Honoring brilliant short films, movie trailers, mockumentaries, and parody creations by independent filmmakers worldwide.
The Sham Film Festival is a vibrant event that honors movies created by independent filmmakers worldwide. These filmmakers specialize in telling brilliant stories through their camera lenses as well as crafting unique genres like mockery, spoofs, satire, and parody.
During the festival, filmmakers can showcase their short films in various categories, including movie trailers, funny infomercials, mockumentaries, and reality TV show parodies. It's a fantastic opportunity to share imaginative works with a global audience and enjoy the thrill of being part of a vibrant film community.
Satirical non-fiction takes that challenge conventional storytelling.
Clever reimaginings of pop culture, cinematic tropes, and media.
Bite-sized comedic concepts and fake blockbuster teasers.
Absurd commercial parodies and reality TV show spoofs.
Plan your submission window carefully to secure early rates for the upcoming 6th annual festival cycle.
Official opening date for submissions for the 6th annual festival cycle.
First early bird submission deadline for reduced fees.
Second early bird deadline window closes.
Third early submission cut-off date.
Standard submission pricing window phase 1.
Standard submission pricing window phase 2.
Standard submission pricing window phase 3.
Final standard submission window ends.
Final late submission window cut-off.
Official selection status notifications sent to applicants.
Join us live in St. Louis, Missouri for screenings, events, and awards presentation!
We welcome submissions across Documentary, Music Video, Animation, Spoof, Fiction, Experimental, and Movie Trailer genres (Max Duration: 40 minutes).
Compete for our prestigious grand prize and runner-up accolades.
Awarded to the top standout independent creation that embodies the absolute pinnacle of wit, mockery, and cinematic brilliance.
Films are evaluated by our expert jury across multiple creative dimensions, showcasing exceptional short-form filmmaking to audiences in St. Louis and beyond.
Summary of terms governing submissions to The Sham Film Festival (SFF).
It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to secure authorization and permission from copyright owners. SFF disavows liability for unauthorized material and reserves the right to disqualify entries without refund.
Entries must be submitted through official channels (https://filmfreeway.com/TheShamFilmFestival). Films with significant non-English spoken dialogue must include on-screen English subtitles.
Open to independent filmmakers, students, and freelancers worldwide. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Submitted works must have been produced after January 2023 and not previously screened at SFF.
Any claim or dispute arising out of or related to the Festival or these Rules will be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri and subject to exclusive jurisdiction in St. Louis, Missouri.
Meet the team driving the 6th annual Sham Film Festival.
Founder / Director
Organizer
Organizer