Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest
A Festival to Celebrate the Art of Independent & Youth Filmmakers
*Proudly serving as a 501(c)(3) non-profit oganization
Santa Barbara, CA
15 categories to choose from
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Narrative Feature Film
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Documentary Feature Film
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Short Dramatic Film
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Short Horror / Thriller Film
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Short Comedy Film
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Short Action / Adventure Film
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Short Sci-fi / Fantasy Film
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​Short Animated Film
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Short Documentary Film
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Short Narrative Film - Local Filmmaker
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Short Documentary Film - Local Filmmaker
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Short Narrative Film - Youth Filmmaker
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Short Documentary Film - Youth Filmmaker
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Short Animated Film - Youth Filmmaker
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Local Youth Filmmaker
Submissions start at only $20!
Three Days of Independent Filmmaking
Hosted at the Alhecama Theater
Sept 19-21, 2025
Check out our social media channels to stay up on the latest news!
Three days. Fifteen categories. Countless stories waiting to be discovered.
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Your story deserves more than a laptop screen. The Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest transforms the historic Alhecama Theater into the beating heart of independent cinema this September. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we're not just screening films - we're building a launchpad for filmmakers who dare to tell stories differently.
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Whether you're a creator ready to share your vision, an industry professional scouting new talent, or a film lover hungry for authentic stories, you'll find your tribe here. From the theater stage to networking events throughout Santa Barbara's vibrant downtown arts district, we connect passionate storytellers with audiences who celebrate risk-takers, dream-chasers, and artists who refuse to follow the crowd.
This isn't just about watching films; it's about celebrating the artists who make them and fostering the next generation of independent cinema.
VIP and Single Day pass holders get beer specials at Fig Mtn Brew Co and at the festival concession stand!
*click on pass type for details.
Join us for the Saturday night after party at Figueroa Mtn Brew Co!
The Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest couldn’t take place without the help of our incredible volunteers! We are always looking for enthusiastic folks to help support us in our mission of bringing independent film to the Santa Barbara area. We are thankful for your interest!
Awards & Prizes
The top films or scripts from each category will get a trophy with custom engravings. Awards of Excellence and Award of Achievement winners will get a certificate in a frame.
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Winners of the "Local Filmmakers" categories will win a free 1 year membership to 805 Film Co. ​​
