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GGA Competition | Narrative Features | How to Enter
Enter Online | Download PDF | FAQs
How do I enter my film or video in the San Francisco International Film Festival?
Read the call for entries information thoroughly, submit an application online or via some kind of mail service and send in a printed application with your materials. Do not send DVDs in CD cases!
What films are eligible for submission?
Entries must have been completed on or after January 1, 2008. See entry form for further details.
What if I can’t I get the online entry form to open?
Don’t panic, we still want your submission. You can also try downloading the PDF entry form, printing it out, and mailing it in. If none of this works for you, just send an email with your name and mailing address to gga@sffs.org with “Please send Call for Entries” in the subject line. We will send you a hard copy.
What if I can’t I get the online payment link to work?
Please send an email to gga@sffs.org with your reference number in the subject line.
What formats do you accept?
All entries must be on DVD (region 0 or 1 only). During the Festival, we have the ability to screen video (DigiBeta, Beta SP, sometimes HD), and on film, 35mm.
Should I be concerned about premiering my film at another festival and blowing my chances at getting into the San Francisco International Film Festival?
Our Festival does not have any formal premiere policies for short films. Narrative features cannot have shown anywhere in the Bay Area (from Mendocino to Monterey, zip codes 93901 to 95457) prior to our Festival (this includes any other Bay Area Festival showings). And we prefer the same for documentary features.
What do I do after I’ve filled out or submitted the form?
Enclose a copy of your entry form (or your online entry confirmation) with your submission on a labeled DVD (region 0 or 1) with Amaray case that meets criteria (see below) and the applicable entry fee. Be sure to sign the form. Do not send original materials.
Where do I send my material?
Send all material to our office: San Francisco Film Society, 39 Mesa Street Suite 110, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129; Attention: GGA Competition or Narrative Feature. Ship your DVD in a bubble-pack envelope; fiberpack envelopes can cause damage to tapes and equipment. If you want to submit your package in person, check the directions to our office in the Presidio. The Film Society office is open Monday–Friday 9:30 am–6:00 pm.
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, but they must each have separate entry forms, and be on a separate DVD. Of course, you will also need to send in the appropriate entry fee for each project.
When is the submission deadline?
The primary deadline for all films is Friday, November 7, 2008, and the final deadline has been extended to Friday, December 12, 2008. As long as your package arrives in the office by these deadlines, your film will be considered for the Festival.
Is there a difference if I apply earlier?
Yes. First, it’s cheaper. Second, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your film is already entered into the Festival and will be watched by programmers that are better rested. Having said that, if you really think you’ll have a significantly improved version of your film ready for the late deadline rather than the early one, then by all means go for the late one.
What are the submission fees?
Please see the entry form for fee information.
Is my film eligible for a cash prize?
Probably. See the entry form for cash prize information.
If I submit a work in progress in time for the early deadline, can I resubmit a more finished version a few weeks later?
Yes, but depending on where your film is in the screening process, the work-in-progress version may have been seen already by prescreeners and eliminated from further consideration.
Do you accept films on DVD?
Yes, but since universal technical standards don’t yet exist for burning and copying DVDs, please read the following carefully. The Festival invites all projects in all categories to submit on DVD with the following conditions: DVDs must be submitted in plastic safe cases. These are the industry standard pushbutton hub, literature clip, full sleeve for artwork, dark plastic cases. Size is 5.25" by 7.5". Please don’t waste money or efforts on artwork that fits other cases. DVDs must be formatted for Zone 1 (North America) or Zone 0 (region-free). DVDs must not include labels or stickers of any kind: Only laser-printed artwork, if any, should be on the disc itself. Many consumer labeling products (like stickers) can actually damage the disc and make it unplayable in our systems. If you are burning a consumer disc, please write your project title and a contact phone number on the disc with a black Sharpie pen. Test your consumer-burned DVD on several makes and models of players before sending it to us. If in doubt, send a VHS tape. Technical problems with DVDs can delay the completion of your submission.
Can you return my DVD if I don’t get into the Festival?
You can pay an extra fee to have your submission returned. See entry form for details.
When are the selections made?
We will notify filmmakers by the end of February of the disposition of their submission.
What is the selection process?
Refer to the entry form for details.
Once I’ve submitted, should I call you about my film?
If you’ve got any new, relevant information for us during the selection process (new contact info, you just got into another festival, the film got distribution, etc.), please send the information to gga@sffs.org with the title of your film as the subject.
When and where is the San Francisco International Film Festival held?
The 52nd Festival will be held April 23–May 7, 2009 at several locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How do you prepare participating filmmakers for the Festival?
For the filmmakers who are based in San Francisco, we have a pre-Festival get-together to answer questions and concerns. For out-of-towners, we will send information packets and are available to answer questions via email.
Who is on the juries that select the winners during the Festival?
We change our juries yearly and usually have a mix of distinguished and discerning filmmakers, film critics and film industry people on each one.
Does the Festival provide feedback on entries and the selection process?
No, the Festival does not provide feedback or notes about entries. There is a high volume of entries, and the process is necessarily focused on selection rather than drafting and providing feedback. Also, since it is crucial to us to maintain the integrity of the screening process, discussions are confidential.
Will I get reviews if I screen at the SFIFF?
Variety and the Hollywood Reporter review most of the competition features that premiere at the Festival. Filmmakers have also gotten blurbable quotes (if not full reviews) from such sources as indieWire, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Oakland Tribune, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Reel.com and Filmstew.com, to name just a few. We have in-house publicists who will work with filmmakers to help facilitate reviews and other press.
OK, I still have some unanswered questions. How can I contact you?
Email us with your questions or comments to gga@sffs.org, or mail us at Programming Department, San Francisco Film Society, 39 Mesa Street Suite 110, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129.
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