CAVFF is a Los Angeles–based film festival dedicated to amplifying the stories, cultures, and creative voices of Central America and its diaspora.

Our mission is to create a cinematic space where filmmakers from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama can showcase bold, authentic storytelling that reflects the complexity, beauty, and resilience of our communities.

CAVFF Celebrates:

• Narrative and documentary storytelling
• Diaspora experiences
• Indigenous and Afro–Central Americans
• LGBTQIA+ Central American stories
• Experimental and genre films
• Student and emerging filmmakers

More than a screening event, CAVFF is a cultural gathering featuring filmmaker Q&As, panels, networking opportunities, and community-centered programming that connects artists, students, and audiences across generations.

We believe Central American stories are not a footnote in Latine cinema — they are the main narrative.

Join us in redefining representation and building a cinematic archive for our communities.

Awards & Prizes

CAVFF recognizes outstanding storytelling, artistic craft, and cultural impact.

THE VOICES AWARD (Jury Award)

Awarded to the film that most powerfully amplifies a Central American voice through bold storytelling, artistic excellence, and cultural impact.

This award recognizes a cinematic work that speaks with clarity, courage, and intention — a film that refuses to be silenced and contributes meaningfully to the representation of Central American communities on screen.

LA VOZ DEL PUEBLO AWARD (Audience Award)

Awarded to the film that resonates most deeply with festival audiences.

Selected by public vote, this award honors the story that moved, inspired, and connected with our community in a powerful way. It reflects the collective voice of the people — the heartbeat of the festival.

ALMA SIN FRONTERAS AWARD (Diaspora Award)

Awarded to a film created outside of Central America by a Central American or diaspora filmmaker.

This award celebrates stories shaped by migration, displacement, dual identity, and transnational experience. It honors filmmakers who carry their culture across borders, proving that Central American identity is not confined to geography.

MILPA SAGRADA AWARD (Homeland Award)

Inspired by the sacred milpa — the interdependent cultivation of maize, beans, and squash — this award is presented to a film created within Central America.

It honors storytelling rooted in land, community, and lived realities of the region. The Milpa Sagrada Award recognizes cinema that nourishes collective identity and reflects the interconnected strength of our people.

CEIBA AWARD (Special Recognition Award)

Named after the sacred Ceiba tree in Mayan cosmology — a bridge between worlds — this award is presented to the film that powerfully connects past, present, and future.

It honors storytelling that weaves ancestral memory, contemporary realities, and visionary imagination into one cinematic experience — rooted in history while reaching toward tomorrow.

Award Recipients Receive:

• Official CAVFF Laurels
• Festival Award Trophy
• Featured promotion across CAVFF social media platforms
• Opportunities for community partnership highlights

Select awards may include cash prizes or sponsored gifts depending on partnership funding secured for that festival year.

Rules & Terms

Please read carefully before submitting to the Central American Voices Film Festival (CAVFF).

ELIGIBILITY

Submissions are open worldwide.

To be eligible, films must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The director, writer, producer, or principal cast member identifies as Central American
OR
• The film centers on Central American stories, culture, or diaspora experiences

For the purpose of this festival, Central American refers to filmmakers with heritage, nationality, or cultural ties to one or more of the following countries:

Belize
Guatemala
El Salvador
Honduras
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Panama

COMPLETION DATE

Films must have been completed within the past two (2) years prior to the festival date.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

We accept films in:

• Spanish
• English
• Any Indigenous language

If the primary language of the film is not English, English subtitles are required.

Subtitles must be clear, legible, and properly synchronized.

PREMIERE STATUS

Premiere status is not required.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• All submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway.
• Entry fees are non-refundable.
• Rough cuts are accepted; however, final exhibition copies must be delivered upon acceptance by the deadline specified by the festival.

Each submission must include:

• A private screening link (Vimeo, unlisted YouTube, or similar platform) accessible via FilmFreeway
• A Director’s Statement
• A brief synopsis

Failure to provide required materials may affect eligibility.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The submitter must hold all necessary rights, clearances, and permissions for public exhibition of the film.

By submitting, filmmakers grant CAVFF permission to use film stills, excerpts (up to one minute), trailers, and press materials for promotional, educational, and marketing purposes.

NOTIFICATION

• Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway and email.
• Accepted films must provide screening files and promotional materials by the specified deadline.

SELECTION & ATTENDANCE

If selected, filmmakers will receive an official invitation to attend the festival.

Please note:

• CAVFF does not cover travel or accommodation costs.
• International filmmakers are responsible for securing a valid visa to enter the United States.
• CAVFF does not provide visa sponsorship or assistance.

SCREENING FORMAT

CAVFF is a hybrid festival.

Selected films may screen:

• In-person (physical theatrical screening)
• Online through the festival’s official screening portal
• Or both

Participation in the online screening portal does not eliminate the possibility of a physical screening. Programming decisions are made at the discretion of the festival.

PROGRAMMING DECISIONS

CAVFF reserves the right to determine eligibility and final programming selections.

Submission does not guarantee selection.

All decisions made by the festival programming team are final.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Films may be withdrawn prior to the selection process.

Once a film has been officially selected and notified, it may not be withdrawn from the festival program.

By accepting the official invitation from CAVFF, the submitter confirms their commitment to participate in the corresponding festival edition.

Any exceptional circumstances will be reviewed solely at the discretion of the festival.