Guide to Submitting a Music Video to the 2020 SXSW Film Festival

Submissions for the 2020 SXSW Film Festival are now closed.

Take a look at our requirements below if you are interested in submitting a music video. Don't forget to take a look at our Film Submissions page for additional deadlines and fees.

Music Video Submission Guidelines

• All Music Video submissions must be under 10 minutes in length.

• SXSW does not place any restrictions on the premiere status of music videos. The vast majority of music videos screened at SXSW will have premiered online prior to the festival.

• It’s important to note that only OFFICIAL ARTIST APPROVED music videos are eligible for SXSW.

• The music video should be the official music video for that song by that artist. As in, the artist and/or label commissioned the video and has their approval to be made.

• Your music video must have been completed in 2018, 2019 or be on track for completion in early 2020.

• SXSW does not accept trailers or rough assemblies, but will accept work-in-progress cuts (picture lock with temp sound, color, etc.) Please be aware SXSW will not screen multiple updates/versions of your music video for programming consideration.

• All music videos must be submitted via a secure URL link. Please note, if you change this link or any of your login information prior to March 2020 without contacting SXSW your submission may become ineligible for consideration.

• For specific questions about submitting your music video, look no further than our Film Submissions FAQ. Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to email filmfest@sxsw.com.

• Once you have submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from SXSW within 48 hours. This email will confirm that your music video has been submitted correctly. If you do not receive this email within 48 hours, you should follow up by email (filmfest@sxsw.com) to ensure your project has been submitted properly and is under consideration.

• All applicants will be informed of the status of their project no later than Friday, February 7, 2020.

• Want inspiration? Take a look at 2019 Music Video Jury Winner Hurray For The Riff Raff - 'Pa'lante' directed by Kristian Mercado.

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Music Video Program - Photo by John Feinberg