Calling all filmmakers and storytellers! Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Ely Film Festival, nestled in the heart of Northern Minnesota. This is not just another film event; it's a cinematic celebration like no other.

Picture yourself in the enchanting small town of Ely, where the beauty of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness envelops you. This setting, steeped in history and diverse cultures, serves as the backdrop for an extraordinary cinematic experience that awaits you.

At the Ely Film Festival, we're hungry for your stories. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or a rising talent, we eagerly welcome your submissions from all genres, categories, and seasons. Here, your unique voice and alternative perspectives shine, defying the cookie-cutter narratives of Hollywood. We believe in the immense power of storytelling, in all its forms. Our festival is the perfect stage to showcase your creativity.

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Don't just take our word for it; let the words of past participants speak to the magic of the festival:

"Screening in Ely, MN to a sold-out audience is something that I will never forget as an artist and filmmaker." - Nathaniel Hoff

"The vibes were awesome, to hear cheers and huge reactions to the movies...it's a moviegoing experience I wish I had every time I watched a movie." - Mitchell McCallson

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For those with a penchant for history and culture, the Ely area offers treasures like the Bois Forte Heritage Museum, the International Wolf Center, the Pioneer Mine Museum, and the Dorothy Molter Museum. If creativity beckons, consider taking a class at the Ely Folk School. And of course, take your time to explore our charming local stores and restaurants for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining.

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of diversity, adventure, and cultural enrichment, and we want you to bring your creative energies! It's an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of culture, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to share your stories with an engaged and appreciative audience. Submit your film to Ely Film Festival, where your cinematic journey awaits!

Presenting awards in the following categories:

Best Picture
Best Cinematography
Best Regional Film
Best MN Film
Best Director
Best Documentary
Best Story

Plus awards for Best Short Film in each Category!

Films completed on or after January 1, 2021 will be eligible for the 2025 festival.

Submission fee is non-refundable.

Ely Film Festival (EFF) negotiates screening fees, travel stipends and speaker stipends according to our ability on a case-by-case basis.

Films may be submitted by digital link, DVD or Blu-Ray. If accepted, DCP delivery is required for festival screening purposes. Filmmakers will assume any shipping and handling costs required to the festival.

More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.

Films produced in languages other than English must provide legible English subtitles.

If your film is accepted, EFF has the right to show, post, or broadcast images from the film in association with materials related to advertising and promoting EFF.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • We had an incredible time at Ely FF - perfect communication, amazing hospitality, extremely welcoming community, gorgeous setting, a diverse line up of films - what more could you want?! We hope to be back!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Sarah for your wonderful review! We loved your intimate film "Flying Lessons" and can't wait to see your career and artistry expand :)

  • John Gigrich

    Loved it! Hope to screen there again.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you John! We really enjoyed getting to meet you and spend time together.

  • Glenís Hunter

    Accommodations for short filmmakers was much appreciated and so rewarding to be at a fully attended festival and meet other great filmmakers.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Glenis! Your film was a crowd favorite, and a favorite among our screening team and programmers! We hope you'll continue to submit future films :)

  • Vanessa Powers

    We LOVED this film festival. It was thoughtfully curated, with lots of really wonderful films ranging from docs to narrative to animations, with a greater indigenous presence than I've ever seen at a film festival. Ely is a beautiful community - the entire town was welcoming and interested in the fest being there, and as filmmakers we were treated like rock stars. We are hoping to be lucky enough to go again!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Vanessa you are a rock star! Thank you so much for your enthusiastic support and kind words. We look forward to cultivating our relationship!

  • We were thrilled that our film was accepted by Ely. Their communication was fantastic and they offered a lot of support to filmmakers who wanted to attend the festival. The film lineup was impressive, too. We couldn't make it to Ely but wanted to go and do the festival and also experience the Ely Winter Festival. Would love to go another time!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your review! We were so excited to play your film Laura :)