Entry Requirements

ENSURE YOUR FILM MEETS THE FESTIVAL REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SUBMISSION

Eligible films for the San Francisco Greek Film Festival include works by Greek/Cypriot filmmakers and filmmakers of Greek/Cypriot descent worldwide; films about Greece; Greek/Cypriot productions or co-productions; films by Greek/Cypriot directors, screenwriters and producers; and films by actors in starring roles, co-directors, co-writers and co-producers are also eligible.

The Details

WE DO NOT CHARGE ANY FEES FOR SUBMITTING A FILM
FESTIVAL DEADLINES

REGULAR
DEADLINE

December 12, 2026

LATE
DEADLINE

January 2, 2027

NOTIFICATION
DATE

March 6, 2027

EVENT
DATES

March 13-20, 2027

SUBMISSION DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS

  • ALL Submission accepted via FilmFreeway
  • All non-English films must have English sub-titles.
  • Preview DVD will NOT be returned.
  • Please do NOT send stills or press kits. If your film is selected we may ask you to email us a still image.
  • All films selected for the festival grant SFGFF the rights to upload a 2 minute clip/trailer online for promotional purposes.
  • You may enter more than one film, but each one must be on a separate DVD and must be accompanied by its own completed submission form.

  • Film selection for the Festival will be made by the Festival Committee.
  • The entrant will be responsible for ALL SHIPPING FEES.
  • All filmmakers will be notified via email of acceptance.

If your film is selected, you must provide the following materials:

  • A subtitled exhibition copy of the selected film in one of the following formats: DCP, .mov, or .mp4. Any other formats must be approved in advance.
  • A digital backup copy (preferred). DVD screeners are accepted as backup materials but are no longer required.
  • Two (2) DVD screeners (NTSC) for short films, if requested.
  • Photo stills in electronic format (if requested).
  • A complete list of credits (cast & crew).
  • A biography and filmography of the submitting filmmaker.
    Posters and/or postcards (if applicable).
  • A trailer in digital format (if applicable).

Delivery Deadline

All screening materials must be delivered no later than four (4) weeks prior to the festival start date.

DCP Submission Instructions

Electronic DCP files should be sent to:

SIMPLE DCP

c/o San Francisco Greek Film Festival
304 E Alameda Ave
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: (213) 375-8327

Alternatively, filmmakers may submit DCP files electronically via a secure transfer link provided by Simple DCP.

Online Screenings

For online festival screenings, SFGFF will provide filmmakers with an upload link through the Eventive platform.

Shipping & Insurance

Filmmakers are responsible for all shipping costs, customs fees, and insurance for materials sent to the festival. Screening copies will not be returned unless prior arrangements have been made.

Astron Awards

Introduced in 2012, the Astron Awards honor and celebrate excellence in Greek filmmaking. Inspired by the ancient Greek word “astir” (meaning scattered or spread in the sky), “Astron” symbolizes both a celestial star and an individual distinguished by talent, ability, and creativity.

Audience Awards

Audience members cast their votes for each film either in person (via ballots) or online through the festival’s official app and voting platform.

Categories & Prizes

Audience Favorite Documentary (online only)

🥇 1st Place – Astron Award (glass trophy)
🥈 2nd Place – Silver Award (certificate)
🥉 3rd Place – Bronze Award (certificate)

Audience Favorite Narrative Short

(separate awards for in-person and online screenings)

🥇 1st Place – Astron Award (glass trophy)
🥈 2nd Place – Silver Award (certificate)
🥉 3rd Place – Bronze Award (certificate)

Audience Favorite Narrative Feature

(separate awards for in-person and online screenings)

🥇 1st Place – Astron Award (glass trophy)
🥈 2nd Place – Silver Award (certificate)
🥉 3rd Place – Bronze Award (certificate)

Jury Awards

Since 2020, Jury Awards have been determined by a panel of respected industry professionals, including filmmakers, critics, and film community leaders. These awards recognize artistic excellence and professional achievement.

Definition of Formats

For the purposes of all Jury Awards:

  • Short films (including documentaries) are defined as works with a runtime of under 45 minutes.
  • Feature films (including documentaries) are defined as works with a runtime of 45 minutes or longer.

Main Jury Prizes

🏆 Best Documentary Feature (45 minutes or longer) – $1,000
🏆 Best Documentary Short (under 45 minutes) – $500
🏆 Best Narrative Feature – $1,000
🏆 Best Narrative Short – $500

Performance Awards

(introduced in 2023)

🏆 Best Performance in a Narrative Feature (any gender) – $1,000
🏆 Best Performance in a Narrative Short (any gender) – $500

➡️ Beginning in 2026, separate awards will be introduced for Best Male Performance and Best Female Performance.

The Jury also reserves the right to bestow Honorary Awards in any category at its discretion.

💡 Monetary prizes for all main Jury Awards are awarded to the film’s director(s), unless otherwise agreed upon by the rights holders.

💡 Monetary prizes are generously sponsored by private donors and foundations.

Awards Eligibility

All films screened at the festival, whether online and/or in person, are automatically eligible for all applicable awards unless the submitter explicitly requests otherwise.

Please mail your items to:

Modern Greek Studies Foundation (SFGFF)
c/o Tarlson and Associates
220 Sansome Street, Suite 900
San Francisco, CA USA 94104

Submit Your Entry via FilmFreeway

BEGIN THE PROCESS BY USING THE BUTTON BELOW

San Francisco Greek Film Festival proudly accepts entries via FilmFreeway.com, the world’s best online submission platform. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more.