Tickets

The 33rd Annual Film Festival - April 22-27, 2027

SUBMISISONS

Picture of actors Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN!

Alongside our signature international film categories and competitions, this year brings exciting additions: a brand-new Episodic category and a special award recognizing the Best Genre/Horror Film, and again for 2027 we are an Academy Award Qualifying Festival for Documentary Shorts.

As always, we will continue to celebrate our Music Video Showcase, Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase, and Filmmakers of Tomorrow Showcase—highlighting music videos, local talent from California’s Central Coast, and emerging youth filmmakers from around the world.

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GEORGE SIDNEY INDEPENDENT FILM COMPETITION

We are an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival for Documentary Shorts. 

Submit to our primary film competition welcoming films from around the world in all categories, genres, lengths and mediums.
Our festival will continue its commitment to presenting world-class cinema in SLO County.

MORE DETAILS HERE
Photos of the 2023 Award winners standing in front of the red carpet
One male filmmaker and one female filmmaker standing in front of a mic and camera on the red carpet and smiling.

CENTRAL COAST FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE

Filmmakers with films that were produced, directed or written by residents in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Monterey counties are invited to submit their films to this category. All film genres, mediums and lengths accepted.

MORE DETAILS HERE

MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE

We are excited to continue showcasing creative new music videos in a variety of musical styles from filmmakers around the world. We will host an evening of the official selections paired with live musical performances. All entries must be under 7 minutes.

MORE DETAILS HERE
In the center of the frame a man plays an electric guitar with a keyboardist in the back and drummer on the right side of the stage.
A young male filmmaker holds his award in his hand next to another female filmmaker as they both smile.

FILMMAKERS OF TOMORROW SHOWCASE

Open to youth filmmakers under 18 still attending elementary, middle, or high school around the world. College student films are NOT accepted into this competition. All entries must include a copy of school identification and must be under 7 minutes.

MORE DETAILS HERE

SUBMISSION FAQ'S

Prizes and cash awards will still be presented and our festival will continue its commitment to presenting world-class cinema in San Luis Obispo County from April 22 – 27 2027.

Films in the George Sidney (worldwide) competition will compete in several categories:

  • Best Full-length Narrative Film (45 min.+)
  • Best Full-length Documentary (45 min.+)
  • Best Narrative Short Film (under 45 min.)
  • Best Documentary Short Film (under 45 min.)
  • Best Student Film (any length)
  • Best Music Video
  • Best Animation
  • Best Genre/Horror Film

All winners will receive cash prizes: $1000 for feature-length films and $500 for short and student categories. Music Video winners will be awarded $200.  The Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase films are eligible for awards in the same categories, and other prizes may also be awarded.

George Sidney competition films will also be eligible for Audience Awards in five categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Narrative Film, Best Short Documentary Film and Best in Fest (any length.) 

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Earlybird:
August 15, 2026		GS*: $35.00
CCFS*: $20.00		GS: $30.00
CCFS: $20.00		GS: $45.00
CCFS: $30.00
End of Summer:
September 30, 2026		GS: $45.00
CCFS: $25.00		GS: $40.00
CCFS: $30.00		GS: $55.00
CCFS: $40.00
Regular:
October 31, 2026		GS: $55.00
CCFS: $35.00		GS: $50.00
CCFS: $40.00		GS: $65.00
CCFS: $45.00
Extended:
November 30, 2026		GS: $65.00
CCFS: $45.00		GS: $65.00
CCFS: $50.00		GS: $80.00
CCFS: $55.00

*GS: George Sidney Independent Film Competition (open to all filmmakers worldwide)
*CCFS: Central Coast Filmmakers Showcase
(open to filmmakers in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties – see more information above)

The SLO Film Fest reserves the right to determine eligibility of any work submitted. All films submitted must have a completion date after July 1, 2025. Preferred format for screening copies is an online link – preferably Vimeo.

Films selected for screening at the Festival will be notified no later than February 1, 2027. All George Sidney Independent Film Competition filmmakers will be provided with one night’s accommodation at a hotel in the San Luis Obispo area. They will also be given two all-access passes to the 2027 SLO Film Fest.

 

Filmmakers with films that were produced, directed or written by residents in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or Monterey counties are invited to submit their films for a discounted entry fee, for possible screening in the Central Coast Filmmakers Showcase. The same film cannot be entered in the George Sidney Independent Film Competition. A separate set of jurists will choose a selection of films to be screened as “local” films. If the “local” film is entered in the George Sidney Independent Film Competition it will be judged by the SLO Film Fest Programming Committee along with all other entries from around the world. If a film is entered in the wrong category, it will be disqualified.

 

SLO Film Fest Alumni filmmakers are invited to submit a new film with a fee waiver. Please email info@slofilmfest.org for your waiver.

Submission fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if a film is not selected.

 

We currently do not accept films that are fully AI-generated.