Frequently Asked Questions
How to submit:
GI Film Festival San Diego is exclusively accepts entries via FilmFreeway. FilmFreeway offers free HD online screeners, unlimited video storage, digital press kits, and more. Filmmakers who are FilmFreeway Gold members can get a discount on the submission fee.
What are the dates of the next festival?
Wednesday, May 7 – Friday, May 9, 2025
Where is the festival held?
Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art located in Balboa Park, in central San Diego, CA, USA
What is the deadline and fee schedule?
Monday, August 5, 2024: Submissions Open
Monday, September 9, 2024: Early Deadline (Shorts $25/$22 for Gold members, Features $35/$31 for Gold members, Student $25/$22 for Gold members)
Monday, October 21, 2024: Regular Deadline (Shorts $35/$31 for Gold members, Features $45/40 for Gold members, Student $25/$22 for Gold members)
Monday, November 11, 2024: Late Deadline (Shorts $45/$40 for Gold members. Features $55/$49 for Gold members, Student $25/$22 for Gold members)
How long is a short film?
Films under 50 minutes are considered short films.
How long is a feature film?
Films 50 minutes and over are considered feature films.
What are the categories of films accepted?
We accept films in the following categories: documentary shorts, documentary features, narrative shorts, narrative features, student narrative shorts and student documentary shorts.
What are the categories not accepted?
Screenplays, music videos, marketing videos, non-profit institutional videos or testimonials that are not independently produced, and PSAs.
How are the films selected for the festival?
Films submitted to the festival are reviewed by our selection team, looking for the best thematic and well produced films.
Do you accept incomplete films (still in need of color correction, final credits, soundtrack, score, etc.)?
You may submit an incomplete film by the Early Bird or Regular Deadlines so long as they are clearly marked as incomplete and note which elements are still being worked on. Final Cuts MUST be submitted by the Late Deadline of November 11, 2024. Incomplete films WILL NOT be reviewed and WILL NOT be screened at the festival.
Should I send a press kit now?
If your film is selected into the festival, you will be asked to provide an electronic press kit (EPK) at that time.
Can I submit more than one film?
Yes, but each film must have its own submission form filled out and fee paid.
When will I find out if my film is accepted?
We will notify filmmakers if they are accepted or not into the festival on approximately Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
What are the acceptable screening formats for your festival?
If selected for the festival, filmmakers will be required to provide a labeled DCP for festival presentation and a stereo QuickTime file as a backup. MP4 videos with h.264 codec will also be required to facilitate online, video rentals and/or in the event our festival must go virtual due to health/safety reasons.
Hard drives, thumb drives and DCPs should be shipped in sturdy, reusable containers or bubble wrap envelopes with return shipping information enclosed. DCPs and drives provided will be returned after the festival run. The festival will incur the cost of the film’s return. If available, direct links for download of files can also be provided.
Can I get confirmation that you received my submission?
Your status will be confirmed via FilmFreeway.
What additional information do I need to provide for submission as a student or military filmmaker?
Please email the festival organizer with a photo or scan of the front of your school ID, military ID, or proof of military service, if not already available on FilmFreeway.
If my film is not chosen, may I speak with a member of the selection team for notes or feedback?
Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the large number of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback.
