Mission Statement: The SouthSide Film Festival is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of the independent filmmaker, providing the patron of the arts freedom of choice, and showcasing the community culture of South Bethlehem.

The SouthSide Film Festival (SSFF) is the filmmakers' festival, taking place on the eclectic south side of Bethlehem each June.

South Bethlehem is well-known for its strong sense of community and the vigorous support of its businesses, artists and patrons of the arts, all of which combine to create a relaxed and inviting festive atmosphere. The film festival is a celebration of the artists' struggles and triumphs in bringing their creations to the local and independent screen.

The SouthSide Film Festival is more than just a great week of films, friends, food and spirit - it is also the major activity of the SouthSide Film Institute (SSFI) that exists to foster a supportive network that will make the Lehigh Valley an independent filmmaking hub of the Northeast. Our goal is for the SSFI to be the clearinghouse for answers, information, resources, opportunities, feedback and assistance to encourage the creative process.

The 2005 SouthSide Film Festival was our first official film festival following our highly successful 2004 Prequel. The festival is based in a strong and supportive arts and business community focused on promoting independent films. There is no "shelf life" or production date restriction upon films submitted to our festival. We view film as art, not as a commercial enterprise. Each year, in addition to our standard independent film screenings, we focus on a newly selected genre and cultural region to highlight at the festival.