Alliance of Women Directors collaborates with Sponsors and Partners that believe in and work toward gender parity in the entertainment industry. These partnerships elevate our collective ability to advocate for and support women directors.
AWD Directing Members can check their AWD Member Center or inboxes for the discount and waiver codes, as well as information on how to contact partners.
ONGOING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
NEW COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
If you’re heading to CinemaCon this year, we’d love to invite you to join Alliance of Women Directors and Young Variety for a special mixer! April 14 at 9:30pm (Vista Lounge in Caesars Palace; 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109)
Come mix and mingle with fellow directors, creatives, and industry professionals over an open bar, all while supporting Young Variety’s mission to uplift children across Southern California. It’s a fun, relaxed way to connect during a busy week, with a meaningful cause at the center.
Online ticket sales close April 13 at 11:59pm PT, with a limited number of tickets available at the door for $75. Wristbands will be distributed upon arrival. This is a 21+ event, so please bring a valid ID. Hope to see you there!
AWD is thrilled to be a Community Partner of the Geffen Playhouse! Come see us in the lobby before the performance of “Master Harold”…and the Boys on April 15th @ 7:30p PT (Geffen Playhouse; 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024)
ABOUT THE SHOW: Step into the charged atmosphere of a 1950s South African tea shop in Athol Fugard’s “Master Harold”…and the Boys, a gripping, deeply personal drama that unflinchingly confronts the realities of race, power, and betrayal. On a rainy afternoon, Hally, a white teenager, passes the time with Sam and Willie, two Black waiters who have helped raise him by filling the gaps of a broken home with warmth, wisdom, and laughter. But as the day unfolds, playful memories give way to painful truths, and a single moment threatens to shatter the fragile bond between them forever.
Together, we can create a better LA!
We’re excited to share that our partners at LA2050 have launched voting in the 13th annual LA2050 Grants Challenge.
It takes less two minutes and last year, helped distribute $3 million to 55 organizations like ours across Los Angeles County. But, it’s up to Angelenos determine what issue areas will receive funding – from homelessness and income inequality to park access – through online voting.
Voting is online through April 22nd, open to all ages, and available in 12+ languages.
We encourage you to VOTE HERE NOW!
If you’re directing work that includes intimacy, simulated sex, nudity, or highly vulnerable storytelling, put the Intimacy Professional Summit (May 2nd + 3rd, 2026; ALL DAY; VIRTUAL) on your radar!
AWD Directing Members can check their Member Center for discount link.
Hosted by Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, this two-day virtual gathering brings together intimacy coordinators, directors, choreographers, producers, and educators to explore how intimacy work is evolving across stage and screen.
Sessions will explore emerging areas of the field including:
– intimacy and visual effects
– intimacy in motion capture and performance capture environments
– the practical realities of staging intimate storytelling in modern productions.
The Summit also features industry conversations and participation from SAG-AFTRA, offering directors valuable perspective on the standards and practices shaping the work today.
If you’re curious about how intimacy coordination can support your work as a director, or even expand your career path, this is an excellent place to begin.
The City of Burbank is proud to announce the launch of Film Burbank, a marketing campaign designed to promote filming and production in Burbank, reaffirming Burbank’s position as The Media Capital of the World.
The Film Burbank campaign is designed to spotlight the people, places, and processes that make Burbank a premier destination for attracting the creative industry. A dedicated Film Burbank webpage serves as a central hub for information on how to obtain a permit, filmed in Burbank locations and additional resources for filmmakers, students, and creatives.
The campaign showcases why companies choose to film and collaborate on projects in Burbank, while also highlighting the city as a place where students and young professionals can launch careers, gain experience, and become part of a thriving community.
Learn more about filming in Burbank by visiting the City of Burbank’s Film Burbank webpage, www.burbankca.gov/filmburbank. To stay up to date on campaign features, spotlights, and behind-the-scenes content, follow the City of Burbank on Instagram, Facebook, and X at @burbankca.
CURRENT FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIPS
AWD Directing Members can check their AWD Member Center or inboxes for the discount and waiver codes.
