Festival start: 20 February 2021
Festival end: 28 February 2021
The Sedona International Film Festival celebrates current independent film from around the world. The festival strives to bring the best in narrative features, documentaries, short subjects, animation and foreign language films in all genres to its indie audience. It provides a rich educational opportunity to filmmakers, students and the general public alike through its on-site workshops, panel discussions and seminars.
The Festival's mission statement: "Bringing people together to broaden the understanding of the human condition and celebrate the power of independent film through cinema and the Sedona experience. To educate and inspire filmmakers and audience members to make a difference around the world through film."
The 27th Annual festival features nine days of independent films: February 20-28, 2021.
*** NEW THIS YEAR: We are introducing our SCREENPLAY COMPETITION!
Now celebrating its 27th season, the Sedona International Film Festival prides itself on bringing the best in independent film to its ever-growing audience of indie film lovers. From features to documentaries, short subjects to animation, and an impressive lineup of foreign films, the Festival screens more than 170 films at the state-of-the-art Harkins Sedona Cinemas, the Mary D. Fisher Theatre (the festival's own art house theater venue) and the Sedona Performing Arts Center, located in beautiful Sedona, Arizona .
In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming in all genres, the festival also features a "Family" film series, a "Green/Sustainable" series and other exciting themed series tracks each year. Additionally, the festival features a "Docs That Make a Difference" series and World Cinema Showcase. The festival has also introduced a new initiative: "Art into Activism — Turning Movies into Motivation" that inspires and encourages audience members to "act" on topics they've seen in our films when they leave our theaters.
The Festival features a gala with an annual celebrity tribute, filmmaker dinners/events each night and an awards ceremony.
Past festival honorees have included: Susan Sarandon, Rob Reiner, Marc Shaiman, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Alexander, James Brolin, Cybil Shepherd, Elliott Gould, Michael Moore, John Waters, Peter Bogdanovich, Nicholas Cage, Gary Sinise, Jonathan Winters, Paul Sorvino, Lea Thompson, Phil Rosenthal, Rip Torn, Rita Rudner, Tim Daly, Richard Schiff, Jamey Sheridan, James Karen, David Rasche, Jane Seymour, James Keach, Doris Roberts, Giancarlo Esposito, Nick Nolte, Joe Pantoliano, Mary Stuart Masterson, Diane Ladd, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, along with classic movie icon Robert Osborne from Turner Classic Movies. Additional tributees have included Ned Beatty, Alan Cumming, Lainie Kazan, Peter Masterson, Carlin Glynn, Elizabeth Banks, Ed Asner, Rick Schroder, Elmer Bernstein, Ted Danson, Ann Miller, Donald O'Connor, Mary Steenburgen and Sean Young.
While every festival has its celebrity honorees, the Sedona International Film Festival prides itself on honoring the FILMMAKER first and foremost. The FILMMAKERS are the true celebrities and are given the most attention, focus and accolades at the Sedona festival. This includes Q&A discussions after every screening, complimentary hotel accommodations at one of Sedona's incredible hotels, complimentary meals in the Filmmaker/VIP lounge every day of the festival plus top "All-Access" passes to all festival activities and films. The filmmakers are our "STARS" and we treat them as such!
The Sedona International Film festival boasts a stellar lineup of some of the best independent films from around the world in all genres.
Don't just take our word for it ... here's just a sampling of what some filmmakers had to say about the Sedona International Film Festival:
"Twenty-nine film festivals later, there is really only ONE worth going to ... SEDONA"
"What an unbelievable, wonderful, inspired and inspiring event you ALL just put on."
"Flawless! The atmosphere breathtaking and the films were magnificent."
"I have been to a good few film fests and yours was the nicest experience that I have had. I think all the filmmakers I spoke with share this sentiment."
"I have to tell you, of all the film festivals I've been involved in, yours stands head and shoulders above them all! Somehow, you were able to make our visit a class act and, at the same time, keep your film festival a film festival."
