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Introduction to the film festival

Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “20 Great Film Festivals in Vacation Destinations” and named San Diego’s Best Film Festival for eight consecutive years, the San Diego International Film Festival continues to grow as an important stop on the awards circuit. With its October timing and close proximity to Hollywood, the Festival attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and passionate audiences from around the world.

The 25th Annual San Diego International Film Festival invites filmmakers to join us Where Culture, Coast & Cinema Collide, October 14–18, 2026, marking 25 years of the Power of Film.

Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, SDIFF is more than a film festival—it’s a vibrant cultural experience. The Festival showcases exceptional storytelling from around the globe, pairing world-class cinema with an enthusiastic, engaged audience that values conversation, connection, and discovery.

Filmmakers enjoy curated screenings, Filmmaker Q&As, panels, and meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow storytellers, industry professionals, and film lovers. The Festival also presents high-profile studio premieres alongside a full calendar of events, including the Opening Night Gala, VIP experiences, networking receptions, parties, and the Festival Lounge.

Join us for five dynamic days featuring 100+ films, conversations, celebrations, and unforgettable moments—where global stories meet San Diego’s creative spirit.

Over the past 25 years, films selected for the San Diego International Film Festival have received 167 Academy Award nominations and won 36 Oscars.

Submit your film and be part of this milestone anniversary Festival.

Awards

The slate of films that are selected at the Festival offers a wide range of programming from creative narrative features to thought-provoking documentaries to engaging and enlightening short films. Topics in film we specifically cultivate include Social Impact, Women in film, American Indian Cinema, film exploring the role of veterans and the Armed Forces, Student Film projects, Animation and International Cinema.

Rules

Genre ：Action Comedy Science fiction Ethics Violence Adventure Crime Family Musical Fantasy Shootout Suspense Inspirational Drama others Documentary
Subject ：Unlimited Children Humanistic Animals Food Women Campus Sports Old man Environment Home Workplace Special people
Video Format ：AVI HDV MPEG4 DCP MOV MPEG

ENTRY REGULATIONS
The SDiFF is a competitive showcase for domestic and international short films and short documentaries. The SDiFF reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. All films must be a minimum of a San Diego Premiere and NO theatrical, cable, television, satellite, VOD, internet screenings or availability of any kind in the San Diego region prior to the SDiFF dates. Only works completed from 2025 - 2026 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.

FILM ENTRIES
All foreign language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration as an online screener. Works in progress will be considered, please make a note your film is still a WIP when submitting.

Evaluation

Jury Profile
Jury Name Judge photos Jury Profile

Authorization type

    Proxy Submission

Duration (several sessions)

    25

Film Festival Features

  • Red Carpet
  • Celebrity Guest
  • Filmscreen
  • Cash prize
  • Trophy
  • Copyright transactions
  • Prize
  • Certificate

Dates & Deadlines

  • 2026-01-01
    Submission start time

  • 2026-02-13
    Earlybird Deadline

  • 2026-03-30
    Regular Deadline

  • 2026-05-30
    Late Deadline

  • 2026-07-03
    Extended Deadline

  • 2026-07-03
    Submission end time

  • 2026-09-08
    Finalist notification start time

  • 2026-09-08
    Finalist notification end time

  • 2026-10-14
    Award ceremony start time

  • 2026-10-18
    Award ceremony end time

Categories and fees

  • Narrative Feature (International Specific)
    Video length ：0 - 300
    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. These films should be International Films (outside of the U.S.).

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 90 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 110 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Documentary
    Video length ：0 - 300
    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. This is category is for both U.S. and International films.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 90 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 110 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Shorts
    Video length ：0 - 30
    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. Both U.S. and International film submissions in this category. Shorts cannot exceed 29:59 in length.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 40 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 100 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Women Filmmaking
    Video length ：0 - 300
    The San Diego Intl Film Festival is dedicated to providing women storytellers and filmmakers a platform to encourage and develop creative projects by women. We will continue to discover, spotlight, and forge ways for women to succeed as storytellers who shape our cultural landscape. Eligible film submissions in this category fulfill the following: A woman fills 2 of the 3 roles on the project (Director, Writer, or Producer)

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 100 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Animation
    Video length ：0 - 30
    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.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 100 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Equestrian
    Video length ：0 - 300
    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.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 100 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Student - College/University Level
    Video length ：0 - 300
    Student narrative, documentary, and shorts films created while in school at 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. If submitted in the student category you will only be considered for the student tracks in the Festival.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 90 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Student - Highschool Level
    Video length ：0 - 300
    Student narrative, documentary, and shorts films completed in High school. Student films represent solid storytelling and emerging visions from a broad range of categories, and this includes student animation. If submitted in the student category you will only be considered for the student tracks in the Festival.

    2026/02/13
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 30 Dollar

    2026/03/30
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 40 Dollar

    2026/05/30
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    2026/07/03
    Extended Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival

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