Dear Asian filmmakers, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (USA) is accepting films until December 3, 2025.

About the festival:
The SBIFF has devoted sections for documentaries that address social justice issues, nature and oceanography, food and wine, and the performing arts. Additional sidebars highlight contemporary world cinema from Nordic countries, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, etc.

In addition to showcasing a diverse spectrum of films, tributes and galas. SBIFF also offers seminars with industry professionals including Directors, Writers, Producers and Women in the Business Panels, as well as Q&A sessions with a diverse selection of filmmakers.

Eligibility:
– The festival accepts short films (under 40 minutes) and feature films (over 40 minutes), from all genres (fiction, documentary, and animation).
– Films must have been completed after November 2024 to be eligible.
– The festival prioritizes USA and World Premieres.
– Films that have been publicly broadcast in the United States and/or films that are publicly streaming online prior to the 2026 film festival are not eligible.
– Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.
– Music Videos or commercials are not eligible for submission.
– The festival doesn’t give Fee Waivers.
– Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.
– Submission Fees and Deadlines:

– Notification Date: January 9, 2026

We recommend filmmakers to read the full Rules and Regulations here: https://filmfreeway.com/SBIFF (This is also the submission link)

We remind readers that the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place from February 4 – 14, 2026 in Santa Barbara, CA, United States.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.