Submitting Your Film to Sonscreen
Submission Overview
Film submissions are now open. Use the button below to access the registration and submission portal. Students can enter films into multiple competition categories, while professionals may submit work to be featured as showcase selections. Professional films are not in competition at Sonscreen.
Review the film submission guidelines before you begin, and scroll down for deadlines and more details.
Dates & Deadlines
Film Submission Deadline: 03/11/26, 11:59 pm, PT
Please submit the most complete version of your film possible by the deadline. You may upload one updated version after your initial submission, but all revisions must be received by notification day so the jury can review your final cut. Because incomplete entries may reduce your chances of selection, we strongly encourage submitting a finished project whenever possible.
If your film isn’t finished by the deadline, you’ll still be eligible to submit it to Sonscreen the following year.
March 11 - Final Deadline
All films must by submitted
on or before this date (but earlier is great too!)
March 18 - Notification Day
Official selections are announced. Selected films
go to the jury for judging
April 3 - Deadline for Updates
If you have not submitted your one updated version, this is your last chance to send it in.
Categories
Film Submission Categories
Dramatic
Any narrative short film. Includes comedy shorts. These films typically follow a traditional story structure. Festival organizers reserve the right to place submissions in the category they deem most appropriate.
Art/Experimental
Short films showcasing artistic techniques and/or
non-traditional storytelling. Festival organizers reserve
the right to place submissions in the category they
deem most appropriate.
Micro Shorts
Films that deliver a complete, compelling story in under two minutes. Animated shorts are welcome. Festival organizers reserve the right to place submissions in the category they deem most appropriate.
Documentary
A factual film that follows one or more recognized documentary modes. Re-enactment sequences are permitted. Festival organizers may reassign submissions to the category they deem most appropriate.
High-School
Films of any genre made by high school students. Festival organizers may move a film into this category, but will not take qualifying submissions out of the high-school category without the filmmaker's permission.
Professional
Films of any genre not made by students. Not in competition for awards, except those designed specifically for professionals. Selected for their ability to educate and/or inspire student attendees.