A three-day independent film festival in Sumter, South Carolina — built to be filmmaker-friendly, accessible, and rooted in a real arts community.
Welcome to the Swan Lake Film Festival (SLFF) — the independent film festival in Sumter, SC. Hosted at the historic Sumter Little Theatre, SLFF brings together filmmakers and film lovers for three unforgettable days of screenings, conversation, and community.
The festival is named for the nearby Swan Lake Iris Gardens — the only public garden in the country home to all eight known species of swan. Our festival mascot, Sterling the Swan, comes from that same setting.
SLFF welcomes films from around the world across all genres — drama, comedy, thriller, horror, sci-fi, animation, documentary, music videos, faith-based films, and Southern storytelling. First-time filmmakers and seasoned pros are equally welcome.
Every screening block makes time for filmmaker Q&A — real conversations between filmmakers and the audience, not rushed sound bites. The intimate Sumter Little Theatre house puts everyone in the same room.
Sunday evening culminates in our Swan Awards, honoring excellence in categories spanning multiple genres and filmmaking disciplines — alongside the Visionary Awards and the opening-night Hometown Showdown. It's an exciting night where artistry takes center stage and filmmakers take flight.
In remembrance of September 11th, the festival presents the Swan Lake Sentinel Award — recognizing courage, service, and the enduring spirit of community, a tribute woven into the fabric of opening day. Its inaugural recipient, in 2026, was Mark A. Williams, retired U.S. Army Major and founder of MAWilliams Films.
See competition categories →SLFF is dedicated to uplifting independent filmmakers and enriching the cultural landscape of South Carolina. Our mission is to introduce audiences to compelling stories they may not encounter anywhere else, while fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and uplifting creative community.
Festival proceeds support the Sumter Little Theatre — a pillar of arts and culture in our community.
Join us September 11–13 in Sumter, SC. Submit a film, see a film, or come for the conversation.