We are happy to partner with Heartland Film Festival to offer FULL WAIVERS on their submission fees for FEATURE FILMS (for short films see partnership with Indy Shorts below)!
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Heartland Film was founded in 1991 and curates, promotes and celebrates thoughtful and engaging films. Since its debut in 1992, the festival has grown into an 11-day event with 150+ filmmakers and 250+ screenings, earning recognition for quality programming and Hoosier hospitality. HFF has built a reputation on its impactful movies, the connections audiences make with visiting filmmakers, the overall hospitality and intimacy of the experience, and bringing big Hollywood names – like Robert Downey Jr., Colman Domingo, Greg Kwedar, Brendan Fraser, Matthew Modine, Jessica Biel, Rob Reiner, and Geoffrey Rush – to the Hoosier state.
WHY SUBMIT?
– Cash prizes from $2,000–$20,000
– Lifetime alumni submission waivers
– Named among MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals and Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee
– Strong filmmaker and audience community
– USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards #1 Best Film Festival
Regular Deadline: May 17, 2026
Late Deadline: June 7, 2026
Extended Deadline: July 5, 2026
We’re pleased to partner with Indy Shorts Film Festival to offer FULL WAIVERS on their extended deadline.
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Nonprofit arts organization Heartland Film, Inc. will host the ninth annual Indy Shorts Film Fest (Indy Shorts) to exclusively showcase short films (40 minutes or less in length) from July 21-26, 2026, with in-person screenings in Indianapolis and virtual. All winners will play encore screenings at the Heartland International Film Festival the following October. An Academy Award®-qualifying film festival in all three categories (Live Action, Documentary, and Animation short film categories), the winner of the Narrative, Documentary, and Animated Grand Prizes will qualify for Academy Awards without the standard theatrical run, granted they meet all the other requirements needed to qualify. Short films featured at Indy Shorts/Heartland over the years have gone on to be short-listed, nominated, and winners of Academy Awards®. In recent years, 48 programmed short films have been nominated with 13 going on to win Oscars®.
Top Reasons to Submit to Indy Shorts
1. Major cash prizes, including grand prizes at $5,000 each!
2. Qualifying festival: Academy Award® -qualifying festival in all 3 Short Films categories*, BAFTA®-qualifying festival and Goya-qualifying festival!
3. One of MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 50 Coolest Film Festivals, Top Short Fests in the World, and 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee!
4. Regarded for our Hoosier hospitality with a strong community between filmmakers, moviegoers, industry, and volunteers (check out our reviews!)
Extended Deadline: April 5, 2026
The awesome Salute Your Shorts Film Fest is providing AWD Directing Members with 75% off submission fees on their remaining deadlines!
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Named one of “50 FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE ENTRY FEE 2025” by “Movie Maker” magazine, and now one of “THE 25 COOLEST FILM FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD 2025”, we curate an intimate lineup of stellar shorts from around the world in every genre, showcasing them to a community of artists seeking inspiration and conversation. Selected films will enjoy an audience of working entertainment industry professionals and compete for cash and prize packages and an Academy Award®-Qualifying Theatrical run.
Stargazing Deadline: April 23, 2026
S’mores & Ghost Stories Deadline: May 21, 2026
Thank you to the Women’s Global Film Festival for offering 15% off submission fees to our Directing Members through their late deadline!
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Women’s Global Film Festival (WGFF) is an international platform created to elevate women filmmakers and expand the reach of their work. We invite women from around the world to submit documentary and narrative short films that reflect their creative vision and lived experience. WGFF is committed to creating visibility, access, and real opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the business of film — from exhibition to distribution to global audiences.
Standard Deadline: April 13, 2026
Late Deadline: May 4, 2026
The American Int’l Short Film Festival is offering 20% off submission fees to our Directing Members through their late deadline!
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: American International Short Film Festival (AISFF) was founded with the mission to create a platform for filmmakers to celebrate all peoples and their cultures, beliefs , and genders. We invite filmmakers from all walks of life to share their unique perspective as we showcase the best talent worldwide.
