Dear Filmmakers,

MOMO Film Festival (MOMO FF) is an independent, international celebration of cinematic freedom and authentic voices. Our mission is simple: to champion powerful storytelling in all its forms—regardless of budget, access, or industry status.

Founded by a creative duo—one an actress, TV host, and editor; the other a director, photographer, and filmmaker—MOMO FF was born from a shared devotion to independent cinema. We know how difficult it can be to find platforms that value vision over resources. That’s why we’ve built one: a festival where stories can truly breathe, connect, and resonate.

✨ New for 2026
Beginning this year, we are proud to expand our Official Selection to include Screenwriting—alongside our continued dedication to features, shorts, and 1-minute works.

✨ A Growing Festival with Global Impact
After launching in Hollywood, continuing with our second edition in Birmingham, and celebrating our 2025 edition at the historic State Theatre in Ann Arbor, we now enter our fourth year with a continued commitment to welcoming audiences, uplifting diverse voices, and creating spaces for dialogue and connection.
MOMO FF is more than just a screening event—it’s our creative community. A place for networking, conversation, and shared inspiration. Each year, we expand our reach to connect independent filmmakers with wider audiences, offering a stage where every voice can be heard.

🌍 WHY MOMO FF?

At MOMO, we believe every story deserves to be seen. Our festival celebrates cinema in all its forms: from poetic shorts to powerful narratives, experimental works, documentaries, and now screenplays. Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or taking your first step, MOMO FF is here to support and amplify your vision.

Join us as we continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the global film community. We can’t wait to discover your work—and to welcome you to our 2026 edition.

🎬 Jury
MOMO Independent Film Festival’s 2026 jury brings together an international group of filmmakers, scholars, and industry professionals with deep engagement in independent cinema, festival programming, and visual storytelling.

Kaveh Askari — Professor & Director of Film Studies, author and film historian specializing in global cinema
D.K. Odessa — Award-winning director, filmmaker & Fulbright Senior Scholar (BBC, PBS, Showtime)
Jocelyn Szczepaniak-Gillece — Film scholar, writer & professor specializing in film history and spectatorship
Jon Stout — Award-winning filmmaker, director & cinematographer exploring experimental narrative forms
Gustavo Rosa — Writer, director & producer with films screened at Berlinale, Sundance & SXSW
Pune Haeri — Screenwriter, playwright & author working across film, literature & translation
Olga Artemyeva — Film curator, critic & programmer focused on emerging and independent voices
Timothy Donnelly — Acclaimed poet & professor of writing (Columbia University)
Eiichi Takahashi — Filmmaker recognized for his work in international festivals and narrative cinema

Together, the jury brings a diverse and global perspective, ensuring that each selected film is evaluated with care, depth, and a strong understanding of contemporary independent filmmaking.

♿ Accessibility
MOMO Film Festival is committed to inclusion and accessibility for all filmmakers and attendees.
Screenings take place at an ADA-compliant venue.
All non-English films include open captions.
Wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and companion passes are available upon request.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please write to us at contact@momofilmfestival.org at least two weeks before the event. We’ll do everything we can to accommodate you.

Awards & Prizes

Official Selection Benefits
Every filmmaker selected for MOMO FF receives a premium package designed to celebrate their work and elevate their career:
• The Big Screen Experience: Giving your work the showcase it deserves.
• Global Jury Evaluation: A rigorous review by a distinguished panel of industry experts from Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Tokyo, and Michigan.
• Prestigious Laurels: High-quality, minimalist Official Selection laurels for your marketing kits and trailers.
• Official Certificates: Professionally designed certificates serving as a lasting testament to your selection.
• Networking & Community: Direct access to our vibrant digital community of 25,000+ members and exclusive on-site networking with fellow creators and industry leaders.
The Official Categories
Our jury recognizes excellence across the following disciplines:
• Best Film: Awarded for excellence in storytelling, direction, and overall execution.
• Best Director: Recognizes the filmmaker whose unique vision brought a narrative to life.
• Best Cinematography (Best DP): Honors the eye behind the lens, celebrating compelling and intentional imagery.
• Best Actor & Best Actress: Recognizing leading performances defined by emotional authenticity and depth.

Category Honors
• The MOMO Trophy: A physical symbol of cinematic achievement, exclusively awarded to the winners of our official categories to commemorate their success.

Rules & Terms

Terms & Conditions – MOMO Film Festival 2026

Eligibility & Content Standards
Animal Welfare: The depiction of animal abuse, whether real or implied, is strictly prohibited. Submissions containing such content will be automatically disqualified, and entry fees will not be refunded.

Film Content: Films must adhere to the festival’s content guidelines, avoiding animal cruelty/abuse, hate speech, excessive or exploitative violence, or other offensive material.

Festival Premiere Requirements: MOMO FF does not impose premiere requirements. Films that have previously screened at other festivals are eligible.

Broadcast Eligibility: Prior public or internet broadcasts (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube) do not affect eligibility.

Language Requirement: Films must be in English or include English subtitles at the time of submission.

Submission & Fees
Submission Process: Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway in the specified format. Please ensure your film meets all technical requirements.
Entry Fees: All entry fees are non-refundable.
Late Fees: Films submitted after the final deadline will incur a $10 late fee.

Submission Changes: Changes to submitted films require a new submission and fee.

