CANTON -- The Aug. 1 deadline for submissions to the first annual St. Lawrence International Film Festival in October is approaching fast.

With competition films judged by industry influencers, winners receiving thousands of dollars in cash prizes and select filmmakers being provided complimentary travel and lodging, this truly international event taking place Oct. 22 to 25 in the U.S. and Canada promises to be a not-to-be-missed destination on the festival circuit. All filmmakers must submit their films in Feature, Short, and Digital categories by Aug. 1, 2015 at 11:59 PM.

Feature films are designated as projects over 40 minutes in length; short films are projects under 40 minutes in length. Digital Projects are pilot episodes for serialized content made specifically for digital distribution and consumption. Submission fees are $55 for a feature and $45 for a short or digital work.

"Having already received hundreds of films from around the world, we're thrilled our first year is generating so much interest," said Festival Executive Director Adam Paul. "We're looking for the best of the best. Selected films are in for a treat with this festival as we expose their work to American and Canadian audiences, press and distributors."

St. Lawrence International Film Festival is a first-of-its-kind celebration of film with events on both sides of the international border between the US and Canada. No other film festival in the world can claim such a footprint and exposure, festival organizers say.

With headquarters in Canton, events will take place there, as well as in Ottawa, Ont., Potsdam, N.Y. and Brockville, Ont.

In addition to competition and special screenings, the festival will feature an Opening Gala 35th Anniversary Screening of "The Blues Brothers" at Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of History with guest of honor Dan Aykroyd, specialty screenings, panels, and the awards ceremony.

To submit a film, visit the St. Lawrence International Film Festival website at www.stlawrencefilm.com.