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
We are thrilled to partner with NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) to promote its March Film Festival! Celebrating up-and-coming female talent in front of and behind the camera, this month’s InFocus: Female Cinema includes two shorts programs and the Los Angeles premiere of Pamela J. Hogan’s documentary The Day Iceland Stood Still!
For more information and tickets, visit www.NFMLA.org/events. AWD Directing Members receive 10% off tickets. Check code in Festival Partnerships in your Member Center.
Don’t miss this exciting celebration of new voices and seasoned stories!
We are excited to partner with the Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) to offer our Directing Members 25% off passes and individual tickets! Check code in Festival Partnerships in your Member Center.
About LIFE: Founded by pioneer Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves), our mission is to champion films directed by Latinas while driving solutions that expand our presence in the entertainment industry. We believe cinema is both art and action, spotlighting stories that inspire change while building the skills, networks, and opportunities Latinas need to thrive as creators. Through screenings, panels, and mentorship, we connect filmmakers with industry insiders and foster pathways for growth.
By amplifying Latina voices on screen and strengthening their presence behind the camera, we create lasting solutions for equity, visibility, and impact in film. Get tickets HERE.
We happy to help announce that the Women Behind the Camera Film Grant is accepting submissions. Please follow instructions above. A reminder to AWD Directing Members that we have discounts on insurance and other production services through We Make Movies. Check your Member Center for details!
Newsweek is proud to present their Women’s Global Impact Forum LA, a one-day event on March 25th which aims to connect senior female executives – across industries and job functions – and their “rising stars” – women who are on the path to C-suite and boards. The event is an opportunity for guests to innovate, share bold visions for leadership, the future of work and how they will leave a positive and lasting IMPACT on the world.
Progress toward gender equity in the workplace continues even as challenges remain. From the lingering wage gap and unconscious biases to underrepresentation in executive roles and workplace harassment, women navigate a professional landscape that demands resilience and advocacy.
Despite these obstacles, many companies are stepping up to foster environments where women can thrive. Join us as we celebrate and call attention to these great leaders and companies – and learn from some of the world’s most inspiring women.
The event originated in NYC on 5 Aug 2025, where we had 300+ guests connect and share. You can watch the panels from the NYC event HERE. All AWD followers are invited to REGISTER HERE at a discount using code AWDNWGI30.
CURRENT FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIPS
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:
Spring Deadline – March 27th
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:
March 15, 2026 – Late Deadline
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:
March 8th – Spring deadline
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.
March 9, 2026 – Earlybird Deadline
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 partner with Cine Gear to offer AWD members $15 off entry into their 2026 Film Series.
From Cine Gear: We celebrate the talent, vision, and creativity of women filmmakers! Each year, filmmakers from around the world showcase their stories to industry professionals, innovators, and peers. Categories include Music Video, Independent Short Film, and Student Short Film.
Selected projects receive:
– Two badges for all screenings
– Tickets to the VIP Party and Awards Ceremony
– The chance to win incredible prize packages from leading sponsors
In 2025, our Jury Award winners earned nearly $16,000 USD in camera, lighting, and gear from sponsors including Blackmagic Design, DFI Rentals, Driving Plates, Tilta, and Film Craft Studio Gear. Audience Award winners received almost $2,000 USD in gear from Nanlux/Nanlite, Fiilex, and more. Plus, all selected filmmakers received a free annual Scriptation subscription valued at $99 USD.
Late deadline: Feb. 15
Extended deadline: March 15
Festival dates: June 5-7, 2026
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:
March 27, 2026 – Early Bird Deadline
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:
Early Bird Deadline: January 30, 2026
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:
February 6, 2026 – Earlybird Deadline
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.
We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Wyoming International Film Festival to offer you 50% off submission fees for their 2026 festival!
From the festival:
Celebrate indie film in the old west! The Wyoming International Film Festival – a registered 501c3 non-profit – isn’t just another film fest; it’s a 4-day celebration of filmmakers and art from around the world!
Screenings in a state-of-the-art theater, filmmaker Q&As, live dance, live music, unique western experiences, art and photography exhibitions, and nightly parties give filmmakers ample opportunity to network and exhibit their work. Most important of all, you’ll have a blast while visiting Wyoming! WyoIFF is capped off with an award ceremony where we present 21 awards. Join us for food, fun, and film!
WyoIFF welcomes movies from all over the world! We accept features, shorts, narratives, documentaries, and web series of every genre. The Wyoming International Film Festival is committed to screening a diverse slate of stories with a broad spectrum of genres, topics and styles. Because we are a film festival run by filmmakers; the WyoIFF team guarantees every submission is watched by a selection committee of experienced industry professionals.
Our alumni include Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee, Lily Gladstone, Seal, Willie Nelson, Eric Roberts, Lee Child, Ralph Inerson, Virginia Madsen, Tom Skerritt, Jefferson White, Jason Faunt, Constance Shulman, Lavell Crawford, as well as more than 3 dozen Emmy Award Winning filmmakers! At WyoIFF you won’t just find celebrity helmed films; we insure a robust mix of industry professionals, up-and-coming directors, as well as first time filmmakers. With nightly networking events you will be sure to build lasting connections and lifelong relationships!
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
WyoIFF prides itself on our transparency and filmmaker-forward thinking. Here is some beneficial information for filmmakers to consider before submitting:
• In 2025 WyoIFF received 622 submissions, selecting 166 films. This is a 27% acceptance rate.
• We screen in three theaters; Surbrugg Prentice Auditorium, a brand-new performance art theater with seating for 400. Pathfinder, a converted conference room with dual laser projectors seating 200. The Studio, an improvised theater for more personal screenings, seating 60. While quality and filmmaker experience is our top priority it’s important to know none of our screening rooms are traditional movie theaters.
• Our programming team is mostly made up of alumni filmmakers. Your film will be reviewed by a minimum of two programmers.
• Not sure if your film is right for WyoIFF? Visit our archive on wyoiff.com to see if we’ve programmed films like yours in the past. Always research a festival before you submit!
Minimum Review Times
– All films will be reviewed by a minimum of two (2) programmers.
– Shorts under 15 minutes will be watched in full.
– Shorts over 15 minutes will be watched for 50% of their runtime, or up to 10 minutes, whichever is longer.
– Feature films will be reviewed for a minimum of 30 minutes.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Earlybird Deadline – October 10, 2025
Fall Deadline – November 21, 2025
Winter Deadline – January 2, 2026
Regular Deadline – February 13, 2026
Final Deadline – March 27, 2026
Notification Date – May 4, 2026
SUBMIT via their FILM FREEWAY PAGE