Selection & Participation
Selection Decision: All decisions of the selection committee are final and cannot be contested.

Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their status by email. The festival is not responsible for delays caused by technical issues.

Participation: Attendance in person is encouraged but not required. Virtual participation options may be available.

Date & Venue: MOMO FF reserves the right to change festival dates or venues under special circumstances. Updates will be shared via email and online platforms.

Screening Consent: By submitting, you grant MOMO FF the right to screen your film before a live audience and, if necessary, in online screenings.

Awards & Trophies: Trophies are presented exclusively during the Closing Ceremony as part of the shared celebration with filmmakers, jury, and audiences. Awards must be accepted in person by the filmmaker or an appointed representative. MOMO FF does not mail, deliver, or reissue trophies after the event.

Withdrawals
Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Rights & Promotional Use
Rights & Permissions: Entrants are responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for their work (including music, images, and third-party content).

Promotional Use (Stills): Stills from selected films may be used on the festival’s website, press releases, brochures, and publicity materials.

Clips/Trailer/Excerpts & Soundtrack:
Submitter grants MOMO FF a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the film’s official trailer and up to 30 seconds of excerpts with audio for festival promotion (website, social media, press, pre-show/intermission, and archival recap).
Submitter may also provide cleared soundtrack tracks for use in festival-produced promo videos and in-venue playback.
Submitter must provide any necessary Content ID whitelisting to prevent blocks/muting on platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook).
Submitter warrants that all rights are secured and indemnifies MOMO FF against related claims. Festival will remove materials within 30 days upon written request where reasonably practicable.

romotional Materials Provided by Filmmakers: For press kits, posters, trailers, clips, and any promotional content provided to MOMO FF, filmmakers must supply clean versions free of third-party logos, advertising, unrelated company branding, or other festival names/laurels.

Distribution Rights: MOMO FF does not claim any distribution rights. Promotional uses are limited to the scope above.
Promotion by Submitter: By submitting, you agree to promote MOMO FF on your social media platforms.

Technical & Liability
Technical Issues: Filmmakers are responsible for technical quality and English subtitles where required. Submissions with issues may be rejected without refund. For technical difficulties, contact the festival promptly.

Liability: MOMO FF is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials. Entrants should retain copies.

Film & Script Duration Guidelines
1-Minute Films: 60 seconds or less (including credits).
Short Films: 30 minutes or less (including credits).
Feature Films: 40 minutes or more (including credits).
Mid-Length Films (31–39 minutes): Submit under the Feature category; these works will be thoughtfully considered.
Scripts
Short Script: Up to 25 pages, standard industry format.
Feature Script: 60–120 pages, standard industry format. Scripts may be in early development or polished drafts.

Note: Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Accessibility
MOMO Film Festival is committed to inclusion and accessibility. Our venues offer:
Wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms
Assistive listening devices (available upon request)
Open captions for all non-English-language films
Companion passes for guests requiring assistance
We are working toward adding an audio-described screening block in future editions. Please email contact@momofilmfestival.org at least two weeks prior if you require accommodations.

Updates to Terms
MOMO FF may update these terms and policies without prior notice. By submitting, you agree to these terms and consent to receiving festival updates via email. MOMO FF will never sell your information to third parties.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Three Lyons Creative

    Incredible event! It was smoothly run and the festival was filled with high quality, moving films. Thank you for having us!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We are so glad you enjoyed the experience! The Recipe was one of the standout selections last year, and its Special Mention was well-deserved. Congratulations again on your success, and we wish you the very best with your future projects!

  • D. Andrew Hartfield

    This is an incredible, incredible festival. Superbly well-organized and run, every attention to detail was given to making this a thoughtful experience for
    filmmakers. Very generous in their kind communications and the greatest volunteers made this a memorable experience. Thanks for everything!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the 2025 MOMO FF! Congratulations once again on your Best Actor award — it was richly deserved. Thank you for sharing your kind words, and we hope to celebrate more of your work in the future!

  • Louis Salvatore Bellanti

    What a beautiful and well-deserved success! Your festival is so well organized, and it truly shows in every detail. Thank you for this wonderful recognition and for all the energy you put into supporting filmmakers.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, Salvatore 🌟 Your kind words mean the world to us. We truly wished you could have been with us in person this year, but we definitely felt your positive energy from afar. Having a filmmaker like you—who has shared La valse des adieux with us and supported MOMO FF from our very first edition through today—reminds us how special this festival family is. We are so grateful that MOMO FF connects hearts and voices across the globe, and we’re honored to count you among our family. 💛🎬✨

  • Brett Salamin

    Sending thanks to everyone at MOMO Film Fest for providing a quality festival experience from beginning to end. Their communication was timely and helpful, the programming was great, the venue was cool. The cast and crew of Waves that attended all enjoyed themselves. Thanks for including us!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Brett, for your kind words and for choosing MOMO Film Festival 2025 as the World Premiere of Waves. 🌊✨

    We’re thrilled that you and your team enjoyed the experience as much as we enjoyed having you. Your presence — along with all of this year’s incredible filmmakers — made the festival truly memorable.

    It was an honor to celebrate your vision with the Best Director Award, and we look forward to following your future work!

  • Dan Lacy

    The organizers were wonderful and responsive. Great festival full of fine films!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words! Our team works hard to create a wonderful experience, and your feedback truly means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you at future events!