accept works in progress and rough cuts?
Yes. We will consider rough cuts of films as long as a completed version will be available by the final week of December, 2008.
Can I send in an updated version of a submission I already sent in?
Yes. Please let us know the film is a new version when you send it in and we will swap it out.
What should I include with my submission?
Please make sure your film is labeled, both on the disc and case, with the title, WAB number, contact name, and e-mail address. If your film is a rough cut, please label it as such and list what needs to be completed. If you are a local filmmaker, please label your film to that effect.
An e-mail address is required with your submission along with a contact name and title.
Please write your WAB number on the shipment envelope/box.
DO NOT INCLUDE A PRESS KIT. We will request a press kit if your film is accepted.
What should I NOT include with my submission?
DO NOT INCLUDE A PRESS KIT. We will request a press kit if your film is accepted.
Please do not include a postcard or SASE to acknowledge receipt, we will e-mail all filmmakers when their screeners arrive and are processed.
Should I include a press kit?
DO NOT INCLUDE A PRESS KIT. We will request a press kit if your film is accepted
The information included with your submission application on Withoutabox will provide us with all the info we need about your film. We will contact you if we need any additional information.
If your film is accepted we will need a press kit, especially digital still photos from your film, immediately.
My film was not accepted last year, can I submit it again this year?
Films submitted in previous years can be resubmitted ONLY if they are new versions of the film. We will not accept films submitted in previous years that have not been changed.
What kinds of films do you accept?
We accept all kinds of films and are not limited to one genre or another. The only films we do not accept are listed below.
Are there any films the festival will not accept?
We will not accept music videos, commercials, PSAs, or promotional films.
Films/videos that have received national U.S. network television (including cable) or theatrical release prior to Festival are not eligible.
Films/videos that are available for sale on DVD, or available for viewing on the internet, are not eligible.
Will screeners be returned once decisions are made?
No, we are unable to return screeners. Please do not send master copies.
Do you provide feedback if a film is not accepted?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback on individual entries.
What categories do you screen your films in?
We have several categories and sidebars that we program for our festival. They are:
Categories:
Independent Feature (English language films) - Competition
International Features (non-English language films) - Competition
World Cinema - Non-competition
Documentary Competition
Real-Markable Stories (documentary non-competition)
Special Screenings - Non-competition
Short Films - Competition
Latino Cinemedia (Spanish-language and indigenous films) - Competition
Santa Barbara Filmmakers - local films, Non-competition
Sidebars (non-competition):
Eastern Bloc - Eastern-European feature films
EastXWest - Asian films
Reel Nature
Apple Box - Family films
To the Maxxx - Extreme sports documentaries
Not all invited films will be selected for competition. All non-local feature films are eligible for the Audience Award.
Categories and sidebars are subject to change.
Are you an Academy Award nominating festival?
Yes. The short films that win the Bruce Corwin award for short fiction and animation will be in consideration for the Academy Award.
What awards does your festival offer?
Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema
Prize: camera package worth approximately $60,000
Award for Best Independent Film, juried by industry professionals.
The Heineken Red Star Award
Prize: Promotional package worth approximately $25,000
Recognizing and celebrating the achievement of the most progressive and gifted independent film director. Juried by industry professionals.
Best Foreign Film
For the best foreign film, juried by industry professionals
Nueva Vision Award
For the best Spanish-language film, juried by industry professionals
Iconix Video Award for Best Documentary
Prize: Camera package worth approximately $16,500
For the best documentary, juried by industry professionals
The Fund for Santa Barbara Social Justice Award
Prize: $2,500 cash
For a documentary feature film that addresses social justice issues, juried by a committee selected by the Fund for Santa Barbara
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short Film
For best short film, juried by industry professionals. Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animation
For best animated film, feature or short, juried by industry professionals. Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Audience Choice Award presented by the Santa Barbara Independent
Awards and prizes are subject to change.
When will decisions be made?
Acceptances are sent out on a rolling basis starting in December. Final decisions will be made and announced at the end of the first week of January. An exact date is not available.
ALL Filmmakers will be notified via e-mail about final decisions. If no e-mail address is provided, no notification will be sent. We are not responsible for incorrect or nonworking e-mail addresses.
Does SBIFF have any premiere policies?
We do not have any official premiere policies, films screened at other festivals domestically and abroad may screen at our festival. However, we prefer if films have not been shown in the local region.
Can I submit multiple films?
Yes. Each film must have its own unique WAB number and separate submission fee.
Where do I send my film?
All screeners can be sent to:
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Attn: Programming
1528 Chapala St. Suite 203
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Please write your WAB number on the envelope.
How will I know my film arrived at your office?
We will notify all filmmakers via e-mail once their film has arrived and been processed. For this reason, an e-mail address is REQUIRED with your submission. The status of your entry will also appear on your WAB account.
How many films are submitted and how many are accepted?
Last year we received well over 1,500 submissions. We accepted over 170 feature films and over 70 shorts. These numbers change from year to year.
What is your review process?
All films are viewed by the SBIFF programmers and a committee of local and trusted film lovers and professionals. Each film is viewed a minimum of two times, rated, and will move on to the next stage based off those ratings. SBIFF programmers will make final decisions and notify filmmakers accordingly. All decisions are final and feedback for individual films is not available.
I’m a local filmmaker, what special steps do I take?
Before submitting on Withoutabox please e-mail us at programming@sbfilmfestival.org to let us know your submission is on the way. In your e-mail, please tell us how you are related to the Santa Barbara community.
Local filmmakers are considered as living in Santa Barbara or the surrounding area. Student films completed at UCSB, SBCC, Brooks, Westmont, and other local schools are also considered as local films. Films shot in Santa Barbara are only considered local if the filmmakers live locally as well. If you are unsure as to whether or not your film qualifies as local please contact us.
Once we receive your e-mail we will e-mail you with a code. During the submission process on Withoutabox you can enter this code to receive a fee waiver. This code will only work for your film and cannot be shared. However, you’re welcome to pay the submission fee if you’d like, but we cannot refund the fee once it has been paid.
Please clearly mark your submission on the packaging that the film is from a local filmmaker.
Local films, both shorts and features, are not eligible for competition. Your odds of acceptance are much higher if your film is submitted as a local film. You can still receive a fee waiver if you are a local filmmaker but would like to submit to other categories.
My question isn’t on this list.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at programming@sbfilmfestival.org and we will do our best to assist you.