The El Paso Film Festival, a film festival on the far edge of Texas, is one of the largest showcases of independently made films in the southwest.

We curate the best Indie films shot by local, regional and national filmmakers. Come see what the best indie filmmakers are producing in what is becoming the fastest growing Independent film festival in Texas. The festival kicks off September 26-28, 2024.

The El Paso Film Festival was created by filmmaker Carlos Corral in 2018 with the support of the El Paso Filmmakers organization. With the philanthropic help of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation, the El Paso Film Festival screens original film showcases for aspiring filmmakers and for all who look to enjoy independent work that they won't see in a mainstream theater.

As the signature independent film festival of El Paso, the El Paso Film Festival brings quality short and feature films to its attendees and participants. Working to expand the introduction of new independent films, the festival inspires individuals and groups to embark on their creative journey to write and tell their story for the film and television industry.

From narrative to documentary films, philanthropic support is given to everyone involved in the art of filmmaking. The Paso Del Norte Community Foundation and El Paso Film Festival have thus teamed up to support independent cinema in the southwest border region. We look forward to seeing you at this year's spectacular event.

We love film. So, we support them with resources that go beyond viewing space and applause. With the philanthropic help of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation, the El Paso Film Festival and its sponsors will be awarding up to $5,000 in cash prizes to independent filmmakers. We’re proud to be one of only 35 independent film festivals in the country to award the best films with cash prizes.

Category Awards
Best Feature Film (Narrative) - $500
Best Feature Film (Documentary) - $500
Best Short Film (Narrative) - $250
Best Short Film (Animation) - $250
Best Short Film (Documentary) - $250

Grand Jury Prize Sponsor - $1,000
The Grand Jury Prize recognizes the feature film with the most captivating story, values, and community impact. This award highlights the filmmaker and their work as the most commendable of all the films submitted to the festival.

Special Jury Prize Sponsor - $500
The Special Jury Prize recognizes the feature film with the most heart, amusement, and comedic impact. This award recognizes the filmmaker and their work as the most enjoyable of all the films at the festival.

Producer’s Award - $500
The Producer's Award honors the Producer that works behind the scenes. They are tasked with making sure the film production has all of the necessary resources, cast, and crew in order to achieve the Director's vision, and do so all within budget.

Director’s Award - $500
The Director’s Award honors the filmmaker who has exemplified exceptional talent, storytelling, and perseverance in bringing their film to light.

El Paso Filmmaker Award - $500
El Paso filmmakers are unique to our region and their work is highlighted on our bi-national stage as the future creative industry of our city. This award is given to the El Paso Filmmaker who has demonstrated remarkable capability, expertise, and hard work in telling a creative story.

Audience Award - $500
We recognize the power of the audience. The audience members cast their votes for their favorite film at the film festival. All votes are anonymous, and only the attending audience members are eligible to vote for the best film of their choice.

The following rules govern all film submissions made to the El Paso Film Festival.

Only films that are submitted will be considered for competition.

ELIGIBILITY

Submissions must be accompanied by the applicable submission fee PER ENTRY and a completed online entry form. All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.

Films must be submitted as an online streaming video via a participating submission platform (FilmFreeway), a password-protected streaming URL. DVDs & Blu-Rays will NOT be accepted as a form of submission.

If the submission link is found to be inactive or the password to be incorrect, the submission may be deemed ineligible. Please double check your links.

EPFF screens films as digital files for short/feature films and Blu-Ray Discs for feature films only, during the Festival. If you are unable or unwilling to provide us your short film as a digital file or your feature film as a digital file or Blu-Ray disc for exhibition, please DO NOT SUBMIT your film.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2021 to be eligible for submission.

Films must be available for screening during the El Paso Film Festival, September 26-28 of 2024.

Films that have been submitted to EPFF in previous years are eligible to be resubmitted, provided they are eligible according to all of EPFF’s current rules.

If your short film has already had its World Premiere, North American, US Premiere, Texas Premiere, Hometown Screening, Cast & Crew Screening, or Online Premiere, don’t worry, you are still eligible to submit and compete in our film festival.

