For Filmmakers


2025 Festival Timeline


Submissions Open

Early Bird Deadline

Final Deadline

Submission Review

Filmmaker Notification

Festival Opens

April 1

May 31

July 31

August

September 15

October 23


SQFF Terms & Conditions


  1. Films will be accepted via FilmFreeway from 4/1/25-7/31/25. All films must be submitted by 11:59 PM (PST) on July 31, 2025.

  2. Fees for submissions will be collected via FilmFreeway. Submission fees are non-refundable. SQFF reserves the right to reject submissions based on the eligibility criteria. If you have questions about eligibility before submitting, please contact us.

  3. All film submissions are required to have English open captions.

  4. All applicants accepted to the festival will be notified 4-6 weeks prior to the festival.

  5. Filmmakers who have been accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

  6. By submitting you are agreeing to the following terms: SQFF has the right to screen your entry at the festival and to use screenshots, clips, and photos from your submission for festival marketing and promotion.

  7. By submitting you are also agreeing that SQFF has the right to screen your entry on a virtual platform during the virtual portion of the festival.

  8. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information are subject to change by the San Quentin Film Festival team, without notice. Any changes made after submission will be directly communicated to filmmakers.