The Festival Internacional de Cine de León (FICL) is an international film festival held in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, dedicated to showcasing independent cinema, emerging filmmakers, and powerful storytelling from around the world.

Through film screenings, special programs, and conversations with filmmakers, FICL aims to create a vibrant cultural space where audiences and creators can connect through cinema. The festival highlights works that explore diverse perspectives, artistic innovation, and stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.

FICL seeks to strengthen León’s growing cultural scene while providing a platform for Mexican and international filmmakers to share their work with new audiences.

Awards & Prizes

* Best Feature Film – Awarded to the most outstanding feature-length film in the official selection.
* Best Short Film – Awarded to the most outstanding short film in the official selection.
* Best Documentary – Awarded to a documentary film that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, research, and cinematic language.
* Best Mexican Short film – Awarded to an outstanding film produced in Mexico.
Best Local Short film - Awarded to an outstanding shortfilm from Guanajuato State.
Creative Awards
* Best Director – Awarded for exceptional direction and artistic vision.
* Best Screenplay – Awarded for excellence in writing and narrative structure.
Best Production Design- Awarded for excellence in production design.
* Audience Award – Awarded to the film with the highest audience during the festival screenings. 

Winners receive an official FICL award certificate and festival laurels. Depending on the edition of the festival and partnerships with sponsors or cultural institutions, selected categories may also include special prizes, services, or in-kind support for future film projects.

All nominated and winning films will be announced during the Festival Internacional de Cine de León awards ceremony and promoted through the festival’s official communication channels.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

The following rules apply to all submissions to the Festival Internacional de Cine de León (FICL).

1. General Conditions

Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

By submitting a film, the submitter confirms that they hold the necessary rights to submit the work and authorize its screening at the festival.

The festival reserves the right to use excerpts, trailers, still images, and promotional materials from submitted films for promotional purposes related to the festival.

2. Eligibility

Films from any country are eligible to submit.

Submissions must include English or Spanish subtitles if the original language is different.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023 (or adjust depending on the edition of the festival).

Multiple entries from the same filmmaker are allowed.

3. Categories

Films may be submitted in one or more of the festival categories, including but not limited to:

Feature Film

Short Film

Documentary

Mexican Film

Student Film

The festival programming team reserves the right to place films in the category that best fits the program.

4. Submission Fees

Submission fees are non-refundable.
All entry fees must be paid through FilmFreeway.

5. Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the festival programming committee.

Selected films will be notified through FilmFreeway on the official notification date.

Selected films may be requested to provide additional materials for exhibition and promotion.

6. Screening Format

Selected films must provide a high-quality digital screening file suitable for public exhibition (such as ProRes, MP4, or DCP, depending on the festival requirements). For movie theater screenings, for Feauture Films, we require DCP files.

7. Promotion and Publicity

By submitting a film, participants authorize the festival to use film stills, posters, trailers, and brief excerpts (up to approximately 30 seconds) for promotional purposes on the festival’s website, social media, press materials, and other communication channels.

8. Awards

Selected films are eligible for awards determined by the festival jury and audience voting, according to the categories established by the festival.

9. Acceptance of Rules

Submission of a film implies full acceptance of the Festival Internacional de Cine de León (FICL) Rules & Terms.

The festival reserves the right to make necessary decisions regarding any situation not covered in these rules.