Feature Film submissions must be at minimum an El Paso Premiere. We do make acceptations for Cast & Crew Screenings and Sneak Peeks.

If your feature film has already had its El Paso Premiere at another film festival, then your feature film may not be eligible to screen in competition.

We award the hard work filmmakers have put into their projects, regardless of where it has already screened. Submit with confidence.

EPFF reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries, without a refund.

ORIGINALITY & PERMISSIONS

Films must be the original work of the applicants.

By entering the competition, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights.

Films that are selected may be used in promotional materials for the El Paso Film Festival and may be selected to be part of the online screening library and streaming television channels for special guests, industry professionals, and audience members.

Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. EPFF expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DO NOT SUBMIT WORKS IN PROGRESS! We strongly advise filmmakers to submit their film only after it is fully finished. The film will judged as a completed work only.

STORY AND SOUND! That’s what we look for in our entries. Make sure your story can be heard. If your short or feature film is submitted with a bad sound mix, it will automatically be disqualified and the filmmaker will not receive a refund for their submission.

Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund. If a payment is disputed by an entrant for any reason, the entrant may be subject to any transaction fees or similar amounts incurred by EPFF in connection with the dispute.

Online Debit/Credit Payment is the only method we accept for submission fees at this time. Mailed checks will be shredded and destroyed upon receipt.

Please include in your cover letter if your film was SHOT IN EL PASO (include locations) or if you are an EL PASO FILMMAKER. El Paso Filmmakers are eligible for the El Paso Filmmaker Award.

SELECTED FILMS AND WINNERS

EPFF has no obligation to disclose the identities of screeners or judges. Notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted project will not be provided, nor will the details regarding the submission review or selection process.

EPFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by EPFF or by its volunteers.

Winners will be announced during the film festival. The jury’s decision is final.

Winners receiving cash prizes are solely responsible for payment of all applicable local, state, and federal taxes.

RETURNS & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: 

Press materials will not be returned under any circumstances.

COMPETITION IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. COMPETITION CERTIFICATION

I have read all of the rules, understand, and have complied with these rules and warrant the submission of my/our original work and that there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the project submission.

I also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead. To the best of my/our knowledge, all the statements herein are true and correct.

I understand that failure to adhere to the competition rules and regulations will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee. I acknowledge that once an entry payment has been processed, EPFF will not provide a refund.

No revisions of materials will be accepted once entry has been submitted.

BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, I/WE HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE FESTIVAL, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Valeria Contreras

    The El Paso Film Festival is fun and informative, with lots of opportunities to meet filmmakers! I had a blast and met so many people. This festival is top tier in terms of inclusiveness, hosting, opportunities to network, and overall content. The festival really cares about building community and ensuring that filmmakers are happy. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

    October 2023
  • Daniel Fabelo

    Great people, great festival! Lots of networking opportunities and mixers, positive vibes and many local filmmakers show up. The screenings aren't necessarily huge, but the audience is very engaged and supportive. Fest organizers are super gracious and welcoming. Wonderful fest overall, especially for those working in Texas and the Southwest.

    October 2023
  • Robert Holguin

    An excellent festival and a true celebration of cinema. The organizers work hard to make sure the filmmakers and the audience the main focus while also managing to engage the community with a wonderful energy that's emblematic of the Southwest. The facilities are top notch. The attention to detail is easy to spot. And the fest really knows how to throw a party.

    October 2023
  • Diego Rico

    The El Paso Film Festival is a welcoming host to attendees, from filmmakers to single-ticket holders. The festival has great networking opportunities, and the dinners that are included in the price of your ticket are so much fun. I met some of my most important collaborators at this film festival!

    October 2023
  • El Paso Film Festival is a gem! The communication, organization and hospitality were top notch throughout. And the films, panels, filmmakers, and community were outstanding. I'm spreading good word about Carlos, Andrea and their passionate EPFF team, and the uniquely wonderful community of El Paso! Hope to be back soon!

    October 2023