Submissions are OPEN for STXIFF 2026!
The South Texas International Film Festival returns September 10–12, 2026, and filmmakers can now submit their work via FilmFreeway.
Submission deadlines:
Early Bird: Nov. 15 – Dec. 19
Regular: Dec. 20 – Mar. 31
Late: Apr. 1 – May 15
Don’t miss your chance to showcase your film at one of South Texas’ premier international film festivals.
Congratulations to the Award Winning Films and Pitches at the 11th Annual South Texas International Film Festival
STXIFF rate
Use the TownePlace Suites Booking Link - $119 per night, taxes and fees not included.
The South Texas International Film Festival owes its success to the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers. With a wide array of volunteer opportunities available throughout the festival, we guarantee that we will find the perfect match for your exceptional skills.
Check-In & Information Attendant
Greet and welcome guests to STXIFF. Manage the arrival of guests, verify tickets, and ensure a smooth check-in experience. Provide directions and information about the event, venue and schedule. Handle various tasks and general assistance.
Concessions / Merchandise Attendant
oGreet customers, provide customer service, maintain an attractive and organized stand, and handle transactions.
Screening/Workshop/Panel Room Attendant
Manage screening, panel or workshop rooms. Ensure the room is ready, arrange seating if needed. Welcome guests and assist with questions. Assist technicians as needed.
Gala Usher
Gala/Awards Ceremony Ushers are asked to wear formal attire.
Manage entrance line, provide a seamless flow for guests. Provide information to guests regarding seating, guide guests to their seats.
Event Operations Crew
Set up and breakdown rooms, assist with room turnover. Serve as stagehand and backstage crew.
For additional information, visit our Volunteers page
Register to volunteer HERE
Filmmakers - Check your email for the notification from FilmFreeway (possibly in junk/spam). The Judging Status email contains the Nominee and Finalists STXIFF Laurels and important information.
The complete list of selections with directors are at stxiff.com/guide2025. Thanks again to all those who entered their films/pitches! We had an array of outstanding submissions from over 20 countries this year!
Filmmakers - Check your email for the notification from FilmFreeway. The Judging Status email contains the Official STXIFF Laurels and important deadline information.
Judging Status notification emails will be sent from FilmFreeway at 5:05 PM CT on June 20, 2025.
Discover how to turn your creative ideas into powerful film concepts. In this workshop, Silvia will share simple writing techniques that have helped her shape stories for the screen—covering character, structure, and visual storytelling to bring your movie ideas to life.
Silvia Vera is a Mexican writer, actress, producer, and Theater and Film director. Her work mainly focuses on Latino folklore, from which she draws much of her inspiration. She has produced over 20 movies and plays and has won several awards. Additionally, she has been a theater and fine arts teacher for over 15 years and is currently a professor in the Department of Writing and Language Studies at UTRGV.
STXIFF invites all local film industry professionals to come out and mingle! Bring a friend! Let’s talk films and more! Event is FREE and open to the general public. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres. For more information please contact stxiff@edinburglibrary.us
CastleHill Bistro 2113 W Trenton Rd. Edinburg
Submit at https://filmfreeway.com/STXIFF
Feature Films: Standard: $40, Student: $35, Gold Members: $35
Short Films: Standard: $30, Student: $25, Gold Members: $25
Music Videos: Standard: $20, Student: $15, Gold Members: $15
The Pitch: Standard: $25, Student: $20, Gold Members: $20
Texas Young Filmmaker Short Films or Pitch: Standard: $10, Gold Members: $5
Thank you to everyone who submitted during the Earlybird deadline for the 2025 South Texas International Film Festival. We received submissions from 13 different countries. Our next deadline is the Regular deadline which ends on March 31st, 2025. Submit at filmfreeway.com/STXIFF
