The IFAP Film Awards are dedicated to celebrating the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, driven by a profound commitment to excellence and amazing storytelling by independent filmmakers worldwide.

These awards serve as a global platform, shining a spotlight on the unique voices and compelling narratives that emerge from the independent film community. We honor creators who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and captivate audiences with their artistry and vision. From groundbreaking features to poignant documentaries, innovative shorts, and powerful screenplays, the IFAP Film Awards recognize the diverse spectrum of independent filmmaking that enriches our cultural landscape. Our mission is to foster a vibrant community where talent is recognized, stories are amplified, and the future of independent cinema is passionately championed.

Awards & Prizes

All nominees receive free access to the entire festival, panels and workshops as well as free entry to the award show. Winners will receive the IFAP award in their perspective categories. The award categories are as follows.

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Documentary
Best Screenplay
Best Web Series.
Best Short Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Original Score
Best Sound
Best International Film
Best Cinematography

Rules & Terms


Film Award Show Rules
These rules outline the guidelines for film submission and participation in our film award show. Adherence to these rules ensures a fair and smooth process for all filmmakers.

Format Requirements
Filmmaker Responsibility: It is the sole responsibility of the filmmaker to ensure that their submitted film meets all necessary DCP standards.

Technical Issues: Any technical issues or non-compliance with DCP standards arising from the submitted film are the sole responsibility of the filmmaker.

Quality Control: Our programming team may contact filmmakers if there are concerns regarding their film's ability to pass Quality Control (QC) by DCP standards.

Film Runtime and Eligibility
Short Films: Traditional short films are permitted a maximum runtime of 25 minutes.

Premiere Status: We impose no restrictions on your work regarding its premiere status. Films that have previously premiered elsewhere are eligible for submission.

Online Availability: There are no restrictions on whether your work has previously been made available online prior to official selection.

Copyright and Legal Responsibility
Copyright Clearance: Filmmakers are solely responsible for securing and sorting out all necessary copyrights for their materials used within their submitted films.

Legal Disputes: All films and projects submitted must be free from any existing or pending legal disputes. By submitting your work you are affirming that your film is not involved in any ongoing litigation or dispute.
35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Chris Oledude


    From Christopher R. Owens, President, CESO Enterprises, Inc. crowens@cesony.com:

    On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, Chris Oledude, and all of our production participants, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of The IFAP Awards
    When we created our first music video (which was long enough to be a short film), we knew nothing about film festivals. With the help of FilmFreeway, we started researching. The categories were good. Everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful. The submissions looked excellent.

    It was indeed exciting to discover this new world and to be so warmly welcomed by the inhabitants!  To have GEORGE FLOYD: SAY THEIR NAMES selected for inclusion was an honor in and of itself. So, to be awarded Finalist, was thrilling and beyond what we expected!
    We were happy to “get the word out” and continue motivating people worldwide to consider the injustices embedded within our nation’s criminal justice system. After all, situations where a powerful segment of the population uses its law enforcement apparatus to abuse and oppress other segments of the population are recognizable in and common to many societies.
    We recommend submitting your work and we certainly intend to participate again in the future. Peace and stay safe!

    July 2021
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  • Jonathan Zarantonello

    Lovely festival, thank you for letting me be part of it!

    June 2021
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  • Debbie Wright

    I cannot say enough about Floyd and the team at the IFAP Awards! First of all, it was clear that Floyd and anyone on the review team are really passionate about supporting and promoting the hard and "heart" work of independent filmmakers, especially those of color. Floyd was very hands on during the whole process, including making sure the equipment worked well when the film was shown. Films were shown in an intimate environment, and Floyd facilitated engaging discussions with the audiences after each screening. The Awards Ceremony was like nothing we have experienced before - it truly was like being at the Oscars! The venue, the entertainment, the Masters of Ceremonies, the award presenters, the videos that accompanied the announcement of the nominees, and even the awards themselves were first class all the way, making the event truly unforgettable! And the great experience that we had during the festival did not stop when the last award was given out, as Floyd has continued to support the filmmakers in the IFAP Awards "family," providing learning opportunities with industry leaders, using social media to provide advice and share lessons learned, and even creating other opportunities for films to be screened in places like Las Vegas through the partnerships and collaborations that he has fostered. Not only were we honored and proud to be a part of such a great festival with a big heart, but we are equally grateful that this experience connected us with such an amazing person as Floyd and his wonderful team. I highly recommend submitting to any festival for which Floyd is a leader.

    August 2019
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  • Deeva Gordon

    The experience with IFAP was amazing. It was great meeting so many talented Filmmakers. The energy from the hosts was exhilarating. The positive messages delivered by the IFAP staff and the Award recipients was emotional and inspiring. I look forward to this experience next year!

    July 2019
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  • jillian bullock

    2019 I attended the IFAP Awards because my music video was nominated. Not only did the video win, which was amazing, but everything about the award event was wonderful, including great food and drink, the swag bag, and the red carpet interviews. Very enjoyable experience. Will be back in 2020.

    May 2019
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