EQUUS International is the premier venue for equine film, television and alt-media.

EIFF is the world's first equine film festival, founded in Montana as an outreach project of Horse Haven Montana, equine rescue, adoption and education and the Institute for Horse-Human Understanding

EQUUS International returns to Missoula, Montana this year, one of the most horse-centric, historic and culturally diverse, landscape stunning cities in the American west.

EQUUS International's mission is education and understanding to enhance the equine/human bond and to improve the welfare and well-being of all equines through excellence in film and television.

EIFF celebrates filmmakers, storytellers, equestrians, and advocates for the horse; through documentaries, narrative features, shorts, full-length films, music videos and animation.

An annual film festival and international horse event, with some of the world's leading clinicians, we've featured among others, Dr. Temple Grandin, Buck Brannaman, Smoke Elser, Nick Dowers, Ty Murray, Bryan Neubert, Martin Black, and Joe Wolter, who received annual awards and global recognition. Equine Icon awards recognize individuals whose lives have had a dramatic impact on the equine/human bond.

Equus International Film Festival is a project of the not for profit organization, Horse Haven Montana.

It is our mission and purpose to bring this programming to a global public, to audiences, communities, schools, organizations, government agencies, and audiences worldwide devoted to the horse-human relationship. EIFF strives to be diverse in its film and television presentations, as unique as the issues and topics that we encounter in the equine world.

Sponsors, supporters and friends who help to make this event possible, present an ethical approach to the equine world; understanding and supporting our mission, and include other organizations, outfitters, guest ranches, environmental groups, broadcasters and other media organizations, and individuals who believe in our principles to promote education, responsible horse ownership and equine welfare. Please join us.

Awards and prizes including beautifully engraved hand-carved wood and glass awards, merit certificates and honorable mentions including extensive social media recognition.

All entries must be entered and received no later than May 15, 2025. Late deadline is May 30, 2025

Film and Television Programs may be from any production year. By submitting, you grant EIFF the right for the program to be shown publicly at any EIFF hosted event, post festival tour (EIFF On the Trail), EIFF Conference or other venue. Full name recognition, extensive visibility and publicity across all social media and other communications platforms, provided. Our focus is education, knowledge and making the world a better place for horse and human together.

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  • Jeffrey Sauers

    CPI Production's experience with the EQUUS International Film Festival has been truly remarkable.

    From the moment we submitted our film, A Stable Place in a Challenging World®, to the moment we received the incredible honor of winning Best Narrative Short, we felt welcomed and supported by the entire festival team. The EQUUS International Film Festival stands out not only for its dedication to showcasing films that celebrate the profound bond between horses and humans, but also for creating a space where these stories can inspire, educate, and connect audiences worldwide.

    The festival’s commitment to excellence in promoting equine welfare and therapeutic practices is deeply appreciated, and we are so grateful to have been part of such a passionate community of filmmakers, horse lovers, and advocates.

    We encourage any filmmaker who has a story to share about the transformative power of horses to consider this festival. Thank you to the EQUUS International Film Festival for this incredible experience—we look forward to participating again in the future should the opportunity arise!

    September 2024
  • I was honored to be part of EQUUS International Film Festival this year! It is so great to acknowledge that my film "THE BREEDING SHED" was awarded there! Next time I am planning to be there physically & to be totally immersed in all the activities!
    Thank you so much for this great opportunity! I do appreciate it! Janet Rose was a great connection to the festival!

    September 2022
  • Jerry Thompson

    Wonderful experience with this group of folks. Very helpful. Very professional. Always easy to contact with questions. Dedicated team of people who genuinely care about their cause and mission. Hope to enter this festival again soon.

    September 2022
  • Cherin Spencer-Bower

    The festival staff were wonderful to work with. I had excellent communication and feedback through the process. Janet was exceptionally great. Thanks for screening my film, and thank you very much for the award of Best Montana Film!

    March 2019