The festival will take place MARCH 9TH-14TH 2021
Hurry up... be among the first ten submitters using the code FILMFESTCOM21 to receive a filmfreeway 50% waiver code!
The SLO Film Fest team is now reviewing strategies for the coming year and discussing new “out of the box” ways to move forward as we all navigate the COVID-19 challenges together. A MAJOR THANK YOU to our loyal and dedicated sponsors who are rolling with the cancellation of this year’s festival with incredible generosity and grace.
We’ll be back! Movies Matter!
Submissions for 2021 are now open!
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLO Film Fest) will once again attract stars, great films and film enthusiasts to the Central Coast of California, when it celebrates its 27th Annual festival from March 9th to 14th, 2021.
Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo's laid-back vibe and serene natural beauty is the perfect setting for this highly regarded annual film celebration. Filmmakers rave about the warmth and attentiveness that is so much a part of the SLO Film Fest experience, as does the swelling tide of industry pros and film critics who are fast discovering the Festival's thoughtful audiences and unique programming sensibility. At the SLO Film Fest, "Movies Matter!"
We will continue to work with local officials to determine what format the festival will take in 2021: whether it will be held in our physical SLO venues, online via a Virtual Festival format, or in some combination of the two. Regardless of the format, prizes and cash awards will still be presented and our festival will continue its commitment to presenting world-class cinema in San Luis Obispo County.
There are three categories of competition at the SLO Film Fest. The George Sidney Independent Film competition is open to filmmakers worldwide, all ages and all genres. The Central Coast Filmmaker Showcase is open to producers, writers and/or directors living in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. And the Filmmakers of Tomorrow Showcase is open to youth filmmakers, grades K-12, with films 10 min. or less.
Named for the sixth time to MovieMaker Magazine's list of the "Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee", the SLO Film Fest was also called "one of the best film events in the country" by former MovieMaker publisher, Timothy Rhys after a festival visit. Come and find out why filmmakers, celebrities and the press return year after year to enjoy the Festival's perfect balance of film, wine and fun!