FAQ

We typically announce official selections May 1st. Keep an eye on the festival's website and social media channels for specific dates.

The submitted film is final and cannot be altered. Unfortunately, our festival's submission deadlines are very strict and we cannot accommodate changes to submissions after they have been received. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and equal treatment to all filmmakers who have submitted their work to us.

Yes, we notify filmmakers of their rejection via email as well as through the online submission platform. To check the status of your submission, please log in to your account at sandyfest.com. You will find a notification indicating the decision on your submission. We will also send out an email notification to all submitters regarding the decision. If you have not received an email from us, please check your spam or junk folder.

Selection criteria includes factors such as storytelling, cinematography, acting, and overall production quality. Depending on the category chosen, judges will look for elements of originality, boundary-pushing, or experimentation, as well as authenticity, honesty, and emotional resonance. Overall we assess a film's ability to heal and move people emotionally, looking for works that provide meaningful experiences for audiences.

Absolutely! There's no substitute for the connections and inspiration that come from meeting other filmmakers in person.We encourage filmmakers to attend our virtual and in-person events and network with other industry professionals. Sign up for our email list and we will notify you about screenings, panels, and events where you can meet industry buffs who share your passion for storytelling.

If selected, films will be promoted through the Sandy website, social media channels, press releases and and other media coverage. Sandy Fest brings together a range of industry professionals, from other filmmakers to producers, distributors, and investors. The Sandy website is a platform that provides opportunities for networking and building connections that can lead to future collaborations and opportunities. Winning a Sandy Award, can be a significant boost to a filmmaker's profile, helping to generate buzz around their work and open doors to new opportunities. Even being selected to screen at Sandy Fest can help to garner positive reviews and attention from critics and audiences alike. We encourage filmmakers to use Sandy Fest to create a narrative around their work that appeals to fans and industry professionals alike.

Yes, each category is subject to an award. Individual categories and their awards can be found on the Submit Films page.

We fully support your efforts to share your work with a wider audience. We know that participating in multiple festivals can be an excellent way to connect with other filmmakers and promote your work. We encourage you to submit your film to other festivals that you feel would be a good fit for your project.

Filmmakers can not pay to join Sandy, they must be invited after their film is selected in the festival. Filmmakers join the platform after receiving an award for the festival. Their personal profile, along with their visual portfolio, will be showcased on the Sandy website. Filmmakers are required to pay film submission fees.