Our mission is to bring the surrounding Gallup communities together to be entertained by the films that made us fall in love with “The Movies.” At the same time, we are embracing the independent lens of today’s thought provoking and game-changing filmmakers from across the country and around the globe. We invite you to join us as we share in a one-of-a-kind experience, the power of watching timeless stories told on the silver screen.

We believe stories shape and transform who we are and what we do both individually and collectively. We produce, promote and present socially conscious media in addition to our annual festival of film and the related arts, which celebrates the art of being human and the craft of being an artist and storyteller. We strive to work with filmmakers, storytellers, artists, musicians and change makers to bring about a more tolerant and compassionate world. We do this through the responsible use of community resources-producing educational workshops, lectures and screenings-all while representing the unique character of the Southwest.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Director (Feature)
Best Screenplay (Feature)
Best Cinematography (Feature)
Best Editing (Feature)
Best Male Performance (Feature)
Best Female Performance (Feature)
Best Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Film

Best Short Film
Best Short Comedy
Best Documentary Short
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best Sci-fi/Fantasy
Best Music Video
Best Web Series/ New Media
Best New Mexico Film
Best Gallup New Mexico Film
Best Language Preservation Film

Audience Awards
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary
Best Foreign Film
Best Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best Sci-fi/Fantasy
Best Music Video
Best Web Series/ New Media
Best New Mexico Film
Best Language Preservation Film

Rules & Terms

Submission Requirements

1. Film must have been completed after Jan 2024
2. Filmmakers must provide ownership.
3. Copyright material cannot be used without proper documentation or submission will be disqualified.
4. Films must be submitted via online screener.
5. All non English films must have English subtitles.
6. Works-in-progress will be considered, provided they will be completed prior to the festival.
7. You may submit more than one film, but you must complete a separate entry form and pay entry fee for each film.
8. Request to waive submission fee will be denied. All entries require a submission fee.

Competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Please check individual categories for additional requirements.

By submitting your film, the filmmaker represents that he/she is authorized to submit this film for screening at the 2025 Gallup Film Festival. The filmmaker acknowledges that the film may be screened more than once during the festival. The filmmaker(s) grants the Gallup Film Festival the nonexclusive right to use submitted materials in connection with any and all publicity and promotional materials regarding the festival. The filmmaker(s) warrants that the submitted film does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any person or entity and agree to hold harmless and fully indemnify and defend the Gallup Film Festival and its representatives against any and all claims made for such infringement or any other violations of law.

The filmmaker(s) also acknowledges that the film submission fee does not guarantee acceptance and no refund will be provided if your film is not selected.

If the filmmaker(s) does not comply with the deadline to receive the film, the film can be pulled from the festival lineup. Acceptance does not guarantee a juried slot, but the filmmaker(s) will be notified upon acceptance if a juried film in competition or a special screening. All films are in competition for the audience award.
33 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gina East

    I fully recommend the Gallup Film Festival. They offered a beautifully curated lineup. Knifewing and Beverly are great coordinators and hosts for their city. We had a wonderful time, and I would be happy to attend again.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Carl Bailey

    I would recommend the The Gallup Film Festival. Knifwing was very quick to communicate and ran a professional event. It was a pleasure to be a part of the festival and be selected. Thanks again and hopefully we will be back again!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Christopher Carson

    The festival was a delight! I watched the entire lineup both days and it was highly entertaining and informative. It was quite interesting seeing how many of the same concerns and problems are experienced by many indigenous peoples whether Pacific Islanders (Hawaii) or Native Americans (Navajo and Sioux) mainly water, water rights or lack thereof. Great festival that I really enjoyed.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Jon Barr

    Really enjoyed our time at the Gallup Film Festival. It had a great lineup of films and was at a fun, historical location in downtown Gallup.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Shonie De La Rosa

    Absolutely an amazing film festival! What a great selection of films! Top notch hospitality! Awesome venue and one heck of an audience! A great festival to network with other film makers, actors, producers, etc. Fetival organizers did an amazing job! Definitely a film festival not to miss or participate in.

    May 2025
    Helpful