Filmmakers: If you would like to submit a film into competition, you have two choices:

1. Submit online via Withoutabox.
   
   
   
2. Submit using this downloadable form.

Joe Hsieh, 2008 Best Animation winner for "Meat Days"

New: Minimum $1,000 cash prize for 2009 JURY WINNER! All films entered into competition are eligible for the jury prize.

The SDAFF is looking for the best in Asian American cinema for the 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, scheduled to take place October 15-29, 2009.

• Early Entry Deadline: Postmarked by April 30, 2009 ($25 fee)
• Final Entry Deadline: Postmarked May 1 - June 10, 2009 ($40 fee)
• Notification of status by July 16, 2009
• Festival: October 15-29, 2009

We will begin accepting entries starting January 2009. Please check back for links and information.

Interview with Director Jessica Yu and producer/actor Jimmy Tsai

Since 2000, the San Diego Asian Film Festival has earned an international reputation as one of North America's premiere Asian American film festivals for its excellent programs, outreach to the community, and support for independent artists. Entering its tenth year, the SDAFF continues looking for the best in Asian American and international cinema to showcase at its longest festival ever in celebration of its 10th anniversary, scheduled for October 15-29, 2009 at the UltraStar Cinemas at the Mission Valley Hazard Center. The festival is also offering a minimum $1,000 cash prize to the top film of the festival in 2009.

Ron Morales, 2008 Best Narrative Feature winner for "Santa Mesa"

Along with showcasing films, the San Diego Asian Film Festival prides itself in being a destination festival, providing excellent hospitality to its filmmakers, artists, industry guests, and out-of-town patrons during its event, which serves more than 15,000 people. Most recently, during the 9th annual festival in October 2008, the SDAFF presented nearly 140 films from 17 countries. The festival also incorporates meaningful panel discussions and opportunities to meet the artists in person. The festival's passionate staff is always seeking ways to keep the programs relevant, unique, engaging, and as accessible to the broadest audience possible.

Film festival entries are accepted from January through June each year. Competition films are exhibited and awarded in the following categories: animation, narrative short, narrative feature, documentary short, documentary feature, and a grand jury award. Winning filmmakers are announced at the festival's Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is a program of San Diego Asian Film Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public benefit corporation. The San Diego Asian Film Festival was established in 1999 by the Asian American Journalists Association of San Diego. AAJA teamed up with filmmakers, artists, educators, and community groups and leaders to present the first SDAFF at the University of San Diego, August 11-13, 2000.