Rules & Terms

Films must be submitted via an online screener ONLY. We do not accept films submitted on DVD.
Your film will be privately screened and evaluated by international filmmakers and producers with expertise in the specific categories for which you submit.
Make sure to fully enter your project on FilmFreeway, including downloadable posters and names of the candidates for additional categories.

By submitting your film, you agree to the following terms:

A MAIN category must be selected for each submission.
Multiple categories may be selected for additional submissions,
All non-English films must have English subtitles in order to be judged,
All submissions must have been released after January 1st, 2017,
You are providing San Diego Movie Awards a nonexclusive limited license to use segments of your film (including trailers/film posters/press kits/teasers) for promotional purposes,
Entry fees are non-refundable,
Waiver codes are currently not available,
Judging decisions are final,
Poor quality film standards (e.g. bad sound, lack of subtitles/lack of captions for non-English films, video resolution below 720p) will not be accepted,
Entrants confirm and warrant that they have the required legal authority to use all music, images, and content in the entry submitted,
No restrictions on premiere or online statuses.
A DCP copy of the film is required for the annual gala screening.