Entering
the Pitch Competition
About the Pitch
The Sonscreen Pitch Competition gives student filmmakers a chance to win funding for future projects. To apply, submit a pitch deck, a short video of your pitch spokesperson, and any optional supporting materials. Five finalists will pitch live at the festival to a panel of judges, and three winners will receive funding to bring their ideas to life.
Please review the pitch guidelines carefully before registering, then click below to enter the competition. Scroll down for more details and sample pitch videos.
Dates & Deadlines
Pitch Entry Deadline:
03/18/26, 11:59 pm, PT
You must upload your pitch deck and a description of your project before the deadline to qualify. Judges will consider the scope of your project and how a $750–$3,500 award would support its success. Because of this, focused projects such as short films or pilots are often more competitive than feature films or full series proposals. Regardless of scope, judges will want to see a clear plan for how the award funds would be used.
March 18 - Final Deadline
Pitch deck and description of your pitch must be submitted before 11:59 pm PT
March 25 - Notification Day
We will announce the names of our five finalists by this date. Finalists must buy a festival pass.
April 9-11 - Pitch Competition
The final phase of the competition will be hosted live during the festival
Examples to Watch
Bringing Your Funding Home
Pitch Winners: How to Get Paid
Some pitch finalists miss their funding when a valid W-9 form isn’t submitted in time. To avoid delays, award winners should download the form below, complete it, and email it to us within six months of the festival. Submitting your W-9 promptly ensures your payment can be released as quickly as possible.