Filmmaker Info
The information below pertains to those filmmakers who have submitted their film and have received a confirmation email that their film has been accepted to the 2026 Sunscreen Film Festival.
Filmmakers! If your film has been accepted, then we are excited for you and your film to be a part of the 21st annual Sunscreen Film Festival! Moving forward, please take some time to complete this film checklist before March 30, 2026. Failure to do so could result in your film being removed from the exhibition schedule.
Film Exhibition Schedule
You may check the festival's Exhibition Schedule. Please understand Sunscreen reserves the right to change the exhibition schedule with or without prior notification, so visit our website to check the Exhibition Schedule often.
Official Sunscreen Film Festival Laurels
You may download Official 2026 Sunscreen Film Festival Laurels here. Sunscreen operates on the Honor System, so please, download only those laurels you've earned. Thank you!
Will Call and Filmmaker Pass Pickup
Will Call and Filmmaker pass pickup is at the AMC 12 Theatres at Sundial. The Will Call and Pass Pickup station opens at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Attention: The Filmmaker Questionnaire and Your Film must be received no later than Tuesday, March 30, 2026!
(Warning: If we do not receive the Filmmaker Questionnaire and your film submitted in the required format before Thursday, April 30, 2026, your film will be cut from the festival's exhibition schedule!)
Filmmaker's Checklist
Step 1:
The Filmmaker Questionnaire: If you have not yet done so, please fill out this Film Questionnaire. (This step is especially important!) The Filmmaker's Questionnaire is required to proceed with your film submission and final technical acceptance.
Step 2:
Accommodations: Regarding accommodations, if you are planning to attend the film festival in person, the festival's official hotel is the Hilton Bayfront located in downtown St. Petersburg, within walking distance of the festival venue and events. The Hilton Bayfront is located at 333 1st Street, S.E., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. You may contact the hotel directly at 1-727-894-5000 to book your accommodations. The Official Sunscreen Discount Rate is $204 per night (rate cutoff date is March 28, 2026).
Airports: The Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 30-minutes (driving) from St. Petersburg. The Tampa International Airport is consistently rated by JD Power as the "Number 1" and "Number 2" airport in the U.S. Additionally, the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is approximately 20-minutes (driving) from St. Petersburg. Allegiant Air is the main passenger airline and flies non-stop to over 60 smaller U.S. cities.
Step 3:
Your acceptance includes: two(2) Filmmaker Pass lanyards. This pass provides access to all film screenings, workshops, and parties during the entire film festival. If you need additional passes, you can use our Friends & Family rate at 50% off the regular purchase price.
Step 4:
Digital Film Submission: Upload films as a downloadable digital format (see full DCP info and specifications, source file guidelines). For questions contact info@dcpforall.com
Step 5:
Your DCP: All Film Submissions Must Be on a DCP! If you DO NOT have a DCP and need one for your film made, we have partnered with a company that can create one for you. Knight Time Entertainment is one of our sponsors and offers discounts on films that have been selected for the festival. DCP creation for a short film starts a just $100 (USD) and feature-length films starts at $175 (USD). Knight Time Entertainment will deliver your film directly to the Sunscreen Film Festival and make sure you receive your DCP as ordered. Contact DCP for ALL to request DCP creation. If you already have DCP of your film, please make sure that it meets our specifications (see below).
Step 6:
Technical Questions: Please send all technical questions regarding your film submissions to DCP For All at, (323) 546-2271, or email: info@dcpforall.com
DCP Specifications
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DCP Specifications
Click Here for DCP For All Source File Guidelines
Film Submission Deadlines
- March 17, 2026: First deadline. Films should be submitted before this date.
- March 27, 2026: Last deadline. Films received after this date will incur late fees.
- March 27 – March 30, 2026: Mandatory late fee to guarantee DCP delivery ($50).
- March 30, 2026: Final deadline. No films will be accepted after this date (DCPs or source files).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DCP, and why do I need one?
DCP stands for Digital Cinema Package and is the standard for delivering a film to theaters operating digital projection equipment. A DCP is a collection of files that contain Audio, Video, and other information. They provide a standard way for a theater to present content and maintain an accurate presentation from site to site.
Does my film have to be 24 frames per second (FPS) for a DCP?
No, but frame rate is important. DCP's play in full frame rates (24, 25, 30, 60, etc.) and some older Digital Cinema Servers can only play 24 fps. This is becoming more rare to see these older digital servers and festivals will typically tell you up front if they can only play a DCP at 24 fps. If your film is 23.976, 29.97 or any other fractional frame rate, it will be converted during the DCP creation process to make it compatible with Digital Cinema Servers and this will not affect the quality of your film on the big screen.
What format is the drive that will contain my DCP?
The standard format is EXT3, which is a format for a Linux-based operating system. Theatrical Digital Cinema Servers are designed to use this format. If you are getting a CRU drive that will be sent directly to a theater, this is the best option. Most Mac and Windows computers are not able to read the drive when formatted in EXT3. Depending on your needs, you may get your DCP on another format such as NTFS (typical Windows format), which can still be readable in many theaters. If you plan to distribute your DCP electronically, you can choose another format such as exFAT, which can be used on Mac or Windows computers.
What audio and video specs are expected in my digital file?
Both audio and video should be high quality. The majority of films are submitted as a ProRes file, but other formats are also accepted. Just remember, if you submit a low-quality render of your film, it will not look good on the big screen. Sunscreen will not be able to make any changes to your actual video quality. For audio, a 5.1 surround sound mix is best, but stereo will work as well. Audio should be embedded in the file with picture and should be 24 bit, 48kHz and laid out as follows for a 5.1 mix: L R C LFE Ls Rs.
What could happen if I do not submit the Filmmaker's Questionnaire before the March 30, 2026, deadline?
Your accepted film may be in danger of being cut from the festival's exhibition schedule.
What could happen if I do not send a digital upload of my short or feature-length film before the March 30, 2026, deadline?
Your film will be cut from the festival's exhibition schedule.