The Las Cruces International Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of bold, independent storytelling set against the breathtaking backdrop of Southern New Mexico. Entering its 12th year, the festival has become a premier destination for filmmakers seeking to have their work seen, celebrated, and championed.

Each year, the festival presents a diverse lineup of narrative features, documentaries, short films, animation, international cinema, music videos, and student projects. More than 100 films are screened at the state-of-the-art Allen Theatres Cineport 10, providing filmmakers and audiences with an exceptional theatrical experience.

At the Las Cruces International Film Festival, filmmakers come first. From red-carpet premieres and VIP events to industry panels, networking opportunities, and celebrations, the festival is designed to foster meaningful connections and support career growth.

Past guests and honorees have included acclaimed industry figures such as Michael Rooker, Brendan Fraser, Steve Zahn, Helen Hunt, Giancarlo Esposito, Ron Perlman, George Lopez, Edward James Olmos, and Kathleen Quinlan, bringing inspiration and industry insight to our creative community.

Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or an established storyteller, the Las Cruces International Film Festival offers a powerful platform to share your work with passionate audiences from across the Southwest and beyond. More than a screening opportunity, it is a place to connect with fellow creators, learn from industry professionals, and experience the dynamic spirit of Las Cruces.

Submit your film and become part of a festival that celebrates the true heart of independent cinema.

Awards & Prizes

The Las Cruces International Film Festival Awards

Grand Jury · Best Narrative Feature · Best Documentary Feature · Best Narrative Short · Best Documentary Short · Best Animated Film · Best Student Film · Best Music Video · Best Local Film · Best Director · Best Screenplay · Best Cinematography · Audience Choice · Best New Mexico Film · Best Mental Health Advocacy Film · Best LGBTQ+ Film

Rules & Terms

All films must be submitted exclusively through FilmFreeway. By submitting a film to the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF), the submitter certifies that they hold all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances required to authorize festival exhibition and promotional use of the submitted work. Acceptance into the festival constitutes agreement to all terms and conditions outlined below.

Only narrative and documentary films are eligible for consideration. Industrial, instructional, corporate, promotional, experimental, or other non-narrative formats are not eligible.

Films must have been completed on or after March 1, 2026.

Student submissions must clearly identify and credit the producing educational institution.

Non-English language films must include accurate English subtitles. Submissions without English subtitles will not be considered.

Filmmakers whose films are selected may be required to provide promotional materials, including a press kit, high-resolution photographs, a trailer (if available), a synopsis, filmmaker biography, and any additional materials requested by LCIFF.

Screening fees will not be paid under any circumstances.

Accepted feature films must be delivered as either a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) or Apple ProRes file. Accepted short films must be delivered as an Apple ProRes file. Feature film exhibition materials will be returned following the festival. Short film exhibition materials will be permanently deleted after the event. LCIFF is not responsible for lost, damaged, delayed, or missing DCPs, hard drives, or other physical media.

All screening dates, times, and venues are determined solely by LCIFF and are not subject to negotiation.

Filmmakers, cast members, and authorized representatives are strongly encouraged to attend festival screenings and participate in post-screening Q&A sessions when invited.

Submission grants LCIFF a non-exclusive license to publicly exhibit the film during the 11th Annual Las Cruces International Film Festival and to use approved excerpts, stills, trailers, titles, and promotional materials for festival publicity and marketing purposes.

Accepted films must not be available online in their entirety prior to April 7, 2027. Films made publicly accessible online before this date may be disqualified at the sole discretion of LCIFF.

Filmmakers whose films are selected for LCIFF may not organize, host, or participate in any public or private screening of the selected film outside of official LCIFF programming prior to or during the festival. Unauthorized screenings may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the festival program.

Films that have previously screened at the Las Cruces International Film Festival are not eligible for resubmission.

Submitting multiple cuts, versions, or edits of the same film will not increase the likelihood of selection and may result in only one version being considered.

All festival decisions, including eligibility determinations, programming selections, scheduling, and awards, are final.

Submission to the Las Cruces International Film Festival constitutes acknowledgment, understanding, and acceptance of these rules and regulations. All terms are non-negotiable.