We are holding the 2022 MV FilmFest in-person at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts with opportunities for people to also participate online in a post-COVID hybrid format.

Call for submissions for the 2022 MV FilmFest OPENED December 1.

*** About Us ***
We are all about inclusivity and diversity.

Performing Arts is our passion, and we are always looking for new ways to support access for all. By showcasing the works of filmmakers, connecting them to panelists in their field and celebrating diversity and inclusion, we hope to light the spark that opens up a whole new generation of ideas, imagination and unconventional approaches to storytelling.

We were so impressed with last year's entries on "Race, equity and inclusion" which is at the core of our mission. We have decided to continue the theme as our festival brand. We encourage filmmakers to express what this means to them in whatever genre they wish to explore, including: action/adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, documentary, mockumentary, animation or something more experimental.

Filmmakers will be able to connect with peers, experts and personalities. Audience members will be able to watch the process, participate in after-film discussions and vote for their favorite film entries.

Awards & Prizes

2021 Award Winners Announced

We would like to thank and congratulate the submitters, casts and talented people who made these incredible works. In our lengthy deliberation discussions, it was felt by the judges that the film selections did not meet some of the criteria for the award categories proposed. HOWEVER, the selections did make us rethink how to best recognize the pieces that you have shared with us.

With that, we would like to congratulate the 2021 winners.

Best Feature, Best Director, Jury Award (Male Lead):
Unsettled (Iran)

Best Music, Best Documentary:
One Voice: The story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (USA)

Best Mobile Short, Honorable Mention (Performer):
The Early Bird (USA)

Best Male Lead, Best Choreography:
WeAIght (USA)

Best Social Awareness Short:
Purple Skin (USA)

Best Female Lead:
Phoenix (USA)

Best Documentary Short:
PreetiRang (USA)

Best Cinematography:
Silk’s Balance (France)

Best Social Justice Short:
Standing In The Blink Of A Night: For Casey Goodson Jr (USA)

Honorable Mention(s):
I was, I am. (USA) - Use of theme
Without a Paddle (Canada) - Cinematography
Cam (USA) - Social Awareness
For Whom the Bell Tolls (USA) - Creativity/Originality
Condemned by Inaction (USA) - Youth Film
Prosperity Creek - Quarantine Cut (USA) - Female Lead (and best use of storyboarding)
(note from judges: "We are really looking forward to the final version, but some of us
also enjoyed the storyboard action sequence.")

Nominee(s):
Black Lives Matter (USA) - Use of theme and Creativity/Originality
Higher Education (Why We’re Downing) (USA) - Student film
Timothy (USA) - Use of theme
Father, daughter and old woman (Spain) - Creativity/Originality

Selected for Screening (Also Eligible for Audience Award):
The Great Way (Spain)
Niceville (USA)
The View from Down Here (UK)
George Floyd: Say Their Names (Video) (USA)
Hey Joe (USA)
Wade in the Water (USA)
Miles to Go (USA)

Special thanks and mentions to:
Pamilya Braces (UAE/Philippines) - including breaking the 4th wall in the boyfriend breakup scene
A Double-edged Sword (Canada) - including a bass-playing cameo from the writer/director and the enjoyable credits that we watched to the end

Rules & Terms

The entrant has full rights to submit the entry and authorize its use.

Promotion Rights: Producers or distributors who enter the festival grant permission for their entries to be presented at any festival screening or event unless we are otherwise notified at the time of entry.

Publicity: Images, trailers and reproducible still images may be used in festival programs and publicity materials, including for use by media.

Archives: We keep the winning entries for the festival's archives and future festival promotions.

Entrant has read and agrees to abide by all festival rules.

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alfredo M. Gómez Vicente

    A first event worthy of praise. The organization has shown that it has started on the right path to promote film as an art form and as a commitment to improving social justice. I encourage to continue in that line undertaken and to improve the small failures that have occurred communication and organization but that in no way detract from the great work done and especially the values that clearly underpins the festival. I encourage participation.

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • Tymika Chambliss

    Mountain View was such a pleasant experience. Communication was top-notch. The team was amazing. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this festival. I look forward to submitting again.

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • Ashna Sharan

    One of the best film festivals I’ve ever attended. Even though it was virtual, they curated and planned a great event with several eye opening panels. I am so looking forward to when they hold an in person festival next year. Shonda went above and beyond to create such a lovely program!

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • Tony Sehgal

    I really enjoyed participating in the Mountain View Virtual Film Festival. It was a great experience and the organizers were very friendly and supportive of my work.

    May 2021
    Helpful
  • Calvin Walker

    The organizers of this festival were extremely communicative.

    May 2021
    Helpful