Based in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the film industry, AISFF offers filmmakers an opportunity to become part of a supportive and expansive community that is ever-evolving. Our goal is to spotlight burgeoning talent and advance their journey as artists. Along the way, we look to help filmmakers gain exposure through partnerships with streaming services and help them hone their skills by partnering with writing programs and production companies. Come and see why we are the best Festival in the West for Short Movies… and the most fun!
Early Bird Deadline: April 6, 2026
Regular Deadline: May 4, 2026
Late Deadline: June 1, 2026
Missed the Dances with Films standard deadline? That’s okay, our partnership with them has you covered! They have offered standard deadline fees on their late and extended deadlines
Submit via Film Freeway
From the Festival: Now in our 29th year and represented in both Los Angeles and New York, DANCES WITH FILMS champions the unflinching spirit at the very core of the independent film scene. While the vast majority of film fests rely heavily on celebrity, we have relied on the innovation, talent, creativity and sweat equity that revolutionized the entertainment industry. That reliance continues to prove successful with alumni continuing to write, direct and produce celebrity-studded vehicles, star in blockbuster movies and television series, produce multi-million dollar films and create hit TV shows. AND we have even had several OSCAR nominees & winners … including from this latest edition of the show (and the one before that)! In a world of homogenized, formulaic film festivals, DWF continues to defy the rules.
Extended Deadline: April 3, 2026
Festival Dates: June 18-28, 2026
Have a mom on your filmmaking team? Submit to MOM Film Fest! They are offering 15% off their already low submission fees.
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: MOM Film Fest is a mom-led nonprofit film festival and career development platform supporting mothers working in independent film and television. Through festival programming, community building, and partnerships, the organization works to address the structural barriers that continue to limit mothers’ participation and advancement in the industry. Short films of any genre are welcome. The only requirement is that a mom is part of the filmmaking team in a key creative role.
Regular Deadline: April 20
Final Deadline: May 18
SAYVILLE INT’L FILM FESTIVAL is offering full waivers on their remaining deadlines:
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: From the festival: The Sayville International Film Festival (SIFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-driven, industry-connected event founded by the creative minds at Cappricielli Productions. Our mission is to launch careers, drive positive social change, and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem.
We actively seek diverse, regional and international voices, especially students, emerging filmmakers, and creators with disabilities to showcase their bold work and ensure their visibility.
SIFF is a bridge, not a barrier. We provide participants with unparalleled resources and networking opportunities, leveraging the professional relationships developed over a decade of attending markets, successful sales/acquisitions, and producing independent film.
Late Deadline: May 15, 2026
Final Deadline: June 12, 2026
ROCK THE SHORTS is offering full waivers on their remaining deadlines:
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: At Rock the Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, we believe short films deliver a powerful emotional impact in just a few minutes. We are committed to providing filmmakers with the recognition they deserve, and to demonstrate this, we will present an “Awards Qualifying Run” for a minimum of two short films from our 2026 winners.
Our goal is to inspire you to continue your creative journey—writing, directing, producing, acting, and sharing your unique stories. Whether you are launching your career or are an established professional telling a story your own way, we are honored to celebrate your work. You rock!
Super Late Deadline: April 6, 2026
Final Deadline: May 4, 2026
Super Final Deadline: June 8, 2026
We are thrilled to partner with Newport Beach Film Festival to offer you discounts on submission fees for features and shorts + an AWD Block of films!
FROM NEWPORT: Join us in October 2026 (in person) for the Newport Beach Film Festival’s (NBFF) 27th Year. Internationally recognized as one of Southern California’s leading film events, we host eight days of 350+ film screenings, 58,000+ attendees, engaging networking opportunities, industry seminars, incredible nightly galas, private receptions, entertainment, and more!
Film, food, industry, and culture in the heart of Newport Beach. Join us for a fantastic and celebratory year!
IMPORTANT DATES:
April Deadline – April 24th
Summer Deadline – May 29th
Regular Deadline – June 26th
Final Deadline – July 17th
Dates of Festival – October 15th – 22nd
SUBMIT VIA FILM FREEWAY
We are thrilled to again partner with the Calabasas Film Festival to offer 50% off submission fees + a screening block of AWD-directed films!
