Rules and Regulations

Read the rules and continue to the bottom of the page to submit...

The Festival Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project. Works will be categorized in competitive and non-competitive categories at the sole discretion of the Festival Committee. Works will be considered for competition only if they have not been shown in Austin, TX. Only works completed in 2008 or works that will be completed in early 2009 are eligible for competition.

We accept works shot in any format for screening, but projects must be submitted for consideration on DVD (Region 1 or 0) Please label the DVD spine with your project title. Works in progress will be considered for the Festival provided they will be completed no later than January 15, 2008. Works in progress cannot be screened in the Festival. In keeping with our effort to become a carbon neutral festival, SXSW requests that you do not sent the following items with your submission: press kits, photo stills, or any other extraneous material.

You will need to send to us via post:
· Region 1 or 0 DVD (only one entry per tape). Indicate project title on the spine (No clamshells, please)
· A print-out of the completed online application form
· Mail submissions to: SXSW Film Festival, PO Box 4999, Austin, TX 78765
· Or Overnight to: SXSW Film Festival, 1007 E. 40th St, Austin, TX 78751

Submissions will be acknowledged upon receipt. All submitted materials become property of SXSW and cannot be returned. No refunds. By submitting this material you acknowledge SXSW's right to copy any submitted material for SXSW's non-commercial use only. Please do not send stills or press kits unless requested to do so.

Applicants will be informed of the status of their project no later than February 20, 2009.

You do not need to purchase a registration badge to submit a film for consideration or to have a film screen at SXSW Film. All filmmakers who submit a film will have the opportunity to purchase registration badges to attend the conference at a discount after notification of status, if they choose to do so. No refunds will be given to filmmakers who purchase a registration at a higher rate, or who decide not to attend because they are not offered a screening.

For more information, please see our Film Submission FAQ page.