South Texas International Film Festival Moves to July 2027, Opens Submissions for Short Filmmakers

The South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF) has announced a change to its annual schedule, moving its 13th edition from September to 15–17 July 2027.

Organised by the City of Edinburg in Texas, the festival has also opened submissions for independent filmmakers, welcoming narrative shorts, documentaries and feature films from the United States and internationally.

The announcement introduces a revised festival calendar and an opportunity for filmmakers to submit their work at discounted rates before 15 December 2026.

The festival will take place at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center, bringing together screenings, industry workshops, networking events and competitive filmmaking programmes.

Festival Moves From September to July

The scheduling change represents one of the most significant developments for the festival’s upcoming edition. Previously held in September, STXIFF will now take place during the summer, approximately two months earlier than its established annual timeframe. Its 12th edition took place from 10–12 September 2026.

For filmmakers planning festival submissions and premieres, the revised dates may affect production schedules, screening strategies and travel arrangements. The 2027 event will retain its three-day format, combining screenings with educational activities and professional networking opportunities.

Submissions Open Across Multiple Short-Film Categories

The festival accepts entries across several short-film competitions, including Best Documentary Short Film, Best International Short Film, Best U.S. Short Film, Best Texas Short Film and Best Rio Grande Valley Short Film.

Additional competitions cover documentary features, narrative features and screenwriting pitches. The festival also presents a 48-Hour Film Race, encouraging filmmakers to develop and complete projects within a limited production period.

International filmmakers are eligible for the dedicated international narrative short-film category, while documentary shorts may originate from anywhere in the world. The regional categories recognize filmmaking talent from Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

Early-Bird Submissions Close 15 December

Filmmakers can submit through FilmFreeway, where the festival’s current listing provides category-specific rules and entry options.

For the principal short-film categories, the early-bird entry fee is US$20, reduced to US$15 for students and FilmFreeway Gold members.

The regular submission period closes on 15 February 2027, with standard short-film entry fees increasing to $30. The final late-entry deadline is 15 March 2027.

Late submissions for the main short-film categories cost $45, with discounted rates available to eligible students and Gold members. The festival’s relatively accessible entry fees may make the competition attractive to emerging filmmakers seeking international exhibition opportunities.

Eligibility and Submission Requirements

According to the festival’s FilmFreeway rules, short films may run up to 40 minutes, including credits. However, the City of Edinburg’s announcement describes short films as under 40 minutes; filmmakers whose work runs exactly 40 minutes should confirm eligibility with the organizers before submitting.

Projects must have been completed after 1 January 2025. Submitted films must be in English or include English subtitles.

Entrants must hold the necessary rights to music and other copyrighted material included in their productions. Films already publicly available through video-on-demand platforms, broadcasting or commercial distribution are not eligible for competition, while private password-protected screening links are permitted.

Applicants must provide a completed film, poster and synopsis with their initial submission, and ensure screening links remain accessible throughout the selection process.

A Festival Supporting Regional and International Cinema

Established to promote filmmaking in South Texas, STXIFF has developed a program combining international competition with opportunities for regional artists. The City of Edinburg’s Cultural Arts Division supports the festival.

Its competitive program recognizes independent filmmakers working across narrative and documentary cinema while providing separate opportunities for Texas-based productions.

Alongside screenings, STXIFF organizes workshops, industry discussions and networking activities intended to connect filmmakers with professionals and other creatives. The festival’s pitch competition offers screenwriters another opportunity to present original projects to an industry panel; pitch finalists must attend in person to remain eligible for the award.

What Happens Next?

Submissions are currently open, with the early-bird deadline approaching on 15 December 2026. Filmmakers considering the competition should review the official eligibility rules, particularly the restrictions concerning prior online distribution.

The final submission deadline is scheduled for 15 March 2027. The festival will return to Edinburg from 15–17 July 2027, marking the beginning of its revised summer schedule.

South Texas International Film Festival 2027: Key Dates and Details

• Edition: 13th
• Location: Edinburg, Texas, United States
• Venue: Edinburg ACE Center
• Festival dates: 15–17 July 2027
• Early-bird deadline: 15 December 2026
• Regular deadline: 15 February 2027
• Final deadline: 15 March 2027
• Early-bird short-film fee: US$20 (US$15 for eligible students and FilmFreeway Gold members)
• Regular short-film fee: US$30
• Late short-film fee: US$45
• Maximum short-film runtime: See organiser clarification above
• Eligible production period: After 1 January 2025
• Submission platform: FilmFreeway

Editorial note: The City of Edinburg’s announcement and its detailed guidelines give different official-selection announcement dates (15 April and 20 April 2027 respectively). Applicants should refer to the latest official festival communication for that date.