Eligibility: The Santa Barbara International ShortFest accepts short films with a maximum runtime of 40 minutes. All films must have been completed after January 1st of the previous year to the current year of the festival. There are no restrictions on genre or subject matter, and films from any country are welcome to submit.
2: Submission Process: To submit a film to the Santa Barbara International ShortFest, you must fill out an entry form Filmfreeway. The entry form will ask for basic information about the film, including the title, director’s name, runtime, and a brief synopsis. You will also need to provide a digital copy of the film by providing a link to the online screener of Filmfreeway. The festival does not accept physical copies of films.
3: Entry Fee: There is an entry fee for submitting a film to the Santa Barbara International ShortFest. The fee varies depending on the category of the film and the submission deadline. Early bird fees are usually lower than regular fees, so it’s recommended to submit your film as early as possible.
4: Deadlines: The Santa Barbara International ShortFest has several submission deadlines, including early bird, regular, and late deadlines. It’s important to note that the entry fee increases as the deadline approaches. Early bird deadlines are usually several months before the festival, so it’s recommended to submit your film as early as possible.
5: Screening Format: If your film is selected for the festival, you will be required to provide a high-quality digital copy of the film for screening. The festival accepts a variety of formats, including DCP, ProRes, and H.264.
6: Notification: The festival will notify all entrants via email regarding the status of their submission. If your film is selected for the festival, you will be notified several weeks before the festival begins. If your film is not selected, you will still receive an email notification.
7: Rights and Permissions: By submitting a film to the Santa Barbara International ShortFest, you are confirming that you have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the film, including music, images, and talent releases. You are also granting the festival permission to screen the film during the festival and use clips or images from the film for promotional purposes.
