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Submit Your Film

Eligibility Criteria

Only films created by Deaf Filmmakers or
Deaf-Hearing collaborators are eligible.

Red Carpet Event

AWARD ELIGIBILITY

Jan 2020 - Nov 2023

Films created during this time period are eligible for Award consideration and will be screened in the Pacific Design Center’s

state-of-the-art

SilverScreen Theater.

SPECIAL SHOWCASE

​2019 OR PRIOR

Films created in 2019 or prior are not eligible for award consideration but are welcome. If accepted, these films will be screened one or more times in one of our special showcase rooms. 

Image by Denise Jans

Submission Deadlines & Fees

Regular
Deadline: Nov 19  
Fee: $40
Students:  $25  

Late
Deadline: Dec 3 
Fee: $60
Students:  $25  

Acceptance Notifications
Filmmakers will be notified
on or before December 8th.

Finalist Notifications
Filmmakers nominated for awards will
be notified on or before January 31st.

Jared at Pepeha.jpg

Filmmakers Hospitality & Benefits

Complimentary
SIFF Passes
For key creatives: producer, writer, director, cinematographer, lead actors

Hotel Discounts & Travel Assistance

Travel and lodging financial assistance for
qualifying filmmakers

Filmmakers'
Welcome Reception

Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres as you mix and mingle with fellow filmmakers, our top sponsors, the festival team and Hollywood VIPs!  Relax in the Silver Screen Theater and enjoy a special premiere screening, followed by an array of desserts and more networking!

Gala Awards
Ceremony

A closing night live-streamed celebration of our films and filmmakers featuring special guest stars and performances by Deaf Talent from around the globe. 
The evening ends with a VIP
post awards party for filmmakers, entertainment industry pros, and sponsors. 

BEST AWARDS

  • Feature 

  • Episodic

  • Director

  • Screenplay

  • Actor & Actress

  • Short Film

  • Documentary - Feature & Short

  • Animated Film

  • Student Film

OTHER AWARDS

Special Merit Awards 
In recognition of especially innovative or impactful presentations of Sign Language or the Deaf Experience, these awards will be determined by jury discretion.

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Subtitles/Captions

Entries must have English subtitles/captioning OR the filmmaker must indicate that subtitles or captions will be embedded at the cost of the filmmaker if the film is accepted.  

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Scripts 

It is preferable that a full script in English be included with the film submission. If the script is in a language other than English, a translated English version may be submitted within 2 weeks of the initial film submission.

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 Selection 

All entries are reviewed by the core festival team to ensure eligibility and determine acceptance. 

Nominations and Awards are voted upon by an impartial jury of Deaf and hearing filmmakers,

Deaf and hearing entertainment industry professionals, prominent figures in the domestic and international Deaf communities, and principal festival organizers.

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Reproduction 

Submission of an entry gives us permission to show clips and trailers of accepted films on this website, SIFF social media, SIFF and Festival Partners e-newsletters & special notices, and any other promotional activities related to the festival.

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Press Materials 

If selected, SIFF will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits. 

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 Receipt Confirmation 

If a week after submission you have not yet received a confirmation of submission, please email Global Content Curator: cinema@signworldstudios.com

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The full list of Full Rules & Terms is available for viewing on our FilmFreeway submission page.

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