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 + CURRENT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
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.
AWD is thrilled to be a Community Partner of the Odyssey Theatre! Come see us in the lobby before the May 15th performance of “Hymn.”
All AWD supporters are invited to GET YOUR TICKETS HERE using code AWD20.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Two strangers from very different neighborhoods meet at a funeral.
Gil knew the deceased. Benny did not.
Benny is a loner anchored by his wife and children. Gil longs to fulfill his potential. They form a deep bond but as cracks appear in their fragile lives, they start to realize that true courage comes in different forms.
R&B rhythms and gospel, boxing and rounds of scotch, uncover shared histories and hidden wounds in Hymn, directed by L.A. award-winner Gregg T. Daniel, in a much-anticipated co-production with the Odyssey Theatre and the Lower Depth Theatre. This soulful play takes a look at love, faith and friendship and asks “what does it take to be a good father, brother or son.” Written by celebrated playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, best know for her stage adaptation of the novel Life of Pi and Hamnet.
AWD is excited to join as a community partner on the 2026 Hollywood Climate Summit. This partnership grows our creative sector’s awareness and action on this issue, while emphasizing the importance of storytelling to direct public attention toward the climate.
AWD Directing and Ally Members can check their Member Center for 25% off the full conference pass. Purchase tickets HERE.
The Hollywood Climate Summit is an annual conference and community that is building a collective strategy for thousands of cross-sector entertainment and media professionals to take action on climate.
Join professionals in film and TV, social media, gaming, marketing/comms, journalism, nonprofit, philanthropy, and more for 2 days of interactive action-oriented programming, networking, and plant-based eats.
Our 2026 conference will be in-person in Los Angeles as well as global through our free livestream and virtual networking experience. Programming will focus on: Storytelling strategies that are resonating and making a difference; Mediamakers and messaging connecting unexpected allies; Resources and opportunities that help our community activate and uplevel their work.
Cine Gear Expo LA 2026 marks 30 years of bringing the industry together—and that legacy continues with you.
Step onto the Universal Studios Lot, home to some of the most iconic moments in film and television history. From Psycho to Back to the Future, storytelling here has shaped generations.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, seasoned veteran, or technology enthusiast, be part of a community driven by passion, innovation, and the magic of cinema.
CURRENT FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIPS
AWD Directing Members can check their AWD Member Center or inboxes for the discount and waiver codes.
We are excited that the SIMI Film Festival will again program an AWD BLOCK of short films for their 2026 festival! Additionally, they are offering early bird prices on all deadlines.
Regular Deadline: June 16, 2026
Final Deadline: July 21, 2026
SUBMIT VIA FILM FREEWAY
SIMI Film Fest is a nine-day celebration of film, music, and creative collaboration where filmmakers are supported beyond the screen. The festival combines screenings, industry panels, networking, and live experiences designed to help artists grow and connect.
New in 2026, the SIMIFF Jury Prize will award one standout film a three-month mentorship with CAA agent Matt Smith, offering direct insight into career strategy and next steps in the industry. Selected films and composers may also have their work performed live by the Simi Valley Symphony Orchestra as part of the festival’s Film Music Concert.
With a strong focus on honoring every craft, SIMIFF recognizes the full spectrum of filmmaking, from directing and writing to cinematography, editing, sound, music, and design. The festival also features the SIMI Youth Film Fest, supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
SIMIFF creates a bridge between independent creators and the professional industry through meaningful opportunities, real connections, and a dynamic festival experience.
SIMI Film Fest 2026 will take place September 12-20 at the Studio Movie Grill in Simi Valley, CA.
Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival will screen a Block of AWD films during their 2026 festival! Submit to their extended deadline or special AWD deadline with a 50% discount.
Special Deadline for AWD Members: May 1st
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Our mission is to create a true multicultural experience, represented by the world’s independent film community, where filmmakers showcase their voices without judgment, stereotypes, degradation, or insincere reflection.
We support the following topics, filmmakers, and communities: LGBT, Disability Culture, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Religious Diversity, Family structures, and other social diversities, including the aging population and youth in cinema.
Proof: Proof of Concept Film Festival is offering 25% off their submission fees.
Regular Deadline: May 1, 2026
Film Final Deadline: June 10, 2026
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: PROOF is a short film festival in Los Angeles dedicated to showcasing the best in proof-of-concepts. Providing a highly competitive and unique festival experience, as well as opening the door for fruitful future filmmaking opportunities, PROOF is a one-stop-shop for the newest emerging talent.
PROOF is powered by the American Cinematheque. The American Cinematheque is a member-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, programming cinema at the Los Feliz 3, Aero Theatre, and Egyptian Theatre. The AC believes that cinema is a communal experience with the power to entertain, enlighten and inspire, building a diverse and engaged film community through immersive film curation, conversation, and presentation. The American Cinematheque bridges the filmmaker to the audience and film history to its future.
The Reel Champions Short Fest is providing 15% off their already low submission fees.
Extended Deadline: May 15, 2026
Final Deadline: June 12, 2026
Submit via Film Freeway
From the festival: Are you passionate about seeing more women and non-binary folks behind the camera? Join us for our annual The Reel Champions Shorts Fest and support the industry’s up-and-coming creatives who are too often overlooked!
TRC Shorts Fest showcases films created by women and non-binary folks to celebrate their unique voices and create more platforms for creatives of marginalized genders. We aim to provide a unique opportunity for filmmakers to share their work with a wider audience and network with likeminded industry professionals who are dedicated to achieving gender parity in entertainment. Submit your film today to be considered!
Films selected for the live event will screen over the weekend of 10/24/26 – 10/25/26 in Los Angeles, CA. Directors and Crew Heads are encouraged to attend the event to participate in a live Q&A following the screening. The weekend will also include educational panels and ample networking opportunities.
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
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.
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.
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!
Regular Deadline: May 4, 2026
Late Deadline: June 1, 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.
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!
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:
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:
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’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:
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:
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:
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.