The annual Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) was founded on the vision of creating a platform for a diverse presentation of films from around the globe. A hub of global connection for over two-decades, the Annual Arpa IFF has cultivated a space of discovery, imagination and inspiration by showcasing local and international cinema that explores all facets of the human condition. Our festival prides itself on championing a dynamic and international collection of filmmakers, joining in the celebration of unapologetic storytelling. The Arpa International Film Festival is a beautiful collaboration of talented, passionate individuals who come together in the pursuit of change; to move an audience, and to help tell stories that touch all.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of Arpa International Film Festival, the signature event of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA). The free virtual screening the films will be held from Sunday October 29, 2023 through Sunday, November 12, 2023.

Thank you for your support!

- BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($700)
- BEST FEATURE DIRECTOR AWARD ($500)
- BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY AWARD ($500)
- BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD ($500)
- BEST SHORT NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($400)
- BEST ANIMATION AWARD ($400)
- BEST MUSIC VIDEO AWARD ($400)

GENERAL FESTIVAL RULES

• The Arpa International Film Festival (“Festival”, “Arpa IFF”) accepts films from all countries and in all languages worldwide that have been produced within the past 2 years.

• All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.

• It is preferred that your film has not been through formal and online distribution channels.

• Entry fee is per category and is non-refundable, and submission does not guarantee screening at Festival.

• Once a film submission gets accepted, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2023 Official Selection laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:
- Basic info (film title, country and year of production, names for director, screenwriter, producer, cast, short synopsis, and list of important screenings/awards),
- Film poster and film stills (high-res JPG images),
- Vimeo or YouTube download link to official film trailer in HD 1920x1080 MOV or MP4 format,
- Web link to official film trailer open to public on YouTube or Vimeo,

• Once a film submission gets a Nominee status, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2023Nominee laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:
- Web link to official film screener we can share with our jury members,
- Confirm filmmaker's festival attendance.

• All film entries selected for the festival grant Arpa IFF the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

• Festival reserves the right to change any of this information (including festival dates, venues, events, awards and eligibility requirements) without further notice.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Screening Fees or Rental Fees: Festival does NOT CONSIDER films that require any screening/rental fees.

• Promotional, instructional, industrial, corporate films, and raw documentary footage of any kind are not eligible either.

• Film Categories: Festival accepts submissions of Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, Short Documentary, Short Narrative and Animated Films, and Music Videos.

• Language: All submitted films must be in English or with English subtitles (we are trying to avoid films dubbed in English because they seem very strange to American audience but if that is your only option we are naturally open to accommodate).

• Duration/Running Time (including your film credits):
- Feature Narrative Film: No Less than 60 minutes, no more than 150 minutes
- Short Narrative Film: Less than 40 minutes
- Feature Documentary: No Less than 40 minutes
- Short Documentary: Less than 40 minutes
- Animation: no limit
- Music Video: no limit

• Acceptable formats in 2023 are ProRes MOV and MP4 video files accompanied with CC files, but you will hear more on that subject from our Technical Director once your film is selected.

FESTIVAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. You have read, understood and fully complied with all General Festival Rules, Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions stated here.
2. The film you are submitting is not the subject of any litigation or threatened litigation, and you have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
3. You are duly authorized to submit this film to the competition.
4. You hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from any damage to the print(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film print. In addition, you agree to hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from cost and/or damages incurred as a result from any litigation and or threatened litigation as a result of the screenings of the film.
5. The number(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the screenings of films are at the discretion of the Festival.
6. The Festival reserves the right to change or adjust any and all festival rules, awards and guidelines without notice.
7. The Festival reserves the right to complete any information not supplied by the Filmmaker or Film Supplier from whatever source available and will not be responsible for any incorrect information.
8. Films may not be withdrawn after acceptance into the Festival.
9. No hidden fees during the submission process whatsoever. In addition, no requests for screening fees or any other kind of reimbursement are allowed after acceptance into the Festival.
10. Unclaimed film prints will be discarded one year after the last day of the present Festival.
11. By submitting your film to Arpa IFF via FilmFreeway, you hereby grant the Festival all necessary rights to screen this film and use reasonable parts of the film for purposes of advertising and promotion.
12. To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Manvel Saribekyan

    Dear Arpa International Film Festival team,

    You are one of the best film festivals we have taken part in.

    Our team would like to thank you for the excellent organization of the festival, as well as all the members of the jury, thanks to whose decision our film "The American Good Samaritans" has been selected as an Nominee in festival.

    I wish all of you a all the best for the festival and in your personal life.

    Best,

    Manvel Saribekyan, Film Producer.

    January 2023
  • Cengiz Akaygün

    It was an honor to be a part of this Festival. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend.

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you. We wish you could have joined our 25th anniversary awards ceremony celebration.

  • For the most part this was a virtual festival. Was so proud to be part of a high quality event like this. All of the films were fantastic and the communication with the festival was top rate. Very well marketed. I highly recommend this festival to other filmmakers!!

    December 2022
  • I had such an amazing experience at the Arpa Award Ceremony, it was so much fun walking the red carpet, mingling with others and dinner was amazing! ❤️

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and glad to hear that you had a wonderful time at Arpa IFF’s 25th Awards Gala celebration. Our dedicated volunteers from the film community who work diligently to select the best of the best and then hand it to the most qualified industry professionals, our Jury members selected by our Jury Liaison, Sonia Keshishian. Arpa IFF Commiittee would like to thank you for taking the time to share your heartfelt comments.

  • ARPA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IS ONE OF THE BEST FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES ....I M VERY PROUD OF MY SHORT FILM " WHIRLWIND" TO BE SELECTED ....GREAT EXPERIENCE ... LOT OF TALENTED FILMMAKERS . THANKS TIME !!!!!

    November 2022