Mpumalanga International Film Festival 2026 – Call for Submissions
Theme: "Stories That Belong – Voices That Matter"
In 2026, the Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) invites filmmakers from around the world to bring stories that resonate, inspire, and contribute to the growth of the global film industry, rooted in authenticity, culture, and innovation.
We are committed to industry development in Mpumalanga while fostering meaningful collaboration between local and international creatives.
Through our valued partnership with Ster-Kinekor, all MIFF 2026 films will be screened exclusively in cinemas, allowing filmmakers to showcase their work on the big screen with world-class projection and sound.
Key Festival Highlights for 2026
Cinema-Only Screenings: Every selected film will be shown at Ster-Kinekor Ilanga Mall.
Industry Development Focus: Dedicated to training, networking, and creating long-term opportunities.
WildM Market Program: Expanded to include a Script Submission & Development Track.
Networking Opportunities: Meet producers, distributors, and industry decision-makers.
Cultural Exchange: Strengthening collaboration between local and global storytellers.
Submission Categories
(Each category is open to both South African and international filmmakers)
Feature Films
Narrative films over 60 minutes. All genres welcome.
Documentary Films
Long and short-form documentaries highlighting important issues, personal journeys, and creative storytelling.
Short Films
Fiction or non-fiction under 40 minutes, including student films.
Animation
All forms of animation—2D, 3D, stop motion, experimental.
WildM Program – Scripts
Submit your script to be considered for the WildM Market Program, a platform for story development and production matchmaking.
Women Behind Cinema
Films directed, produced, or written by women, highlighting female voices in cinema.
Local is Lekker
Films from Mpumalanga and other South African provinces that celebrate local culture and language.
Important Notes for Filmmakers
Affordability: Submission fees are kept minimal to ensure accessibility.
Selection Confirmation: All filmmakers selected must confirm attendance.
Travel & Accommodation: MIFF will not cover flights or ground transportation. However, accommodation will be provided for the duration of your stay.
Visa & Logistics: If you require a visa, please inform us immediately upon selection so that arrangements can be made in time.
Networking Priority: Selected filmmakers are expected to attend and participate in Q&A sessions, industry panels, and networking events.
Key Dates
Submissions Open: 11 August 2025
Early Bird Deadline: 21 October 2025
Regular Deadline: 15 December 2025
Late Deadline: 15 January 2026
Festival Dates: 2 – 9 August 2026
📌 Submit your film or script now and be part of a festival that is building the future of the film industry in Mpumalanga!
🌐 Submit via: www.miff.co.za
📧 Contact: 0722859919
📍 Venue: Ster-Kinekor, Ilanga Mall, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa
We are offering a co-production budget, Awards, Kruger National Park Trip for 2; all our program includes Access to the National Park.
Official 2026 all our festival awards are going to come with a prize for every category, all winners will have a prize attached to their trophy. Please make sure you are present to collect your awards. Shipped awards will be shipped on request.
