SAFILM-San Antonio Film Festival brings independent films and film industry professionals to San Antonio from across the nation and around the world, nurturing filmmakers of all ages and increasing appreciation of the arts through cinema for local audiences and guests to San Antonio. They work hard to capture the creative spark and sizzle of the Alamo City with screenings in downtown at the Tobin Center and spectacular after-parties in the heart of downtown San Antonio to offer a variety of experiences that showcase all the unique cultural offerings our city offers.

The film festival accepts films from artists at every level – and provides arenas for student competitions at high school and college levels to work from seasoned industry pros. Both aspiring and veteran filmmakers get to present their work in a friendly, competitive and energizing environment.

A special feature of this film festival is the emphasis on education and mentoring. Free workshops to educate new filmmakers about how to succeed in the business, about acting, writing, directing and marketing indies and practical information about legal issues and how to get funding are a huge part of SAFILM every year – and SAFILM finds qualified industry pros to share their wisdom. Festival panels cover past success stories, with script to screen advice. Because the staff is comprised of filmmakers themselves, SAFILM understands the importance in educating about all aspects of filmmaking.

Celebrities who believe in independent film abound at this Film Festival – offering unparalleled networking opportunities for all attendees. Numerous film industry professional producers, directors, writers, actors attended

SAFILM including 2019 Honorees: Cheech Marin (Cheech & Chong), Cybill Shepherd (Taxi Driver, Moonlighting), Jackie Earle Haley (Bad News Bears, Little Children) and Kevin Alejandro (Lucifer, True Blood), plus Alex Wolff (Hereditary), C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders), Lisa Niemi Swayze, Disney Animator Davy Liu, Producer Marion Rosenberg (The Deer Hunter, Revolutionary Road) and Editor Anne Goursaud (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), just to name a few.