Submitting Your Film to Sonscreen
Submission Overview
Film submissions for Sonscreen will open soon. Click the button below to be taken the registration and film submission portal. Students can submit in-competition films to several categories, while professionals can submit films for consideration as showcase pieces. Note that professional films are not in competition at Sonscreen. Please read our film submission guidelines before you begin the process. Scroll down for deadlines and more film submission information.
Dates & Deadlines
Film Submission Deadline: 03/11/26, 11:59 pm, PT
Please submit the most complete version of your film possible by this deadline. You are allowed one updated version after you submit but updated versions must be received by notification day for the jury to judge your final cut. Submitting an incomplete film also lowers your chance of selection. Best practice is always to submit a completed film. And don't forget, if your film is not completed by the submission deadline, it will be eligible to submit 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.