When you hear the word submission, the act of formally presenting a film to a festival, distributor, or awards body for consideration. Also known as film entry, it's not just sending a link or a DVD—it's a strategic move that can make or break a movie's life after production. Every indie film, documentary, or studio project has to go through this step to even have a chance at being seen by the right people. Without a proper submission, even the best film can vanish into the digital void.
Submission isn’t one thing—it’s a chain. It starts with film festivals, curated events where new films debut and gain critical attention. Also known as cinema showcases, festivals like Sundance, TIFF, and Cannes are where distributors first spot talent and where awards campaigns begin. Then there’s Oscar submission, the official process where countries and studios enter films into the Academy’s Best International Feature or Best Animated Feature categories. Also known as Academy entry, this step alone can turn a quiet film into an award contender. And let’s not forget indie film distribution, how small films get picked up by streamers or theaters after being submitted to buyers at markets like AFM or Cannes. Also known as sales agents, this phase turns festival buzz into real revenue. These are the three pillars of submission in modern cinema.
What makes a submission work? Timing. Research. And knowing who’s watching. A film submitted to Sundance in January might get picked up by Netflix before February ends. A documentary submitted to IDFA in November could land on Apple TV+ by March. Studios don’t just submit randomly—they target festivals where their audience lives, where critics gather, and where awards momentum builds. That’s why you see the same films pop up in multiple festivals. It’s not luck—it’s a playbook.
And it’s not just about big names. Microbudget films win awards because their teams knew exactly where to submit. A film shot on a smartphone in rural Georgia got into SXSW because the director submitted early, tailored the press kit, and reached out to programmers personally. That’s the power of smart submission. It’s not about having a big budget—it’s about knowing the rules of the game.
Below, you’ll find real examples of how submission works—from how streaming platforms choose which films to greenlight after festival runs, to how foreign sales teams use submissions to lock in international deals before a single frame is shot. You’ll see how silent films, animated features, and documentaries all follow the same basic path: submit, be seen, be chosen. Whether you’re a filmmaker trying to get your movie out there, or just a fan wondering why some films show up everywhere while others disappear, this collection breaks it all down.
Learn the real steps to get your independent film into Sundance, TIFF, or Cannes-beyond just making a good movie. From submission strategy to technical specs, here’s what actually works.