This is our 11th year, and our 19th film festival.

Our festival showcases films produced anywhere in the U.S. or Canada that are less than 15 minutes in length. We welcome Narratives, Documentaries, PSAs, Web Series, Trailers, and Animation. (Sorry, no music videos accepted).

All entries are viewed by a panel of five judges, who carefully grade each film on its technical merits, acting, script, and entertainment value. Films with the highest scores become “Official Selections”, and will be screened for the public at our one-day festival.

Our venue is the International Palms Resort in beautiful Cocoa Beach, Florida. Spend the day watching some great films, then take a walk on the beach, or enjoy your favorite beverage at MAMBO'S tiki bar. Cocoa Beach is near Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, and about two hours east of Orlando's Disney attractions and Universal.

We are pleased to offer filmmakers very low entry fees, and free admission to everyone in our festival audience. We are able to do so by "keeping it simple". We have cut out all of the expensive frills, such as seminars, red carpets, and award banquets. Instead, our awards are handed out throughout the day after each block of films. Filmmakers will also be introduced to the audience, and can participate in Q&A sessions.

Awards & Prizes

Award certificates will be presented in numerous categories, such as "Best Web Series"; "Best PSA"; "Best Documentary"; "Best Animation"; "Best Movie Trailer"; "Best Director"; "Best Short", and in many other categories. Winners who are unable to pick up their award in person will receive an "E-Certificate" via email, which can be printed at home for your entire cast and crew.

Rules & Terms

(1.)Your film must be no harsher than an "R" rating.
(2.) Films may have been produced any year.
(3.) We accept films from anywhere in the U.S.or Canada
(4.) No premiere requirements.
(5.) Project may have distribution and may currently be online.
(6.) We no longer accept DVDs. Your preview and exhibition copies must be made available to us as a downloadable MP4, size not to exceed 2.5GB.
(7) If you are notified that your film is an "Official Selection", your downloadable MP4 exhibition copy less than 2.5GB must be made available to us no later than November 1, 2020 to be included in our show reels. If we cannot contact you, or have no way to download your MP4, we reserve the right to replace your film with another entry.
(8.) Press Kits are not required. We will use the information and stills from your online press kit.
(9) No film may be withdrawn from the festival after the Official Selections have been announced.
(10) We do not pay "screening fees".
(11) Filmmakers attending our film festival must provide their own transportation, housing, meals, and expenses.
(12) Maximum running time of any entry shall not exceed 15-minutes, including credits.
(13) We do not screen "Music Videos" or films produced outside of the US or Canada.
(14) Sorry, no fee waivers Please do not ask.
(15) No refunds of entry fees. Judges decisions are final.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jerry Kelleher

    Thanks for including me! Great communication and value. Sorry I couldn't be there in person this year. - Jerry K. / Boston

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Great job on your documentary "TWO IMMIGRANTS: ONE INJUSTICE".

  • Mingzhu Ye

    It's a great experience to attend this film festival! Ray and Migdalia were so nice and patient and sweet! I really really thanks The 15 Minutes of Fame Film Festival chose my film. I've never thought I could get this honor. It's mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!!!

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for coming all the way from California to be with us.
    It was delightful meeting you and your mother. Our audience enjoyed your film TABLE FOR FOUR, and we wish you great success with it.

  • Paul Laudicano

    What a great festival. Ray and Migdalia were such wonderful hosts. And I have to say that by far The 15 Minutes of Fame had the best films I've ever seen at a festival, ever. I had the best time and I can't wait for the next one.

    March 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much. We were delighted that you came all the way from New Jersey to join us. Our audience enjoyed your film "THE STRAIGHT MAN", and also enjoyed the lively Q&A session with you. We look forward to seeing your next project.

  • Robyn Hartman

    I was thrilled to have been selected, and to receive an award for Best Family Film

    March 2019
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    Response from festival:

    An award well-deserved. Thank you for sharing it with our audience.

  • Sandra Granger Taulbee

    This was a GREAT experience! Ray and Migdalia go out of their way to be sure it is enjoyable and that the films are displayed (and heard) perfectly. The room was filled with enthusiastic filmmakers and film goers. There's plenty of time for filmmaker question/answer sessions -- with no rushed feeling. We felt honored to be accepted to the festival. Thank you! (My fellow filmmakers and I have been to many 15 Minutes of Fame festivals during the last several years. It has always been a wonderful experience. )

    March 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words. We truly appreciate it.