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All categories juried by industry professionals. Awards and prizes are subject to change
Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema
Prize: camera package worth approximately $60,000
Award for Best Independent Film
Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for International Cinema
Award for Best International Film
Nueva Vision Award
For the best Spanish-language film
Best Documentary Award
For the best documentary feature
Valhalla Award
For the best Nordic feature
The Social Justice Award
For a documentary feature film that addresses social justice issues
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short Film
Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animated Short Film
Winning film will be eligible for Academy Award nomination.
Best Documentary Short Film
Audience Choice Award
FEE WAIVERS NOT AVAILABLE*
-Submission fee is non-refundable.
-We prioritize US and World Premieres.
-No music videos or commercials.
-More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.
-The filmmaker will assume shipping costs of materials and print to SBIFF.
-If your feature film is selected, you will be asked to provide: digital stills from the film; and three 27x40 printed poster (no other poster size will be allowed).
-Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.
-Not all invited films officially selected will be eligible for competition.
-The selection committees' and juries' decisions are final.
-If paying by check, the check MUST include the film title and FilmFreeway ID #
-Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films through U.S. and/or foreign customs officials.
-SBIFF reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or Festival scheduling.
* Exception for Santa Barbara Filmmakers
-Santa Barbara Filmmakers must request fee waivers through SBIFF website:
https://sbiff.org/film-festival/submit_a_film/
-In order to be considered for the Santa Barbara Filmmakers category, filmmakers (producer[s] and/or director) must have Santa Barbara County residence OR more than 50% of film must have been filmed in Santa Barbara area (Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Carpenteria, Summerland).
FEATURE FILM
BEST INTERNATIONAL [LOCKAL] SHORT FILM
Short films, of any genre, under 30 minutes, from all around the world
DOCUMENTARY FILM
ANIMATION FILM
SCREENPLAY