FIFF is a hybrid film festival and feature-length screenplay contest that celebrates the power of cinema to inspire and entertain. We champion independent filmmakers and innovative stories. Set against the backdrop of Flagstaff's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, our film festival is a gathering for filmmakers and storytellers. We present a diverse and compelling program of films across different genres, reflecting the breadth and depth of cinematic storytelling from around the world.

Awards & Prizes

We will recognize a few filmmakers for their cinematic achievements and whose work has captivated FIFF's festival jury. We will be offering eleven awards this year, and all winners receive a trophy, IMDb recognition, and a submission waiver to our partner film festivals: Los Angeles CineFest, Queer Here Cinema, Worldwide Women's Film Festival, Show Low Film Festival, Prescott Film Festival, and Sedona International Film Festival—

Best Narrative Feature * Best Short * Best Comedy * Best Animation * Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy * Best Horror * Best Documentary * Best Foreign Language Film (Certificate) * Arizona Filmmaker Award * Visionary Artist Award * Best Screenplay

Rules & Terms

RULES & TERMS

a) All entries must obtain the appropriate copyright clearances (i.e. music, archive footage, images, etc).

b) Please submit your film to only one genre. If you believe it fits well in multiple genres, please email us.

c) Submitted films must have been completed within the past three years at the time of submission. Entry fees are non-refundable.

d) Upon acceptance, FIFF will request the following: a 4K MOV or MP4 file of your film, logline, brief synopsis, and high-resolution images of your poster in vertical, horizontal, and square orientations.

e) Upon acceptance, if the filmmaker does not meet the deadline requirements, the film risks being pulled from the festival lineup and replaced by another.

By agreeing to the Rules and Terms, you transfer FIFF the right to use excerpts of your submitted film, stills, and trailers, for the purposes of publicity and marketing at the 2026 festival, and for other non-commercial uses related to promotion.

SUBMISSIONS

a) Arizona Film Requirements: At FIFF, we support films that tell Arizona stories or are made by Arizona filmmakers. We require that at least 50% of the film be produced in Arizona, and over 50% of the crew reside in the state.

b) Entry into the festival guarantees the film's place in the competition, giving it a chance to win one of the listed awards.

c) Winners will receive their awards at the ceremony on the festival's final night. No prior notification will be given to the winners.

By submitting, you confirm that you have read, understood, and comply with all eligibility requirements for the festival and the categories in which you want your film to be considered.

If you have further questions that weren't addressed here or on the website, please feel free to email: flagfilmfestival@gmail.com
38 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tom Van Avermaet

    A standout festival run by a passionate team, I was able to attend and close out the festival with our short film 'Hearts of Stone'. Flagstaff itself is a wonderful little town amidst beautiful scenery and the festival was able to engage both a local audience and filmmakers to come and attend showing a beautiful selection of films. Every night there were also fun networking events and parties. We were fortunate to win the 'Visionary Artist Award' with our film, capping off a great experience.

    September 2025
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  • Moon Abbott

    I wish I could have been there in person to attend this well-run festival! I appreciated the thorough communication and overall hospitality I received virtually from this fest. Thanks so much for the selection, I am happy to have been part of Flagstaff International!

    September 2025
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  • Lindsay Nyman

    Flagstaff Film Festival was a wonderful experience - passionate organizers, great communication, and a strong selection of films. I was thrilled that They Call Me the Tattoo Witch received Best Foreign Language Film. A truly rewarding and memorable festival. Highly recommend!

    August 2025
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  • Adam Benavides

    Our team had a wonderful time in Flagstaff and with this incredible crew of organizers. The walkability, mountain air, and film buzz was unbeatable. We enjoyed meeting other film makers, creatives, and producers. We've also already met 2 other teams working with us on future projects. Great way to network, highly recommend.

    August 2025
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  • Jacob Whitehead

    Had such a great time and the efforts they pulled off with the amazing discounts on local stores and the food they catered was very thoughtful and look forward to returning whether it’s being a filmmaker or attending as a fan!

    August 2025
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