From the festival:
The Calabasas Film Festival delivers a dynamic mix of premieres, powerful documentaries, student showcases and standout films from every genre. Each year, we spotlight stories that spark conversation, inspire audiences and celebrate bold filmmaking. More than just screenings, CFF is a gathering place – where our community connects over a shared love of film and television, surrounded by great food, energy and unforgettable experiences. CFF is where passion for film comes alive.
IMPORTANT DATES:
April 17, 2026 – Earlybird Deadline
July 3, 2026- Regular Deadline
July 31, 2026- Late Deadline
August 14, 2026- Notification Date
September 23 – 27, 2026- Event Date
Submit via their FILM FREEWAY page
We are happy to partner with Sidewalk Film Festival to offer 50% off submission fees for their remaining deadlines!
From Sidewalk:
Established in 1999 as the flagship program of the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema, Sidewalk Film Festival has perfected its own personal trifecta of quality film programming, filmmaker networking, and pure fun. Repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World and by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us, Sidewalk annually brings hundreds of films to The Magic City. Low-priced passes, a concentrated footprint, and southern hospitality encourage filmmakers and attendees alike to connect during the festival week.
Sidewalk actively strives to bring a variety of films to its audience. To that end, we are pleased to highlight civil and social issues in our Life & Liberty Track, diversity-related topics and black filmmakers in our Black Lens track, LGBTQ filmmakers and content with our SHOUT track. As an Alabama festival in a city with multiple universities, we also spotlight local and student filmmakers with our Alabama track.
IMPORTANT DATES:
April 30, 2026 – Extended Deadline
August 24-30, 2026 – Event Dates
SUBMIT VIA FILM FREEWAY PAGE.
We’re excited to partner with Burbank Int’l Film Festival to offer 50% off submission fees on their remaining deadlines! Submit via their Film Freeway page.
The Burbank International Film Festival continues its primary mission of fostering a diverse creative spirit and promoting up-and-coming artists in the center of the entertainment industry. BIFF’s schedule of films comprises cinema of every genre, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. BIFF also continues to introduce new Awards categories to honor the talented craftspeople behind the scenes. The four-day festival includes 130+ film screenings; Q&A’s featuring celebrities and industry professionals; fabulous red carpet receptions; audience awards; and informative panels. BIFF culminates with the Closing Night Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony which is the highlight of the Festival. We shine a light on the unknown artists of today, helping them become the celebrated filmmakers of tomorrow.
IMPORTANT DATES:
April 5, 2026 – Late Deadline
May 3, 2026 – Extended Deadline
May 24, 2026 – Notification Date
August 2 – 8, 2026 – Event Date
We’re happy to partner with the Women X Film Festival to offer 50% off submission fees to their remaining deadlines! Submit on their Film Freeway page.
Women X is an independent film festival, with the mission to champion the voices of women and gender nonconforming filmmakers and bring their bold, diverse stories to audiences. From comedies that make you laugh out loud, to dramas that linger long after the credits, to stories that evoke the deepest of emotions and everything experimental and wonderful in between, your story belongs here and we can’t wait to show it.
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome submissions for feature films. Every film is given thoughtful consideration by our experienced programming team, ensuring fairness and curiosity guide what we showcase, steering away from pigeon holes and industry bias.
Our festival isn’t just about screenings. We host across Darlington’s beautiful heritage sites such as The Hippodrome and The Library, transforming the town into a cinematic playground for filmmakers and audiences alike. Alongside screenings, filmmakers are invited to participate in networking, craft sessions, writers’ labs, industry talks, and filmmaker roundtables, creating a weekend that’s as enriching as it is fun. (And we haven’t even mentioned the themed quiz night yet).
We’ve also expanded our Script Competition, celebrating un-produced short film ideas with not only prizes available, but the opportunity to be part of our weekend writers residency, deepening your connection to your script and meet likeminded creatives, we’re so thrilled that several of our script comp finalists have gone on to make their films, including screening them at the festival years later!
If you’re unsure which category fits, the ‘all shorts’ option is always safe. Mid-length films go into a single category due to the extra viewing time. You only have to submit to one category.