FILM AWARDS:
The Sedona International Film Festival awards Audience Choice Festival Favorite honors to Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best International Film and Best Animation. In addition, Director's Choice Awards are given in each category, as well as other categories to be determined each year.
Awards are presented to filmmakers at the awards ceremony at the end of the festival.
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION AWARDS:
First Place — FEATURE SCRIPT: One VIP pass, up to 4 nights in hotel, awards brunch, an hour consultation with an executive, a festival TV interview, full script coverage and feedback meeting.
First Place — TV PILOT (1/2 hr. or 1 hr.): One VIP pass, up to 4 nights in hotel, awards brunch, an hour consultation with an executive, a festival TV interview, full script coverage and feedback meeting.
First Place: — SHORT: One VIP pass, up to 4 nights in hotel, awards brunch, an hour consultation with an executive, a festival TV interview, full script coverage and feedback meeting.
*** EACH First place winner above will be given a plaque at the awards brunch in front of hundreds of industry creatives. Who knows? Maybe they’re looking for an award winning writer!
We understand how fees can add up for film makers. We also understand that a not-for-profit film festival needs to stay in business. As a courtesy, Fee Waivers will be granted to filmmakers IF you have had one of your films selected for the Sedona Film Festival in the past. Otherwise, WE DO NOT GRANT FEE WAIVERS. Please refrain from requesting one.
For entries paying the Student Fee, a copy of a current student ID MUST be included with the submission.
Participation in the Sedona International Film Festival implies understanding and acceptance of festival regulations.
For the Screenplay Competition rules, please see the screenplay category listings.
Narrative Short
Short Films >1' 44'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard30$27.6$
23.1$
01 Nov 20
Late55$50.6$
42.35$
15 Nov 20
Extended70$64.4$
53.9$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
6.9$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Narrative Feature
Short and Feature Films >45' 140'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
01 Nov 20
Late70$64.4$
53.9$
15 Nov 20
Extended85$78.2$
65.45$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
9.2$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Documentary Feature
Short and Feature Films >45' 140'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
01 Nov 20
Late70$64.4$
53.9$
15 Nov 20
Extended85$78.2$
65.45$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
9.2$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Documentary Short
Short Films >1' 44'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard30$27.6$
23.1$
01 Nov 20
Late55$50.6$
42.35$
15 Nov 20
Extended70$64.4$
53.9$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
6.9$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Animated Feature
Short and Feature Films >45' 140'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
01 Nov 20
Late70$64.4$
53.9$
15 Nov 20
Extended85$78.2$
65.45$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
9.2$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Animated Short
Short Films >1' 44'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Standard30$27.6$
23.1$
01 Nov 20
Late55$50.6$
42.35$
15 Nov 20
Extended70$64.4$
53.9$
30 Nov 20
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
30 Nov 20
Save up
6.9$
Submit
We accept all films in all genres for consideration. In addition to all of our incredible independent film programming, the festival also features several themed tracks among its program: A World Cinema Series, a Sedona Green Sustainable Film Series, a "Family" film series, a "Docs That Make A Difference" - Art into Activism series, and other exciting themed series each year.
Feature Screenplays
Short and Feature Films >45' 140'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early50$46$
38.5$
31 Oct 20
Standard60$55.2$
46.2$
30 Nov 20
Late70$64.4$
53.9$
31 Dec 20
Extended70$64.4$
53.9$
15 Jan 21
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Jan 21
Save up
13.8$
Submit
FEATURE SCREENPLAY competition category is for Feature-length films.
We are looking for the best writing, page turners that hook the reader to create your movie in their heads.
ELIGIBILITY:
• All unproduced screenplays written in English are eligible.
• All ages from anywhere in the world are eligible.
• All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
• There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
• The material submitted must not be published or produced prior to entering the competition.
• Any submitted work that is published or produced between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will no longer be eligible.
• Material should be submitted in its proper format, font, spacing and margins.
• Screenplays should be submitted with a title page and name.
