The city of Guadalajara is one of the most cinematic places in the world and stands today as one of the most important production hubs in the Americas.

The International Guadalajara Film Awards (IGFA) is an annual celebration of bold and emerging voices in independent cinema — a platform where new creators can showcase their work and be recognized for it.

Our jury, composed of professionals from across the film industry, privately reviews submissions every two months. The best films of each bimonthly cycle will be officially announced and recognized in advance of the annual event.

The festival culminates in a three-day public event every May, where the year’s top films are screened and celebrated. The highlight of the weekend is the Annual Awards Ceremony, where the prestigious Golden IGFA is awarded by our jury.

We welcome films and scripts of any genre and length from around the world.

Beyond awards, IGFA is also a gateway to the industry. In partnership with Dark Eyes Pictures S.A. de C.V., we provide selected films with real opportunities for international distribution across streaming platforms, festivals, and curated networks.

The officially selected projects in each bimonthly season will receive an Official Selection laurel and certificate. The winners of each cycle will receive a customized Winner certificate and laurel, recognizing their excellence.

In addition to the Best Category Awards, the International Guadalajara Film Awards (IGFA) also presents Outstanding Achievement Awards, honoring exceptional work across a variety of disciplines and celebrating the talent and creativity of the global independent film community.

** PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS THROUGH IGFA ONLY! KINDLY READ OUR RULES & TERMS BEFORE SUBMITTING. **

Please read these Rules and terms carefully before you submit your film. By submitting your film to competition in the International Guadalajara Film Awards, you expressly acknowledge and agree that you shall be bound by the terms of these Rules and terms.

IGFA is open to any film, regardless of content, subject, or origin. Submitting your film to the IGFA does not guarantee selection. All the official selection, nominees and winners will be listed on our website permanently. We treat every filmmaker equally.

1. The film submitted to the IGFA for each particular bi-monthly season can be resubmitted at any time for a second chance, considering that we have different panels of judges for each season.

2. Films made in languages other than English or Spanish, must have English subtitles otherwise they will be summarily rejected.

3. The IGFA reserves the right to refuse entries.

4. A director/producer may submit more than one film in a category and more than one category at a time.

5. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the IGFA, from and against 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 and publicity.

6. After a film has been an official selection, the filmmaker will be notified, and eventually the film will be listed on the festival website under Official Selections. The Official Selection status doesn’t mean that your film will be screened at the festival. It means that your film has been appreciated by our judges of the panel and you can use the festival logo on your poster.

7. The IGFA will not refund any fees if the filmmaker fails to submit the film in the correct category. Films submitted without the correct fees or proper submission media may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the IGFA programming director or executive director. The festival does not cover any of the expenses incurred by the filmmaker.

8. We require an official trailer or poster, a synopsis and a link to your film. Please select the correct category while submitting to avoid disqualification. We reserve the right to re-assign films to the appropriate category.

9. A nominee will be privately screened for the IGFA judging panel, and will not be screened initially to the public.

10. A filmmaker’s submission fee will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

11. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the IGFA, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) that may be incurred because of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits and publicity.

12. IGFA may without advance notice amend these Rules & Terms from time to time. Each and every such amendment shall become effective immediately. It is your responsibility to periodically check for updates on these Rules and terms.

By submitting your work, you acknowledge and accept the regulations of our festival. We appreciate your submission and look forward to the opportunity to celebrate your creative endeavour. Thank you!

Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Daniel Maciel

    Amei participar deste festival. Os organizadores foram extremamente generosos a atenciosos com nossos filmes. Só posso ser grato e recomendar a todos que participem e prestigiem este grande festival.

    I loved being part of this festival. The organizers were extremely generous and attentive with our films. I can only be grateful and recommend that everyone participate and support this great festival."

    March 2026
  • Hot Chilli Films

    It was a pleasure to have our film in the festival. Hope to be back soon.

    January 2026
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” IG: @theredmarketfilm featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

    January 2026
  • Better Tomorrow

    Thank you so much for the selection and my Movie Better Tomorrow included in the IGFA - International Guadalajara Film Awards and won award . Being part of your festival and having it highlighted was an honor. We were very pleased to participate in your festival
    Best regards,  Sharvi Film Director India

    January 2026
  • Thanks for everything and thanks for the great news..

    January 2025