***ENTRIES CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***
MIFF is dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and smaller production companies by offering a dynamic platform to showcase new work. MIFF accepts submissions from all over the world, and all filmmaking styles and genres are welcome. Selected films will not only screen at a historic venue and be considered for awards, but will also be promoted across all available channels.
Though MIFF is an international festival, one of its main aims is the promotion of the West of Ireland, and specifically Mayo, as a filmmaking location. As an initiative of the Linenhall Arts Centre, it also aims to encourage the development of filmmakers and crew based in the West.
Judged by a team of industry professionals, trophies will be awarded to winners in various categories.
***SHORT FILMS (LIVE-ACTION AND DOCUMENTARY)***
Short films of all genres and styles are accepted. Films should not exceed 40 minutes.
***ANIMATION***
Animated films of all styles are welcome. Animated films should not exceed 30 mins.
***BEST OF MAYO***
This award includes short films, documentaries, animations and experimental work and should not exceed 40 mins. Please submit to this category if you wish to be considered for this award, regardless of whether your film is live-action, documentary or animation. Films should fulfil EITHER 1 OR 2 as follows (if a film fulfils both, this will be looked upon favourably):
1. Film was produced in County Mayo, Ireland.
-Where a film features more than one location, Mayo should be the primary location.
-Where a film is shot indoors or otherwise non-identifiable location, evidence will be required to show that production took place in Mayo.
2. Key crew either born in Mayo OR currently based in Mayo.
-Writer, Director and Producer roles qualify as key crew. It is sufficient that only one of these roles fulfil the criteria, though more than one will be looked upon favourably.
All films must have been completed after 1st Jan 2020.
2022 Judges included Academy Award nominee Darragh O’Connell (Brown Bag Films), celebrated documentary filmmaker Vivienne Dick, producers John McDonnell & Brendan McCarthy (Fantastic Films), Ruán Magan (independent director, producer and writer), producer Niamh Fagan (Lunar Pictures) and award-winning filmmaker Paul Webster, with more judges to be announced!
Trophies will be awarded to winners in each of the following categories, with more categories to be announced:
- Best Short (Live-Action)
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best of Mayo
- Best Student Film
***SHORT FILMS (LIVE-ACTION AND DOCUMENTARY)***
Short films of all genres are accepted. Films should not exceed 40 minutes.
***ANIMATION***
Animated films of all styles are welcome. Animated films should not exceed 30 mins.
***BEST OF MAYO***
This award includes documentary, short and animated films which do not exceed 40mins. Films should fulfil EITHER 1 OR 2 as follows (if a film fulfils both, this will be looked upon favourably):
1. Film was produced in County Mayo, Ireland.
-Where a film features more than one location, Mayo should be the primary location.
-Where a film is shot indoors or otherwise non-identifiable location, evidence will be required to show that production took place in Mayo.
2. Key crew either born in Mayo OR currently based in Mayo.
-Writer, Director and Producer roles qualify as key crew. It is sufficient that only one of these roles fulfil the criteria, though more than one will be looked upon favourably.
(note: If entering Best of Mayo, there is no need to enter another category for your film. All work submitted in this category will still be considered for other relevant awards).