Carmel International Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, started by Mildred Taylor in 1929 with the screening of "Light of Asia" and "The Life and Death of 9413, A Hollywood Extra." The festival host city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most prolific artist colonies on the planet and the storied hideaway of some of the industry's biggest movie stars and iconic filming locations.

Curated by accomplished filmmakers, these high-quality events, stunning natural locations, five star exhibition venues, and top indie films makes The Carmel International Film Festival a historic festival, newly returned in 2024.

Entrants can expect:
- Care for how their film is presented in the 280-seat newly renovated theatre featuring a 20,000 lumen laser cinema projector, four blocks from beautiful white sand beaches.
- Attentive festival staff making sure you have what you need for a successful screening.
- Discounts on lodging and food from our premier hotel and restaurant partners.
- Celebrity Guests, Movie Industry Veterans, and Producers, all there to support the film industry.

This is the ultimate destination to celebrate your film.
Go to CIFFest.com for more information.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, The Carmel International Film Festival accepts the following formats for festival screening: download link, Blue-Ray and in some select cases DCP & DVD. The films must be in either English or in their original language with English subtitles. The Festival will not consider any other formats.

2. Promotional Usage: Filmmakers and/or their agents agree that all publicity materials related to their film may be published in the Festival Program Guide, Web Page, and other promotional materials.

3. Requirements for Selected Films: All eligible entries will be reviewed by a Film Festival Selection Committee with Official Selections announced by September 3rd. Once films are selected for entry into the Film Festival, the filmmaker and/or their agents will be contacted, delivery of press materials for the film, and approved screening print. All travel expenses will be the responsibility of the filmmaker and/or their agents.
The Carmel International Film Festival does not assume any liability for damage to films, videotapes, or publicity materials.

4. Selection Committee may elect to consider a film for award outside of its original entry category.

5. Selection Committee may elect to consider technical awards (in Editing, Music, Cinematography) in both Short Film and Feature Film categories.

6. Selection Committee may elect to consider both Collegiate and High School Student Film awards.

7. Selection Committee may elect not to award any winners in a category if submissions do not meet selection standards.
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tillie Howard

    CIFF has been the highlight of our festival run! It is a festival truly committed to community building and meaningful connection for filmmakers. The curation of films was so intentional, the panels were eye opening and inspiring, the receptions & socializing events were beautifully organized, and we felt part of the CIFF family from the get go. Thank you for honoring our short, A Disturbance in the High Desert, with four nominations and a humbling win for Best Editing in a Short Film. We can't wait to return year after year!

    November 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We strive to create a community through our festival to celebrate amazing filmmakers like Tillie Howard. Carmel International Film Festival is an event by filmmakers for filmmakers. Thank you Tillie for recognizing that.

  • Mark Valadez

    CIFF was an incredible experience! Perhaps the best organized festival I've had the privilege of attending. The hospitality was beyond compare, the selection of films superb, and the panels insightful and inspiring. The networking opportunities were terrific, with a real sense of community. Enjoyable all the way around.

    October 2025
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  • Susan Eileen Jizba

    I'm delighted and honored that my feature screenplay, THE PORTRAIT, a Supernatural Romantic Mystery, was an Official Selection of this wonderful festival. Thank you.

    October 2025
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  • Sara Caldwell

    One of the best fests we've ever attended. Great screenings, panels, and networking events in the town of Carmel.

    October 2025
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  • Jim Dotson

    Annette and Lawrence run an amazing festival and really go the extra mile to make everyone feel appreciated and valued. Being in one of America's most beautiful cities is a big plus. I highly recommend submitting your film to this festival and If you get accepted, I urge you to make every effort to attend. You won't be disappointed!

    October 2025
    Helpful