Saugatuck Film Fest promises an exploration of the frontier of filmmaking with a backdrop of one of Michigan’s most beautiful art destinations. The SFF closes out the Art Coast’s summer with an artistic flourish celebrating independent film, and offers patrons of the arts a sendoff to the year’s creativity.

Join us this September as we gather to recognize, promote, and celebrate independent filmmakers; continue to elevate Saugatuck as a premier arts destination; and have a good time doing it.

The fest takes place on Saturday September 26th, at the historic Saugatuck Women’s Club downtown Saugatuck and the American Legion of Saugatuck.

Events are to include screenings of short and feature length films submissions, a prize winning feature film, artist Q&A, and awards presentation.

Selections will be based entirely on artistic and technical merit, as decided by our panel of judges and members. No restrictions are made on submissions outside of recency of completion and length, please see full submission guidelines for additional details.

Awards & Prizes

The winning film selections will be awarded with the following prizes:

Feature Prize - $300
1st Place Short - $300
2nd Place Short - $200
3rd Place Short - $100
Crowd Favorite - $100

Rules & Terms

Both Short and feature-length films are welcome. Short films run no longer than 59 minutes. Feature films may run 60 minutes or longer.

Submissions not in English must have English subtitles.

Films must be completed within the last two years.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

The SFF does not give waivers or discounts.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Heather Turman

    The Saugatuck Film Festival was an absolute delight! The team was incredibly warm and hospitable, and their devotion to meaningful, quality storytelling was supremely evident in the programming. Saugatuck itself is a rad little art town with great vibes, so from top to bottom it was a truly worthwhile experience. I can't recommend it enough. Thank you SFF!

    October 2025
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  • Jazmine Broe

    What a great experience. The festival was fun and well organized. Logan, Devin, and all the organizers curated a terrific lineup of quality films. I am looking forward to coming back.

    October 2025
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  • Andrew Templeton

    Great festival! Very well-organized and welcoming to filmmakers. We were honored to be a part of it this year!

    October 2025
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  • Alexandra N

    The hospitality I experienced repping our short here was impeccable. Devin, Logan & the rest of the team are so welcoming and take excellent care of their filmmakers and attendees. It's clear they care deeply about film and I'm so grateful to have screened here.

    Between the high quality films shown, the great community of film lovers in Saugatuck, and the opportunity to meet other wonderful filmmakers I was so impressed by the overall experience. If you can, I highly recommend attending!

    September 2025
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  • Cole J Sheldon

    Wasn't able to attend in person, but thankful that Spark Plug was included in this years line up!

    September 2024
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