FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the dates of the next festival?
April 18th - April 19th, 2009.

What are the categories of films accepted?
Mexico International Film Festival accepts films and screenplays in all genres, lengths and categories.

What is the deadline?
Early Bird - July 31
Regular Deadline - December 31
Late Deadline - March 15

What are the fees?
Early Bird - Short: $25 / Feature: $30
Regular Deadline - Short: $30 / Feature: $35
Late Deadline - Short: $35 / Feature: $40

Is there a student fee?
Yes, students may subtract $10 from their entry fee.  Please include a copy of your student ID.

How long is a short film?
Films under 40 minutes are considered short films.

How long is a feature film?
Films over 40 minutes are considered feature films.

Is there any chance of a fee waiver?
We understand that the cost is significant to independent filmmakers. We receive many calls each day requesting fee waivers. However, we run on a very limited budget. We depend on our entry fees to keep our doors open.

Should I send a press kit?
No.

To whose attention do I send my film?
Film Entries
Mexico International Film Festival
20058 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 123
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Can I still submit if my film has distribution or has aired on television?
Yes.

Will my tape or DVD be returned?
No. Submissions will not be returned.

When will I find out if my film is accepted?
We notify filmmakers if they are accepted into the festival. We will try, time permitting, to notify all filmmakers.

What are the sections of the festival where my film might be accepted?
American Independents Competition
International Competition
World Cinema (non-competitive)
Documentary Competition
Short Film Competition
Best of Mexico
Student Filmmakers Competition
Music Video Competition
Animation Competition
Children's Film Competition

Are there awards?
Yes. The prestigious Golden Palm awards will be presented to the best film in each of the main competitive categories along with Special Jury Prizes and the Award for the Best First-Time Filmmaker.

How am I eligible for the Best of Mexico section?
A film is eligible for our Best of Mexico section if the filmmaker currently lives in Mexico, was born in the country, or if the film was primarily shot in the country. Your film will be considered for all of the festival's sections, though.

What are the acceptable screening/exhibition formats for your festival?
For the submission process, we can screen DVDs and most forms of video.  During the festival, we can screen on film, DVD and video.

Is there an age requirement for the film festival?
No.  Filmmakers of any age can submit a film.

Can I get confirmation that you received my submission?
Yes, please send a self-addressed stamped postcard with your submission.

What additional information do I need to provide for submission as a student filmmaker?
Please include a photocopy of your school ID.

Do you accept both DVD+R and DVD-R discs?
Yes, but please check the discs on your home player before sending.

If my film is not chosen, may I speak with a programmer for notes or feedback?
Unfortunately due to time constraints and the large number of submissions, we are unable to give individual feedback.

When will I be informed of which films made it in?
Our final decisions will be announced about one month prior to the festival.

If I still have a question here that isn't covered who do I contact?
Email: info@mexicofilmfestival.com