Call for Submissions: The Inaugural Horizon International Film Festival (HIFF)
Celebrate. Elevate. Innovate. We are proud to announce the official call for submissions for the inaugural Horizon International Film Festival (HIFF).

Set against the stunning backdrop of city of Vacaville, this landmark event serves as a premier global stage for filmmakers to showcase stories that resonate across borders. HIFF is more than a festival; it is a movement to honor creative excellence and foster the next generation of industry talent.

Festival Highlights:

Three Nights of Gala Excellence: An immersive celebration featuring red-carpet premieres, high-profile award ceremonies, and exclusive networking opportunities with top industry professionals.

A Global Cinematic Stage: A curated selection of films from the United States and across the globe, highlighting the vast and diverse stories of the global diaspora.

A Cultural Milestone: Perfectly timed to coincide with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, bridging the gap between traditional heritage and modern cinematic innovation.

Join the Legacy We invite filmmakers to submit their work and join us for this historic debut. Be part of an elite gathering of creators, executives, and visionaries at the Yin Ranch.

HORIZON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (HIFF)

***Event Description***
Inaugural Three-Day Event Outline @ Cultural Center - 24 Collins Studios Private Screening Space.
6319 Pleasants Valley Rd.
Vacaville, CA 95688

DAY 1 — OPENING NIGHT | PRESTIGE & PRESS
Theme: Arrival, Visibility, and Celebration
Primary Focus: Brand launch, media exposure, sponsor showcase

Morning / Early Afternoon
Festival Operations & Setup
Venue final walkthrough
Red carpet installation and step-and-repeat
Press credentialing desk opens
Media kit distribution (digital + limited print)
VIP, filmmaker, and press check-in opens

Late Afternoon
Press Ops & Meet-and-Greet
Filmmaker and industry lounge opens
Scheduled press interviews (pre-booked)

Photo calls with:
Opening Night filmmakers
Festival leadership
Special guests / honorees
Sponsor product placement opportunities

Evening
Opening Ceremony & Red Carpet
Red carpet arrivals (VIPs, filmmakers, sponsors)
Hosted media interviews and photo coverage
Live social media coverage
Opening Ceremony Program
Welcome address by Festival Director
Acknowledgment of sponsors and partners
Introduction to HIFF mission and vision
Special recognition or honorary presentation (optional)
Opening Night Film introduction
Opening Night Screening
Premiere feature or high-profile selection
Post-screening filmmaker Q&A (moderated)
Sponsored Opening Night After-Party
Branded sponsor experience
DJ or live entertainment
Networking with filmmakers, press, and industry
Signature cocktails / sponsor integrations
Media-friendly environment for interviews and content capture

DAY 2 — FILM PROGRAMMING | DISCOVERY & COMMUNITY
Theme: Storytelling & Audience Engagement
Primary Focus: Film exhibition, audience growth, filmmaker visibility

Morning
Industry & Filmmaker Check-in
Hospitality lounge opens
Informal networking
Press follow-ups and interviews

Midday – Afternoon
Festival Film Screenings
Narrative Features
Documentaries
Short Film Blocks
International Selections
Student Films (if applicable)

Each Screening Includes:
Filmmaker introduction
Post-screening Q&A
Audience engagement opportunities
Filmmaker & VIP Lounge
All-day access
Light refreshments
Meeting space for press, buyers, and collaborators

Evening
Spotlight Screenings
Audience Choice contenders
Jury-highlighted films
Special presentations or regional showcases
After-Party Event
Filmmaker-focused celebration
Live music or DJ
Continued networking and press content
Sponsor activations
Announcement teasers for awards night

DAY 3 — INDUSTRY, NETWORKING & CLOSING NIGHT
Theme: Opportunity, Recognition, and Future Building
Primary Focus: Career advancement, deal-making, and awards

Late Morning – Early Afternoon
Filmmakers BBQ & Networking Event
Outdoor or casual venue

Hosted mixer with:
Filmmakers
Producers
Investors
Distributors
Informal pitches and relationship-building
Sponsor branding opportunities

Midday – Afternoon
Film Financing & Distribution Conference
Panels & Sessions May Include:
Independent Film Financing 101
Packaging & Pitching to Investors
Domestic vs. International Distribution
Streaming Platforms & Market Trends
Sales Agents & Film Markets
Case studies from successful indie films

Format:
Keynote speakers
Moderated panels
Audience Q&A
One-on-one office hours (optional)

Evening
Closing Night Awards Ceremony
Red carpet arrivals
Awards presentation:
Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Short
Best Director
Best Actor / Actress
Audience Choice Award
Jury Awards
Winner acceptance speeches
Festival wrap-up remarks

Announcement of next year’s dates
Closing Night After-Party
Celebration of award winners
Final networking opportunity
Press coverage and photo ops
Sponsor send-off activations
Teasers for HIFF Year Two

Awards & Prizes

We are proud to celebrate excellence in filmmaking through our prestigious awards, honoring outstanding achievements across all categories.

Throughout the festival, filmmakers are invited to experience a thoughtfully curated program—from red carpet premieres and exclusive networking opportunities to dynamic panels, screenings, and unforgettable afterparties. Together, these moments create a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and the independent spirit.

Welcome to the Horizon International Film Festival.

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines & Terms

A press kit is not required at the time of submission. Press materials will be requested only after official selections are announced, if applicable.

By submitting your film through FilmFreeway.com, you authorize the Horizon International Film Festival (HIFF) to use clips from your film for television marketing, promotional purposes, and/or news coverage.

Student Submissions — Required Information

NOTE TO STUDENT FILMMAKERS:
You must include the following information with your FilmFreeway online submission:

* Current student status
* Name of school and city
* School contact information

Notification & Inquiries

HIFF will notify filmmakers "only if their film is selected".
If you wish to inquire about the status of your submission at any time, please email info@horizoniff.com and include:
* FilmFreeway submission number
* Submission category
* Film title
This information is required for us to assist you.

Terms & Conditions

By submitting a film through FilmFreeway.com, you grant the Horizon International Film Festival (HIFF) the right to:
* Screen the film during the festival.
* Screen the film again if it wins an award or is selected for future HIFF outreach screenings at HIFF-approved venues within the same calendar year and up to one (1) year following the year of selection.

Once a film has been officially selected, it may not be withdrawn by the filmmaker without prior written approval from HIFF.

You further grant HIFF the right to use excerpts from any accepted film for promotional and marketing purposes.

The individual or entity submitting the film represents and warrants that they have full legal authority to submit the film for screening and to grant the rights described herein.

Indemnification

The submitting party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Horizon International Film Festival, LLC, including its successors, founders, employees, and volunteers, from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs) arising from or related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, exhibition, or the loss of or damage to submitted materials.