The International Maritime Film Festival (IMFF) is an annual juried contest of feature-length and short films celebrating maritime heritage, the spirit of ocean adventure, the ingenuity of boats and waterborne pursuits, and the relationships we have with special natural environments. IMFF is the premier event for maritime-themed filmmaking.

The 2026 festival, the 9th season of IMFF, will take place online (Vimeo on demand). Fall 2026 in-person events will be scheduled and posted at maritimefilmfestival.com.

Awards & Prizes

One Grand Prize Feature Length Film winner receives $500.
One Runner-Up Feature Film receives US$250.
One Grand Prize Short Film winner receives $250.
One Runner-Up Short Film receives US$100.
* Festival-organizers and jury reserve the right to split prizes for co-award-winning films.
** Festival organizers reserve the right to recommend no awards be given if caliber of films does not rise to the quality expected in the best interests of the festival.

Rules & Terms

The International Maritime Film Festival accepts films on a broad range of ocean environment and maritime subjects. These include, but are not limited to, voyaging, racing, working, leisure, boatbuilding and restoration, historical documentary, environment, climate, science, advocacy, climate change, maritime humanities, marine species, ocean sport and the spirit of adventure. Films may have been made on any date, regardless of previous premiere, but the person submitting the film must be the copyright holder. Judging is not category-specific; rather, all films are evaluated in relation to each other, in one of two tracks: Feature Length (40 minutes or more), or Short (under 40 minutes). All films are to be in English or to carry English subtitles.

Learn more: https://www.maritimefilmfestival.com/.

6 Reviews
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  • Danielle Clode

    So honoured to have our documentary selected as runner up for this film festival. I love the way they promote the selected films on Vimeo - it feels like such a carefully curated list with such diversity and creativity around the maritime theme. A very special festival and a very special commendation. Thanks.

    November 2023
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  • Thor F. Jensen

    Great communication, good organisers. I didn't go in person but am very grateful for having our film SAILAU on this festival. A great way to reach the sailing community in the US. Thanks!

    November 2023
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  • Giannandrea Carpanzano

    a great festival where everything is well organised and well run

    November 2023
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  • Paula Fouce

    The Maritime International Film Festival screens a fabulous slate of films that really educate and entertain the public. Aquariums: The Dark Hobby is honored to take part.

    November 2022
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  • Cameron pinchbeck

    thank you so much for selecting our film "Dental Floss"

    October 2021
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