The Frozen River Film Festival offers programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on environmental issues, sustainable communities, adventure travel and sports, and diverse cultures while showcasing the art of documentary film. Our films often explore issues, concerns, and life’s successes that are usually not covered in the local media.

We are always looking for children's films and family-friendly films as well.

We connect our viewers with people at the heart of current events, organizations at the forefront of social change, and distinct cultures in an increasingly global community.

Best of Fest - Feature Length ($1500)
Best of Fest - Midlength ($750)
Best of Fest - Short ($500)

Special Jury - Feature ($1000)
Special Jury - Midlength ($500)
Special Jury - Short ($350)

MN Doc Award (across all categories; doc made by a Minnesota filmmaker) ($500)

People's Choice Award ($250)

People's Choice - Local (filmmaker with an address within 60 miles of Winona) ($100)

All winners also receive a trophy in addition to the cash prize.

General Rules:

Submissions Rules

Frozen River Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries during shipment to or from Frozen River Film Festival.

Requirements to come.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping an entry to the festival must be paid by the entrant. Collect or C.O.D. shipment will not be accepted. All international entries must be sent "free domicile" to the Festival office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. Any brokerage fees charged to the Frozen River Film Festival will be billed back to the shipper. Be sure to include all the proper customs documentation required by the shipping company.

Terms and Conditions:
Frozen River Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film and related materials submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film and related materials hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film and materials for screening and use in publications, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Frozen River Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Erika Valenciana

    I love Frozen River FF so much that it's my third time attending. They provide convenient accommodations so that really helps stretch my festival budget. Great people! I love the town. Beautiful backdrop. Walkable fest. Well curated films. Can't wait for next year!

    April 2025
  • Thomas C. Johnson

    Superbly ran that just keeps getting better and better, year after year. Thank you for supporting my films! - Thomas

    March 2025
  • John Beder

    Thank you so so much for having us and for the incredible recognition of our film!

    March 2025
  • Bernard McCoy

    This is a wonderful film festival for documentary entries. The Frozen River Film Festival folks made me feel so welcome when I came to screen my documentary "Running Towards the Fire- A War Correspondent's Story."
    Their community FRFF volunteers ferried me around the beautiful Mississippi River town of Winona, the festival took care of my room and board, drove me to and from MSP airport. I loved the conversations film festival audiences had with the producers, directors, actors, editors, videographers who screened at this 20th annual FRFF. Thanks, FRFF for making me feel like family.

    February 2025
  • Jessica Zemple

    What a special experience! The entire team was incredible to work with, we felt so loved and cared for, and everything was seamless.

    February 2025