An independent film festival nestled in the scenic White Mountains of Arizona.
Every October, filmmakers and film lovers worldwide gather in Show Low, Arizona, where the pines are tall, the screens are big, and every story gets the spotlight it deserves.
TOP 100 · FEST FOR THE BEST
Join us for four days of film, connection, and celebration in the White Mountains.
🎟️ Arrival & Registration — October 15th
🎬 Screenings — October 16th–18th
🌄 Departure — October 19th
We ask that each selected entry have at least one representative present for the full duration of the festival. It's your moment — we want you here for all of it.
The Fest for the Best, where Film Finds Its People.
We believe independent film deserves more than a checkbox on a submission list. It deserves a community. A real audience. A moment on a real screen in a real theater, surrounded by people who love what you love.
Each year, we hand-select the Top 100 film projects — features, shorts, documentaries, and scripts — to be showcased at WME Theater Village 8 here in the White Mountains. Every selection is an honor. Every filmmaker who walks through our doors becomes part of our film family.
Big enough to draw talent from around the world. Small enough to make real connections.
October 15–18, 2026 · Lakeside, Arizona
The Full VIP Festival Experience
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Thursday, Oct 15
A fun kickoff to the weekend. Filmmakers receive first access to tickets.
(Note: Dinner is optional and not included in the VIP Pass.)
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Each VIP Passholder (and their guests) receives a beautifully designed keepsake program.
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Mingle with industry pros, rising talent, and fellow creatives in dynamic, curated spaces.
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Dress to impress, and share your story! Walk the red carpet with our hostesses and enjoy the spotlight.
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Sharpen your skills and expand your toolkit with immersive, hands-on sessions.
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Stay in the loop with real-time updates, event schedules, party details, and local dining tips.
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Celebrate in style at our Sunday evening ceremony, where every official selection is honored with a beautiful award , and our winners in each category and our top ten Best of the Festival are revealed!
Your Story Deserves to Be Seen.
We accept feature films, short films, documentaries, and screenplays. If you have a story worth telling, we want to see it.
The 2026 submission deadline is August 15th. Notifications go out September 1st — and if you're selected, you'll join the SLFF Top 100: a curated group of independent voices we're proud to celebrate on the big screen.
Submit through FilmFreeway — it takes just a few minutes.
Extended Deadline: August 15, 2026
Notifications: September 1, 2026
Festival: October 15–18, 2026
Don't just take our word for it.
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"You are treated like you are part of their film family."
— Kimber Leigh
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"Big enough to draw talented filmmakers from around the world. Small enough to make real connections. SLFF is top shelf from start to finish!"
— Brian O'Connor
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"A fantastic festival! The team communicated clearly and made the prep work a breeze."
— Ashley Bratcher
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"Incredible festival experience! Don't miss out. You won't be disappointed."
— Joe Leone, 4-time attendee
Come for the films. Stay for the family.
The White Mountains have a way of doing something to people. The air is different up here. The pace slows. Stories land a little deeper.
We built the Show Low Film Festival because we believe movies with meaning deserve more than a streaming algorithm. They deserve an audience that shows up — and a festival that shows up for them.
We'll see you in October.
— Martina & Dalea
Producers, Show Low Film Festival
