Sunset Grove Film Festival programs character driven stories and artful/experimental lyric short films across drama, comedy, documentary, and experimental narratives. Story and/or some intention through narrative is critical to us. Each film must inspire wonder in some way: emotional, intellectual, social, and environmental being our tendency.
Basically, we’re looking for well told stories about human characters and narratives that provide a cinematic art experience.
When reviewing films we ask:
- Does this short inspire wonder? Does it inspire emotionally, socially, intellectually, and/or artistically?
- Does this short focus on real human characters or does it provide an intentional narrative through extraordinary craft or art?
- Does this short show us an uncommon perspective (points of view from underrepresented communities, ideology, unique perspective)?
- Are there fatal flaws in the production? Is there anything in the production quality that really distracts from experiencing the story?
We accept short films up to 23 minutes in any genre, on any topic, and from any country.
DEADLINES
Entries are currently closed.
Visit https://www.sunsetgrovefilmfest.com/submit-your-film for rules and topics of special interest for each film screening.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Short films must have been completed after Summer Solstice 2018.
- Short films must be no more than 23 minutes in length including titles and credits.
- We screen films in any language, but all films with non-English dialogue must have English subtitles so our U.S.-based audience can fully enjoy your film.
- SGFF only accepts digital files with a minimum resolution of 1080 HD.
- We do accept submissions for films that are available online but priority is given to short films that are not yet publicly available online.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed entry via the FilmFreeway website.
- Submission fee paid to SGFF via the FilmFreeway website.
- Digital screener: Vimeo link or secure online screener.
- Submissions must be uploaded and submitted no later than 11:59pm (Mountain Time USA) on the deadline date.
- By submitting your short film to Sunset Grove Film Festival, you give us the right to screen your film at our film festival.
- Filmmakers of “Official Selection” films will be paid a screening fee for every additional screening of your short film outside of its initial screening at one of our festival events.
RULES and SELECTION PROCESS
- Priority is given to short films that are not yet publicly available online. We love to premiere films at our festival. Please submit your publicly available films! We want to help promote your work.
- SGFF accepts work-in-progress films that are picture locked. Please include a list of items to be completed (color, sound mix, effects, etc.).
- SGFF will not review multiple versions of your film for selection or programming consideration unless you submit each version separately before the submission deadlines.
- The date(s), time(s) and location(s) of exhibitions of the films shall be at the discretion of the festival.
- Submission fees are non-refundable.
- Submission deadlines are at 11:59 PM Mountain Time of the posted date. Submissions received after this time are ineligible and will be ignored.
- Filmmaker is responsible for securing all copyright clearances and music rights.
- SGFF director and programming team reviews all film submissions.
- No film, once programmed, can be withdrawn.
- Inclusion and programming decisions made by SGFF are final.
NOTIFICATIONS
- We will notify you of your official entry status via the email address you provided in your submission through the FilmFreeway website.
- The submitter shall be either a producer, director or authorized agent of the film. All communication will be sent to the person submitting.
- Once a submission is received, we will change the status of your film in the FilmFreeway online management tool and you will be notified that we have received and will review your film.
AWARDS AND PRIZES
All “Official Selection” films are eligible to win prizes selected annually by a jury comprised of filmmakers and industry experts in the following categories:
- Jury Award for Best of Festival ($350)
- Jury Award for Best Narrative Short ($250)
- Jury Award for Best Documentary / Creative Nonfiction Short ($250)
Additionally, all “Official Selection” films screened are eligible to be awarded a cash prize of $100 for "audience favorite" short film at each tiny film festival event. We generally schedule four tiny film festival events per year. Submit your short film to be considered for these awards.
SELECTED FILMS
We support visiting, “Official Selection” filmmakers with complementary festival passes and recommendations on lodging, getting around Boise, and our favorite places to eat and drink.
If selected, we may use stills or clips from your film to promote the festival in short advertising videos on our website, social channels, and online to promote Sunset Grove Film Festival and your film.
If selected, you will need to provide SGFF a press kit with the following:
- The logline of your film
- A short synopsis of your film (up to 300 words). Please note, we may work with you to construct a compelling synopsis.
- 3 to 5 high-resolution stills (2500 pixels minimum width)
- Director photo and bio
- Publicity contact if applicable
- Awards, festivals, and premieres (if applicable)
- A list of crew and cast attending SGFF, which event, and contact details
- Distributor and theatrical release date if applicable
- Coverage restrictions
- Download link to digital file with minimum 1080 resolution.