Filmmaker Submissions

The Sidewalk Film Festival is now accepting submissions for our 2026 lineup! We welcome independent films of all genres and lengths from filmmakers around the globe, as well as feature-length and short screenplays. As a festival that prides itself on filmmaker hospitality and community, we provide a platform for new voices and established storytellers alike.

Submissions must be made through our official FilmFreeway portal. Please review our categories, guidelines, and deadlines below before submitting.

- Narrative Features (Over 40 minutes) - Documentary Features (Over 40 minutes) - Narrative Shorts (Under 40 minutes) - Documentary Shorts (Under 40 minutes) - Alabama Spotlight (Features & Shorts shot in Alabama or by Alabama filmmakers) - Student Films (Produced by current high school or college students) - Screenplay Competition (Feature and short-length screenplays)

1. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024. 2. Non-English language films must have English subtitles. 3. Student submissions require proof of student status at the time of production (e.g. student ID, transcript). 4. All entries must be submitted digitally via FilmFreeway. 5. Submission fees are non-refundable.