• Scripts must be saved and submitted as a PDF document in the format: "Screenplay Title" by Author First and Last Name)
Short Screenplays
Short Films >1' 44'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early40$36.8$
30.8$
31 Oct 20
Standard50$46$
38.5$
30 Nov 20
Late60$55.2$
46.2$
31 Dec 20
Extended60$55.2$
46.2$
15 Jan 21
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Jan 21
Save up
11.5$
Submit
SHORT SCREENPLAY competition category is for Short films.
We are looking for the best writing, page turners that hook the reader to create your movie in their heads.
ELIGIBILITY:
• All unproduced screenplays written in English are eligible.
• All ages from anywhere in the world are eligible.
• All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
• There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
• The material submitted must not be published or produced prior to entering the competition.
• Any submitted work that is published or produced between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will no longer be eligible.
• Material should be submitted in its proper format, font, spacing and margins.
• Screenplays should be submitted with a title page and name.
• Scripts must be saved and submitted as a PDF document in the format: "Screenplay Title" by Author First and Last Name)
Arizona Screenplays
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Oct 20
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 20
Late50$46$
38.5$
31 Dec 20
Extended50$46$
38.5$
15 Jan 21
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Jan 21
Save up
9.2$
Submit
ARIZONA SCREENPLAY competition category is for any length of film or TV Pilot, written by Arizona Screenwriters.
We are looking for the best writing, page turners that hook the reader to create your movie in their heads.
ELIGIBILITY:
• All unproduced screenplays written in English are eligible.
• All ages from anywhere in the world are eligible.
• All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
• There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
• The material submitted must not be published or produced prior to entering the competition.
• Any submitted work that is published or produced between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will no longer be eligible.
• Material should be submitted in its proper format, font, spacing and margins.
• Screenplays should be submitted with a title page and name.
• Scripts must be saved and submitted as a PDF document in the format: "Screenplay Title" by Author First and Last Name)
One-Hour TV Pilot Screenplays
Feature Films 60'<
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early50$46$
38.5$
31 Oct 20
Standard60$55.2$
46.2$
30 Nov 20
Late70$64.4$
53.9$
31 Dec 20
Extended70$64.4$
53.9$
15 Jan 21
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Jan 21
Save up
13.8$
Submit
ONE-HOUR TV PILOT SCREENPLAY competition category is for One-Hour TV Pilots.
We are looking for the best writing, page turners that hook the reader to create your movie in their heads.
ELIGIBILITY:
• All unproduced screenplays written in English are eligible.
• All ages from anywhere in the world are eligible.
• All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
• There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
• The material submitted must not be published or produced prior to entering the competition.
• Any submitted work that is published or produced between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will no longer be eligible.
• Material should be submitted in its proper format, font, spacing and margins.
• Screenplays should be submitted with a title page and name.
• Scripts must be saved and submitted as a PDF document in the format: "Screenplay Title" by Author First and Last Name)
1/2-Hour TV Pilot Screenplays
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
PRO 23%
Early40$36.8$
30.8$
31 Oct 20
Standard50$46$
38.5$
30 Nov 20
Late60$55.2$
46.2$
31 Dec 20
Extended60$55.2$
46.2$
15 Jan 21
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Jan 21
Save up
11.5$
Submit
1/2 HOUR TV PILOT SCREENPLAY competition category is for 1/2-Hour TV Pilots.
We are looking for the best writing, page turners that hook the reader to create your movie in their heads.
ELIGIBILITY:
• All unproduced screenplays written in English are eligible.
• All ages from anywhere in the world are eligible.
• All material submitted to other competitions or contests are eligible.
• There are no requirements as to when the material was written.
• The material submitted must not be published or produced prior to entering the competition.
• Any submitted work that is published or produced between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will no longer be eligible.
• Material should be submitted in its proper format, font, spacing and margins.
• Screenplays should be submitted with a title page and name.
• Scripts must be saved and submitted as a PDF document in the format: "Screenplay Title" by Author First and Last Name)
-8%
