SPIDFF Film Categories
(subject to change)
Documentary
Educational films
with a purpose
Narrative
Fiction and
non-fiction works
Made In Idaho
Films and filmmakers
from the Gem State
Untamed
Edge of your seat
action sports
Green Horizons/
Voices For Change
Environmental awareness
meets social justice
Love Out Loud
Films and filmmakers
supporting LGBTQIA+
Experimental
Outside the box
cinema
Animation
Digital storytelling
at it's finest
Past Forward
Films forgotten from
the year 2000 to now
The NExt Wave
Films created from
the classroom
Youth Works
Filmmakers who are
18 and under
SPIDFF Entry Guidelines
COMPLETION DATE:
As a celebration of recent video, SPIDFF requires that all submitted work be completed after January 1, 2024. If submitting to the Past Forward category, film projects must be completed after January 1, 2000.
GENRE:
There are absolutely no hard and fast genre restrictions governing the SPIDFF curatorial process.
NOTE:
- Local films (made in or by filmmakers from the state of Idaho) are highly encouraged.
- Student produced work please include either proof of enrollment - copy of Student ID.
- Sandpoint/Coeur d’Alene/Bonners Ferry local produced work, please include proof of residency in Boundary, Bonner, or Kootenai County (Driver's License copy, etc.)
- Youth works please include proof of age.
- For student produced work (The Next Wave), please include either proof of enrollment or a copy of Student ID. Youth Works, under 18, please include proof of age.
- Please submit films into the category that best fits your status and genre. For example, if you are under 18 but live in Idaho, please submit to the Youth Works category. If you are in school and live in Idaho, please submit to The Next Wave category.
PREMIERE POLICY:
We are thrilled to present world, national and local premieres of work and proudly reference such status in promoting the festival and its programs. The SPIDFF curatorial process opens January 1st, 2026, to all works regardless of “premiere status.” We hold no policy of inclusion or exclusion based on this status and such status has little bearing on our selection decisions.
SUBMISSIONS:
Please use our FilmFreeway Page for all submissions through a secure screener link (Vimeo or YouTube preferred). If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-resolution digital copy (DCP, ProRes, or MP4) for screening. We currently only accept physical submissions including Film, DVDs, Blu-rays, or Hard Drives if submitting to the Past Forward category. Please contact us at info@sandpointidahofilmfest.org for any questions.
DEADLINES & ENTRY FEES:
Early Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
Regular Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Extended Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
Final Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
SELECTED FILMS:
Makers of films selected for SPIDFF 2026 will be informed by August 15, 2026.
PLEASE NOTE that all dates and details relative to Sandpoint Idaho Film Fest 2026 are tentative and subject to change.
Questions? Please contact us at info@sandpointidahofilmfest.org
