A unique fusion of entertainment and enlightenment, fostering an active pursuit of a healthier world.

The Iris Global Health Film Festival (IGHFF) illuminates the silver screen with captivating films that explore a diverse range of health subjects, from individual vitality to the ecological well-being of our planet. Through engaging narratives and thought-provoking documentaries, we celebrate the interplay of art and well-being.

WHAT KINDS OF FILMS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Anything and everything that promotes well being for us all! From narrative short films featuring characters working through emotional or physical trauma to science and evidence based documentaries tackling social, health, or environmental issues and everything in between, we want to amplify films that bring light into the world. Whether that's shining a light on dark and hard places, bringing hope where there was none, fighting injustice, or simply inviting us to share in the human experience, if you aim to make a difference with your film, IGHFF is the festival for you.

You may notice that we have very broad submission categories, we hope this only reinforces our commitment to considering all films that champion an active pursuit of a healthier world for us all.

WHAT IS OUR JUDGING AND SELECTION CRITERIA?

First and foremost entries will be judged on how well they align with the focus of IGHFF. Then our diverse panel of experts will select entrants based on artistic merit and the strength of their message.

Awards & Prizes

We believe in giving recognition where recognition is deserved. These are some of the awards and winners from last year's festival:

Best of the Fest - Feel It All

Best Documentary Feature - Pain Brain

Global Health Award - Saving Waldens World

Iris Impact Award - The Last Ecstatic Days

Best Director | Documentary Feature - Bromley: Light After Dark (Sean Patrick McDonald)

Best Narrative Feature - Just a Farmer

Best Cinematography | Documentary Feature - Dance Tomorrow

Let The Light In | Documentary Feature - The Calling

Moving Mountains Award - Ari - A Story of Love and Life

Best Documentary Short - Colour of Silence

Best Narrative Short - As Easy As Closing Your Eyes

Let The Light In | Documentary Short - Naughty!

Let The Light In | Documentary Short - No Shame In This Game

Best Actor | Narrative Short - Low (Troy Greenwood)

Best Actress | Narrative Short - The River (Rainbow Dickerson)

Best Comedy | Narrative Short - Introvert Club

Best Original Screenplay | Narrative Short - Likewise, Olive (Dave Niziolek)

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms for the Iris Arts Institute (“IAI”) 2025 Iris Global Health Film Festival (“IGHFF”).

-The IGHFF competition is open to U.S. and International entries (an “Entrant”). Please check individual categories for additional requirements. A submission will be referred to herein as the “Film” or a “Work”.

-Feature Films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.

-Films not in the English language must be subtitled or dubbed in English.

-Film Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via FilmFreeway. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRIES.

-Works-in-progress are accepted but are not encouraged. IGHFF can't promise that re-edited submissions will be viewed. Please only submit a work-in-progress edit if you are submitting a Film close to the final deadline, and so state in the application.

-You may submit multiple Film entries but must fill out a separate entry form and pay an entry fee for each.

-IAI/IGHFF employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category to this competition.

-By submitting your Work, you are giving permission for IAI and the IGHFF to showcase your Work at the IGHFF festival and for IAI to use the Work for necessary promotional purposes.

-Any potential prize awards are subject to all relevant federal and/or state laws and are therefore not guaranteed. Prize winners are responsible for providing required documentation in a timely manner and are responsible for any tax liabilities they may incur. IAI/IGHFF is not responsible for any tax liability for any award to an Entrant.

-IAI does not offer individual feedback on any Work after submission or notification.

FESTIVAL SCREENING
The individual or corporation submitting the Film warrants and represents that he/she/they is/are authorized to commit the Film to at least one screening at any time during the 2025 Iris Global Health Film Festival taking place November 2025 and limited, ticketed, secure online presentations during that same period. Selected entries will be given more detail on what film file formats to deliver (file type based on venue capabilities).

LIABILITY
Every possible care will be taken with DCPs while in IAI’s possession, however, IAI cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or additional charges incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear, or due to equipment failure. Do NOT send original prints or master copies of the Film/Work.

Additionally, the Entrant agrees to defend, hold harmless and indemnify IGHFF/IAI from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving ownership, copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any Film.

SHIPPING
For Films accepted into the Festival, the Entrant is responsible for any and all inbound/outbound shipping costs.

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR ENTRY:
-Entry fee (must be paid online via FilmFreeway).
-3-Line Synopsis (may be used for Festival Program and website)
-FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS: 250 Word Synopsis (may be used for Festival Program and website)
-Accepted entries must submit at least one digital, horizontal 300dpi still photo from the Film.
-Selected Films who submit a rough cut MUST promptly following selection submit a copy of the final edit of their Film on Vimeo or other digital streaming service.

NOTIFICATIONS
Notification of Festival acceptance status is scheduled to be given to all entrants on or about August, 2025.

How do I submit my Film?
You can ONLY and MUST submit your Film/Work via “FilmFreeway”.

Do you accept re-submission from previous years?
IGHFF does accept submissions from previous years. However, new Work will be given precedence. For the best chance of selection, the work should have been completed by January 2024 at the earliest.

Do you require premiere status?
IGHFF does not require any premiere status.

Do you prefer DVD, Blu-ray or online screeners? Online ONLY! No other form of screener will be eligible.

I have a question that wasn’t addressed. Who should I contact?
Please email iris@ighff.org
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jolene Hernandez

    Although we couldn’t attend the festival in person, we were really impressed by the festival’s communication. We love their mission and so glad to have No Shame in this Game shown to an audience outside of the East Coast!

    November 2024
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  • Tim Kaminski

    We were thrilled and honored to have Pain Brain as part of the inaugural IGHFF! The team was incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming and the selection of films for a first year festival were amazing. IGHFF should definitely be THE fest on your list to submit to if it has a focus on well-being, health, a healthy planet or is even just a feel-good human story.

    November 2024
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  • Paper Horse Pictures

    Being part of Iris Global Health Film Festival was an amazing experience. Although we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were really impressed by the festival’s outstanding support and dedication to both the films and the filmmakers. Their professionalism truly stood out.

    October 2024
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  • Rainbow Dickerson

    THE RIVER was honored to be included in this inaugural season of Iris Global Heath. We are deeply appreciative for the support of our film about problem gambling, and for the wonderful Best Actress Narrative Short Award! Though we could not attend the festival in person, we experienced a genuine warmth and hospitality in all communication from Aaron and the Iris team. The festival was well organized, professional, and has a unique voice and mission. Iris achieved an incredible amount in just one year and we can't wait to see where they go from here. We need more festivals and platforms like Iris in the world! Submit, you won't be disappointed.

    October 2024
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  • Scott Westby

    The films and people at the festival were great – lots of important reflections and conversations about health, community, research, and film! Aaron and Daniel clearly put a lot of thought and effort into the festival, and it turned out to be a great event.

    October 2024
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