SLIFF is a regional, internationally themed film event dedicated to exploring cross-cultural understanding through the art of the cinema. Its mission is to enhance cultural diversity by bringing American independent productions, horizon-expanding international films and high-quality studio films to audiences before their commercial release. The Festival is especially concerned with providing film-goers and cineastes the opportunity to see works that would otherwise never screen in St. Louis. USA Today named SLIFF one of the 2019 top "10 amazing film festivals worth traveling for."
The festival is produced by Cinema St. Louis, a not-for-profit organization.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the seriousness of the ongoing world health crisis and the ongoing need for strong social distancing, we have had to make the difficult decision to move the St. Louis International Film Festival this year to an exclusive and secure online platform in November. We encourage you to still submit your projects for consideration, and our staff will continue to evaluate submitted films.
LIFF has over 3 dozen juried and audience choice awards. Juried awards include the New Filmmakers Forum Emerging Director's competition ($500 cash prize), the Interfaith Award for narrative and documentary features, the Midrash Award focusing on St. Louis based filmmakers, and the new Spotlight on Inspiration Documentary Feature award ($5,000 cash prize).
Additionally, SLIFF is an Academy-sanctioned qualifying festival for both narrative and documentary short subjects. Winners of the juried award for Best Live Action Short, Best Animated Short, Best of Fest (Narrative Short), and Best Documentary Short can submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar® consideration.
Full award information can be found on the Cinema St. Louis website.