Submit your films via

Rules & Terms

  1. All films must have completed post-production AFTER January 1, 2023.

  2. Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

  3. Participants who are granted a fee waiver or discount are exempt from receiving the cash prize.

  4. All films submitted must have projects downloadable from FilmFreeway.

  5. Prizes will be distributed to the person who is presented with the award.

  6. Cash prizes are awarded to winners in attendance or by prior arrangement with the festival.

  7. Submitting filmmakers/individuals will be notified by e-mail on or before August 21, 2026.

  8. Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, per film entry, and are non-refundable.

  9. A filmmaker with multiple entries (titles) must submit each entry separately.

  10. Anyone who submits a film understands they are not entitled to any of the ticket sales, concession sales, merchandise sales, and so forth made at the venue.

  11. Films submitted may be spliced by CIFF staff for promotional purposes.

Awards & Prizes

Awards are determined by a jury of filmmakers and industry professionals. Awards are presented across a range of categories recognizing excellence in filmmaking, performance, and technical achievement. Select awards include cash prizes, trophies, and digital certificates. Laurels for winners and official selections are also provided.

MAJOR AWARDS

Best Picture (Feature) — $500 + trophy and digital certificate

Best Director (Feature/Short) — $500 + trophy and digital certificate

Best Screenplay (Feature/Short) — $100 + trophy and digital certificate

Best Cinematography — $100 + trophy and digital certificate

Best Ensemble — $100 + trophy and digital certificate

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

Best Actor (Feature/Short) — trophy and digital certificate

Best Actress (Feature/Short) — trophy and digital certificate

Best Supporting Actor (Feature/Short) — trophy and digital certificate

Best Supporting Actress (Feature/Short) — trophy and digital certificate

CATEGORY AWARDS

Best Animation — digital certificate

Best Pilot — digital certificate

Best Documentary — digital certificate

Best Music Video — digital certificate

TECHNICAL AWARDS

Best Editing — digital certificate

Best Makeup — digital certificate

Best Costume Design — digital certificate

Best Set Design — digital certificate

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS

Best Film — digital certificate

Best Documentary — digital certificate

Best Comedy — digital certificate

Best Drama — digital certificate

Best Horror/Sci-Fi — digital certificate

Best Action — digital certificate

Best International Film — digital certificate

Best Visual Effects — digital certificate

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