SLIFF was established for the purpose of producing, promoting, and presenting annual film events to advance film as an art form. In its first year, 25 films were shown during the last week of April, to an overall audience of 4,500.

Its mission is to enhance cultural diversity by bringing American independent productions, horizon-expanding international films and high-quality studio films to audiences before their commercial release. The Festival is especially concerned with providing filmgoers the opportunity to see works that would otherwise never screen in St. Louis.

Narrative Shorts:

Best of Fest Award. Winner in this category is eligible to submit their film for consideration for the Oscar presentations. A special jury selects the short subject awards. Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar. Value of Goods/Services: 500 U.S. Dollar;
Best Live-Action Short. Winner in this category is eligible to submit their film for consideration for the Oscar presentations;
Best Animated Short. Winner in this category is eligible to submit their film for consideration for the Oscar presentations;
Best International Short;
Best Local Short.
Documentary Features:

The Leon Award;
Interfaith Award. The juried competition spotlights 10 films (five fiction features and five documentaries) distinguished by their artistic merit, contribution to the understanding of the human condition, and recognition of ethical, social, and spiritual values.
Narrative Features:

Best Feature. The Audience Choice Award;
Best Foreign Feature. The Audience Choice Award;
New Filmmakers Forum (NFF) Emerging Filmmaker Award. 5 first-time filmmakers compete with a jury of industry professionals. Includes invitation to attend fest and variety of industry-related seminars. Cash Award Value: 500 U.S. Dollar. Value of Goods/Services: 500 U.S. Dollar;
Interfaith Award. The juried competition spotlights 10 films (five fiction features and five documentaries distinguished by their artistic merit, contribution to the understanding of the human condition, and recognition of ethical, social, and spiritual values.
Documentary Shorts:

Best Documentary Short.

ALL FILMS MUST:

be completed by entry deadline (NO works-in-progress);
be a St. Louis theatrical premiere;
Submit via Filmfreeway system.

Subtitles language: English

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement