Submit a Film

So you’ve made a film — and you think it’s good.

Better yet, you’re an Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander filmmaker looking for a platform, or your work sheds new light on Asian Pacific Islander communities, expands our knowledge of Asian American cultures, or shows new possibilities for Asians onscreen.

We want to see it!

SDAFF launched its first competitive festival in August 2000 and has become the largest exhibition of Asian cinema in the western United States and one of the premiere festivals for Asian American cinema anywhere, showcasing everything from future classics to luminary independent works. Each year, the festival brings West Coast, North American, and World premieres of films from around the world to San Diego and brings unique opportunities to discover international cinema to our more than 20,000 patrons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Entry Deadlines and Fees

2024 marks the 25th season of the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), which will take place November 2024. Be part of our milestone year!

Call for entries for the 2024 San Diego Asian Film Festival is now closed. Stay tuned in January to submit for our 2025 edition. You can also track our festival on FilmFreeway.

SubmitVisit Us on filmfreeway
  • Earlybird * March 25, 2024 * $30 USD
  • Regular * April 22, 2024 * $40 USD
  • Late * June 3, 2024 * $50 USD
  • Extended Deadline Shorts * June 24, 2024 * $60 USD
  • Extended Deadline Features * June 15, 2024 * $60 USD
    • Earlybird

      March 25, 2024

      $30 USD

    • Regular

      April 22, 2024

      $40 USD

    • Late

      June 3, 2024

      $50 USD

    • June 24, 2024

      $60 USD

      Extended Deadline Shorts

    • Extended Deadline Features

      June 15, 2024

      $60 USD

    Awards for filmmakers, by filmmakers (and audiences!)

    The best films of the festival are awarded during a 500-seat Awards Gala in the following categories

    Best Narrative Feature

    Best International Short

    Best Documentary Feature

    Best International Short

    Best Narrative Short

    Audience Award

    Best Documentary Short

    Grand Jury Award

    Best Experimental Short

    See Past Winners

    Frequently
    Asked Questions

    If my film does not have Asian or Pacific Islander content, can I submit my film to the festival?

    Yes! We believe that films, regardless of their content, are the expression of their artists, so whatever the subject of the films, they are colored by the worldview and experience of the director. Furthermore, we don’t believe that Asian Pacific Islander artists should be limited to only telling Asian stories.

    If I am not Asian or Pacific Islander, is my film eligible to submit to the Festival?

    If the lead character are of Asian Pacific Islander descent, or if the subject of the film relates to Asian Pacific Islander communities, histories, or politics, the film is eligible for the festival.

    Can I submit a work in progress?

    Absolutely. If you are comfortable with our programming team viewing your work-in-progress version, we want to see if! However, please note somewhere (for instance in the cover letter or as an onscreen title preceding your film), what elements you are still working on so that programmers know how to evaluate your film.