Founded in 2009, by a black female filmmaker that initially wanted to create a space for like-minded creatives to screen their projects and network, soon evolved into the DMV International Film Festival. DMVIFF's mission is to sustainably develop, unite, discover, and enrich the cinema
talents in and of the DC, MD, VA, and Internationally. In addition, DMVIFF includes
the entire community area offering residents unique participation for inclusiveness.

Providing organized information and resources related to cinema, motion pictures,
emerging technologies to enrich and support talents by bringing them every
possible advantage including potential emerging opportunities in technology, media,
transportation, community, and more.

DMVIFF is dedicated to unifying the talents, communities, emerging opportunities, and resources of motion picture creatives in or of the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Foreign Filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

Combined cash and prizes are given for awards in the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Animated Short (Award Plaque)

DMVIFF juries are composed of filmmakers, film critics, and industry figures.

Films competing in juried categories are chosen solely at the discretion of the DMVIFF programming team. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee placement in the competition. Films are not programmed in or out of competition, as competition status is determined once the full program has been locked.

All official selections that meet the guidelines will be eligible for the Festival.

Rules & Terms

FILM SUBMISSIONS FAQs

Have questions not covered here or in our FilmFreeway Rules & Terms? Email us at submit@DMViFF.org.

GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I submit?
For DMV International Film Festival, submissions are via FilmFreeway. Create an account and project for submission details: filmfreeway.com/help.
Please don't email films; only submissions via FilmFreeway are considered.

Can I submit via paper?
No.

Can I submit films on behalf of others?
No, direct contact with project creators is required for proper documentation.

Incomplete submissions by the final deadline will be disqualified without fee refund.

Does early submission make a difference?
Submitting early saves on fees but won't affect acceptance chances.

What are submission fees?
View fees on our FilmFreeway page under Categories & Fees.

Can I get a waiver?
Rarely granted; exceptions for DMViFF alumni or filmmakers from sanctioned countries. Email us to discuss.

Submission fees don't guarantee acceptance but support prizes, travel, and staff.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SUBMITTING
What's required for film submission?
Each submission needs a paid fee and playable screener.

How do I confirm submission receipt?
Check your FilmFreeway account's Submissions tab.

Online screeners only; DVDs/Blu-Rays not accepted.

How are VR films reviewed?
360° videos need a private screener or downloadable link. Tethered/Quest VR needs a full video recording.

Accept rough cuts/WIPs?
Yes, label clearly, noting incomplete elements.

Updated film versions accepted?
Replace screener on FilmFreeway; updates not accepted after final deadline.

How many films can I submit?
No limit, but each needs a separate fee.

When will I know the decision?
By September 1, 2022, or earlier for some.

How will I be notified?
By email; ensure it's active. Add our addresses to your contacts to avoid spam.

QUESTIONS ABOUT DMViFF’S PROGRAMMING
What genres do you accept?
ALL!

What kind of films do you play?
ALL!

Can you review my film before submission?
We only review officially submitted films.

Any runtime limitations?
No, but shorter is better. Short films are especially preferred.

Do you consider films from other categories?
No, each category submission stands alone.

Any rating restrictions?
No, all content types accepted.

Preference for local or connected films?
We advocate local talent but accept submissions globally.

Discounts for student work?
Yes, for current students.

Do you have competition sections?
Yes, but acceptance doesn't guarantee competition placement.

Do you screen films out of competition?
Yes, most films.

How do you program shorts?
Thematically, except for select programs like comedy shorts.

Do you accept international films?
Yes, we love them!

Do you prioritize films with celebrities?
No preference.

Have you screened films available online?
Case-by-case; generally prioritize unreleased films.

QUESTIONS ABOUT SCREENING/JUDGING
Who are your screeners?
Academics, filmmakers, DMViFF alums, and more.

Can submitters be screeners?
Yes, but not for the same year.

How are films scored?
Multiple screeners assess based on various criteria and internal guidelines.

Can I get updates on my film?
No, please avoid inquiries; our focus is on year-round activities.

Who makes final selections?
The Programming Department.

For more queries, email submit@DMViFF.org. Phone inquiries not accepted.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael Schwartz

    The folks who helped run the event were very nice. I don't want my negative review to reflect on them personally. However, the event felt extremely DIY and unprofessional. The projection and screenings were like watching on a personal computer in a friend's living room with poor sound and out of focus video. It was embarrassing for the film makers from my perspective. Communication and website all seemed out of touch with current technical skills. Details were foggy. I absolutely hope they take feedback and update the festival to be something folks talk about in a positive way. Otherwise, I'd avoid this festival. One side note--we met some cool people there who had films in the program and felt like we made great connections...but this was primarily because we chose to engage with folks around us not because of the festival building a sense of camaraderie.

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Hello,
    We appreciate your feedback as we consider it to make improvements to our theaters. As we are an independent company that created this theater space for filmmakers such as yourself, we do want to address your concerns. Your music video was played throughout the film festival on both floors. We also played your music video in the theater without any technical difficulties. We were unaware of your experience or the technical difficulties you wrote about, as our records indicate you were not in attendance. We are always seeking to evolve so we appreciate your feedback and will follow up without the team. We wish you the best.

  • Sassy Mohen

    I loved DMViFF, they were so communicative and welcoming, really propping up indie filmmakers in the DC area and beyond. I highly recommend this festival!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you! We enjoyed screening your project! We look forward to your future projects!

  • Elcio Cabral Melo

    WOW! It was an honour to our short Neighborhood Friends to be part of such amazing festival! Communication was great! Long life to DMViFF!!!!!

    March 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We appreciate the support! We love your project! Keep us posted!