Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the SONscreen Film Festival held?
The festival is held in April of each year at the AMP Studios facility located at 101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065.
Do I have to be an Adventist to participate?
Absolutely not! We welcome everyone (All Christian filmmakers, enthusiastes, students, professionals, young, not-so-young anymore, local churches and the general public) to come and take part in this festival experience. Yes, it's sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but we are a non-exclusive event. We all have wonderful stories to share, and we want to hear yours!
How do I submit my film?
Please visit the Entry Application section of the website for details.
What are the submission and awarded categories?
Film(s) are submitted into any of these six main categories: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Public Service Announcement (PSA), or Music Video. In addition to winning “Best” per category listed, there is a separate awards category for International, High school/Academy and now, just added--Indie Pro Film submissions. While being awarded in any category is notable, the more highly regarded awards are the Audience Choice Award and the most prominent of all, Best of Fest ("SONNY" Recipient).
The festival is designed as a "student" festival, first and foremost of which those films are judged “in competition” against each other. Independent Professional (non-student) and other select film submissions are now also able to screen “in competition” against one another for festival recognition. But only a select amount of films are accepted into this newest competition category.
What are the prizes if I win?
The Best of Fest winner receives up to $2000 and The SONNY Award. Best Category, Best International and Audience Award winners receive $250 and a mini-Sonny Award. The Highschool/Academy Award winner receives a certificate and academic scholarship from several Adventist Colleges/Universities in North America (averaging a total of atleast $1500 in scholarship funds). Awards and prizes are announced and awarded at the Saturday night Festival Awards finale event. Therefore festival attendance is highly encouraged.
Can I submit even if I am not able to attend the festival?
Yes, films can be submitted even if the filmmaker is not able to be present. However, there is a Question & Answer (Q&A) segment at the conclusion of each film screening session that is the perfect opportunity for the filmmakers to respond and get feedback about their film. At the same time, we deem it critical that all professionals that screen awork at the festival, be present for the mentoring of the students, and networking that add an extra element of depth to the entire festival experience.
How much does it cost to submit to the festival?
There are two levels of film submission fees (annual price varies):
Student Rate
Professional (or Non-Student) Rate
*Discounted group rates are available for general attendees (5 or more)
How many films can I submit?
You can submit as many films as you would like. However, you must pay the submission fee for each film you submit Also, a completed entry submission & agreement form needs to be provided per submission.
How long does it take before I know if my film has been accepted?
Once the films are submitted, they go through a pre-screening process within the first two weeks following the submission deadline.You will be notified within three weeks of the festival if your film was accepted as an Official Selection. The films then go on to be judged by the final SONscreen Film Festival jury.
What do the judges look for in the films?
There are a variety of criteria by which judges evaluate a film. However, it is a subjective process which varies according to the expertise, experience, and preference of each judge. Some basic areas that the judges make note of include: story quality, strength of content, technical quality, tempo, and pacing.
How do I purchase tickets to attend the festival?
Attending the festival is easy! You can buy tickets and passes online. Everyone is welcome to attend the festival.The schedule of weekend events provides details on the weekend events and screening times.
If you are a filmmaker who submitted a work to this year’s festival through the entry submission form (whether your film was accepted or not) your ticket passes are already included in your submission fee. However, if you did not submit this year you will need to purchase tickets to attend the festival.
What are the housing accommodations?
*Only applies for California festival years. Does not apply for GC Session special edition showcase years when festival is held outside of Simi Valley, CA. Click here for 2010 Festival Housing Info
*The official host hotel of the SONscreen Film Festival is the Best Western Posada Royale Hotel and Suites, 1775 Madera Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Phone: (805) 584-6300, Fax: (805) 306-0226.
All rooms are subject to at 10% tax and can accommodate up to 4 persons.Your room registration includes a daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet in Club Royale!
Does SONscreen provide transportation from the airport to the festival?
Unfortunately, SONscreen does not have an official transportation carrier from the airport at this time (the area airports are Los Angeles International, Ontario Airport, and Burbank). So attendees must make their own arrangements for transportation to and from the hotel.
Some shuttle options are: Super Shuttle or Roadrunner Shuttle
Once you arrive at the hotel, FREE transportation sign up sheets are provided by the Posada Royal Hotel & Suites for round trips between the hotel and film festival venue daily.
What does the All Fest Pass include?
The best bang for your buck is to purchase the All Festival Pass which gives you exclusive rights to participate in all of the 3 day festival weekend activities and also includes two meals.
How do I contact SONscreen with questions?
The best way to contact us is to email your questions or comments, or you can call the SONscreen office toll free at 1-866-766-3146 or direct: 301-680-6698, Monday - Thursday from 9 am – 6:30 pm EST.
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