FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the dates of the next festival?
January 25 through February 4, 2007

2. What are the categories of films accepted?
SBIFF accepts feature, documentary, short, animated, and student films.

3. What is the deadline?
Early Bird - August 10, 2006
Deadline - September 28, 2006
Late Deadline - November 2, 2006
Drop Deadline - November 16, 2006 (only available for withoutabox.com submissions)

4. What are the fees?
Early Bird - Short: $30 / Feature: $35
Deadline - Short: $35 / Feature: $40
Late Deadline - Short: $40 / Feature: $45
Drop Deadline - Short: $55 / Feature: $60

5. Is there a student fee?
No, there is no special student fee.

6. How long is a short film?
Films 30 minutes or less are considered short films.

7. How long is a feature film?
Films over 31 minutes and over are considered feature films.

8. Is there any chance of a fee waiver?
We understand that the cost is significant to independent filmmakers. We receive many calls each day requesting fee waivers. However, we are a non-profit organization and we run on a very limited budget. We depend on our entry fees to keep our doors open.

9. Should I send a press kit?
Yes, if you have one. Electronic is preferred.

10. To whose attention do I send my film?
Send it to PROGRAMMING. Address is included in the Filmmaker Welcome Kit.

11. Do you accept DVD¹s?
Yes, but only in NTSC.

12. Will my tape or DVD be returned?
No submissions will be returned.

13. Why is there an additional $5 charged for PAL submissions?
We have to convert a PAL tape to NTSC. We must provide a new VHS tape and transfer the tape in real time. This takes time and money!!

14. If my film is 37 minutes will it preclude it from being accepted into the festival because of the odd running time?
No, we will put a not-so-short film program together if films of medium length are accepted.

15. When will I find out if my film is accepted?
We notify filmmakers if they are accepted into the festival. We will try, time permitting, to notify all filmmakers.

16. What are the sections of the festival where my film might be accepted?
American Independents Competition
International Competition
Spanish and Latin American Competition
World Cinema (non-competitive)
Documentary Competition
Short Film Competition
Santa Barbara Filmmakers
Sotheby's International Realty Student Filmmakers Competition
Santa Barbara Student Filmmakers
To the Maxxx
Cult Asian

17. Are there any awards?
American Spirit Award ­ Juried, 30k Camera package by Panavision
International Feature Award ­ Juried
Nueva Vision Award for Best Spanish and Latin American Film ­ Juried
Best Documentary Award - Juried
The Fund for Santa Barbara Social Justice Award for Documentary Film - Juried, cash prize
Antioch University Award for Leadership and Change - Juried, cash prize
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Live Action Short ­ Juried
Bruce Corwin Award for Best Animated Short - Juried
Santa Barbara Independent Audience Choice Awards ­ Feature, Documentary,
Spanish and Latin American Cinema