Important dates:
April 5th – Easter deadline
May 23rd – Final deadline
July 17, 2026 – Notification Date
September 18 – 20, 2026 – Event Date
Nashville Film Festival has offered 15% off submissions to their 2026 festival. Submit on their Film Freeway page.
May 11, 2026 – Regular Deadline
June 1, 2026 – Late Deadline
June 15, 2026 – Extended Deadline
August 10, 2026 – Notification Date
September 24 – 30, 2026 – Event Date
We are pleased to again partner with the Austin Film Festival to offer 50% off their submission fees for the 2026 festival. Please note: The discount is for $30, which is 50% off the early bird prices. However, the discount can be used for all deadlines.
From the festival:
Included in MovieMaker’s Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee for 2025!
At Austin Film Festival, our mission is simple: champion writers and filmmakers. As an Academy-recognized Oscar® Qualifying festival, we are proud to spotlight emerging and established voices on a global stage. As the “Writers Festival” for over 32 years, AFF celebrates the storytellers behind the worlds, characters, and perspectives that shape great cinema. Each year, our film competition continues to grow as we serve as a launchpad into an ever-evolving industry.
What truly sets AFF apart is the combination of a world-class film festival and a world-renowned Writers Conference. Filmmakers who screen with us experience much more than the usual mix of screenings and parties. They spend their days in packed panels, workshops, and networking sessions that create nonstop opportunities for learning, connection, and career growth.
Important dates:
May 20, 2026 – Regular Deadline
June 19, 2026 – Late Deadline
July 1, 2026 – Extended Deadline
September 29, 2026 – Notification Date
October 29– November 5, 2026 – Event Date
We are excited to again partner with the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival to offer 50% off submission fees for films directed by AWD members! Additionally, they will be screening a BLOCK OF AWD FILMS!
FROM THE FESTIVAL: The HollyShorts Film Festival is an Oscar®-Qualifying (Best of Fest Grand Prix, Best Animation, Best Short Documentary, and Best Live Action) and BAFTA-qualifying short film festival based in Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 2005, HollyShorts has grown into a premier platform for independent filmmakers worldwide, presenting a diverse selection of innovative short films across various genres. This year the Grand Prix winner will be awarded a Panavision camera package valued at $60K.
Films directed by AWD members that are not selected for the AWD block will still be considered to screen elsewhere in the festival.
SUBMIT via FILM FREEWAY
IMPORTANT DATES:
Regular Deadline: April 3, 2026
Late Deadline: May 8, 2026
Extended Deadline: June 1, 2026
Notification Date: July 13, 2026
Event Date: August 13 – 23, 2026
We are excited to again partner with the Mystic Film Festival and offer AWD members 50% off submission fees for their film festival and script competitions.
FROM THE FESTIVAL:
Mystic Film Festival is a grassroots celebration of independent filmmaking that brings together storytellers, artists, and audiences in a shared love of cinema. Showcasing feature-length and short narrative films and documentaries from around the world, the festival creates a space where diverse voices can be heard and meaningful conversations can take root. Through screenings, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and community events, we aim to connect people through the power of story and the craft of filmmaking.
Now in its ninth year, the festival will take place September 24 – 27, 2026, across venues in Mystic, Connecticut, and Westerly, Rhode Island. Our cornerstone venue, Mystic Luxury Cinemas in Olde Mistick Village, hosts opening night, which proudly features films made by local filmmakers and celebrates the talent within our own community. The festival closes with our annual awards celebration, honoring standout independent films in every category. This year, we are expanding our submission categories to welcome an even wider range of stories and filmmakers.
Our Screenplay Competition, now entering its sixth year, has become a highlight of the festival, shining a light on emerging screenwriters and fostering connections within the indie filmmaking community. With expanded categories, the 2026 competition continues to champion fresh voices and original storytelling. Winners will be announced live at the festival, underscoring our commitment to supporting creators at every stage of the filmmaking process.
IMPORTANT DATES:
May 1, 2026 – Regular Deadline
May 22, 2026 – Late Deadline
June 12, 2026 – Extended Deadline
August 7, 2026 – Notification Date
September 24 – 27, 2026 – Event Date
Submit via their FILM FREEWAY page.