How Do You Submit A Film To Sundance?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Only films retaining world premiere status are eligible for open submission

to this category. Completed films that have been or will have been exhibited theatrically or otherwise made available to the general public, either for free or for purchase, prior to February 1, 2021 are not eligible to submit to this category.

Can anyone submit a film to Sundance?


Only films retaining world premiere status are eligible for open submission

to this category. Completed films that have been or will have been exhibited theatrically or otherwise made available to the general public, either for free or for purchase, prior to February 1, 2021 are not eligible to submit to this category.

How much does it cost to submit a film to Sundance?

Early submission to the Sundance Film Festival will range

between $40 and $65

based on the type of entry. The U.S. or International Short Film will cost $40 as well as entry of Episodic Content and New Frontier Projects.

How do films get selected for Sundance?

To qualify, the

submitted project may be scripted or improvisational fiction, documentary nonfiction, or a hybrid of both

, and it must have a total running time of 50 minutes or more. Films selected to play in this program will compete against one another for the NEXT Audience Award.

Can you submit screenplays to Sundance?

Note: Those who want to submit a screenplay to Sundance must note that

the Sundance Film Festival does not accept submissions of screenplays

. … You can even submit a proposal for a New Frontier media installation, or even a cinematic clip that consists of a live performance.

Do short films make money?

Short films, whether they are being shared online or through film festivals, are

most profitable as a calling card

that will get you more work. … Use your short film in a festival to network with indie producers, agents, or managers. Use your short films to gain a following online and create a Patreon account.

How much money does it cost to enter a film into a film festival?

SUBMISSION DATES NOVEMBER SUBMISSIONS PERIOD FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS PERIOD ENTRY FEES Shorts and XR – Australian USD$35 USD$60
Shorts and XR – International


USD$50

USD$70
Features and Episodic Content – Australian USD$55 USD$80

How many films are selected for Sundance?

Founded in 1985 and takes place in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance, Utah ●

Approximately 200 feature-length and short films

are selected each year.

What happens at Sundance?

The festival consists of competitive sections for

American and international dramatic and documentary films

, both feature films and short films, and a group of out-of-competition sections, including NEXT, New Frontier, Spotlight, Midnight, Sundance Kids, From the Collection, Premieres, and Documentary Premieres.

How many films are submitted to Sundance?


Over 9,000 short films

were submitted to the Sundance Institute for consideration for this year’s virtual festival. KPCW’s Sean Higgins has more on the screening process and what virtual festival goers can expect this year.

Does everyone get into Sundance collab?


Yes, every event is recorded

. Event recordings are usually available the next day on the event page. Does my work submitted to Sundance Collab, on the site or in courses, get submitted to the Sundance Film Festival? No.

What is the Sundance Screenwriters Lab?

The Screenwriters Lab is

a five-day writers’ workshop

that gives independent screenwriters the opportunity to work intensively on their feature film scripts with the support of established writers in an environment that focuses on the art and craft of screenwriting and creative risk taking.

What is Sundance collab?

Sundance Institute Launches Sundance Collab –

Online Learning Platform For Aspiring Filmmakers

. … As of today, you can get access to the workshops and discussions of award-winning filmmakers, writers, and directors through an online forum introduced by the Sundance Institute.

Are short films worth it?

Making short films gives you the practical experience on the set you need to become a

successful director

. Every time you make a short you become more confident in yourself and your abilities and this business is all about confidence. 2. You practice your storytelling techniques.

What is a good budget for a short film?

Usually, an average short film costs

between $700 to $1500 per minute

. But if the story demands a more significant production, the budget can quickly shoot up to $25000 per minute.

Is there a market for short films?

By all accounts,

the short film market is bigger than ever before

. Everyone seems to be busy either making shorts, watching them or, in the case of streaming platforms, voraciously seeking them out to fill their content libraries. Film festivals too play a key role in helping short films find an audience.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.