SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival

Overview

Mission & Objective The SAFILM–San Antonio Film Festival is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as an accessible and inclusive platform for film artists, providing cinematic culture to a diverse audience. SAFILM showcases films from around the globe while nurturing, fostering, and developing filmmakers of all ages. Food Film Festival & UNESCO Partnership SAFILM is proud to partner with the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, presenting a Food Film Festival that celebrates culinary arts through film. Since 2019, this partnership has showcased chefs, cuisines, and edible experiences inspired by featured films—fulfilling San Antonio’s UNESCO Creative City promise and officially sanctioned as a UNESCO event. Call for Entries – 2027 Festival Submissions are now open for the 32nd Annual San Antonio Film Festival, running July 2026. Details and entry at www.safilm.com. Opening Date: August 22, 2026 Early Bird Deadline: October 30, 2026 – $35 Regular Deadline: January 8, 2027 – $45 Late Deadline: February 26, 2027 – $65 Extended Deadline: April 30, 2027 – $95 Curation: May 1 – July 1, 2027 Notification Date: July 4, 2027 Festival Experience Since 1994, SAFILM has brought together filmmakers, press, industry leaders, and film lovers for a vibrant celebration of independent cinema. With screenings at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, sponsored after-parties, and strong community support, SAFILM creates an inspiring environment for: Networking with filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals. Sold-out screenings that showcase diverse voices. Educational workshops on acting, writing, directing, producing, legal issues, and film financing. Student competitions at high school and college levels. The festival remains grassroots yet internationally recognized as a place to discover new talent. Past Honorees & Guests SAFILM has hosted film icons including: Cheech Marin, Cybill Shepherd, Jackie Earle Haley, Kevin Alejandro, Alex Wolff, C. Thomas Howell, Lisa Niemi Swayze, Davy Liu, Marion Rosenberg (The Deer Hunter), and Anne Goursaud (Bram Stoker’s Dracula). Screenplay / Teleplay Competition Two categories are open: Feature Screenplays (65–145 pages) Short Screenplays (1–49 pages) Eligibility notes: All entries must be original works and submitted in English as a PDF. No resubmissions, substitutions, or title changes are allowed. Previously awarded or optioned scripts are ineligible. Judges, staff, and readers of SAFILM may not enter. Inside Info: SAFILM is volunteer-powered and cannot offer fee waivers. Filmmakers enjoy discounted hotels and restaurants in walking distance of festival venues. SAFILM continues to be one of the most affordable, accessible, and inclusive film festivals in the U.S. Join us July 2027, in San Antonio for the 33rd Anniversary celebration of SAFILM—where culture, cinema, and creativity meet.

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

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FilmFreeway community

• Filmmaker

  We were very excited to have our film, InVINCEble invited to and screened at the San Antonio Film Festival! Adam Rocha and the festival staff and volunteers were all very welcoming and helpful. We enjoyed watching many excellent films and then meeting their terrific filmmakers at the afternoon mixers. Also, a big thank you for the great filmmaker discount at the beautiful Gunter Hotel.

• Filmmaker

  I am extremely honored, grateful and blessed to have my faith-base At The Mercy Of Faith - Short Film selected as a Finalist and then screened at the fabulous SAFILM - San Antonio Film Festival! The festival and the whole experience of attending the lively, energetic and very welcoming SAFILM was a joyful, out-of-body celebration that I will forever cherish!

• Filmmaker

  Such an incredibly well run festival. We stayed at the historic Gunter hotel right next to the Riverwalk and met a number of different filmmakers in the Gunter lobby and the filmmakers lounge in the Radius Center. Lots of enthusiasm at the festival. 5+ stars!

• Filmmaker

  Excellent festival with a variety of films. Great for filmmakers and audiences. Highly recommend!

• Filmmaker

  Nikita Vyas Hattangady

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