Launched in 1990, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is a premier presenter of world cinema located in the beautiful Coachella Valley at the base of Mt. San Jacinto in southern California. The Festival brings together a sophisticated and diverse audience, including industry, film aficionados from across the country and filmmakers from around the world.
The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is scheduled to be held physically from January 2-13, 2026.
PSIFF is mounted by the Palm Springs International Film Society, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.
By submitting your project to the Palm Springs International Film Festival, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines...
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Submitted films must be ≥70 minutes for either narrative features or documentary features. PSIFF does not accept short film submissions. Those wishing to submit a short film should visit https://filmfreeway.com/PalmSpringsInternationalShortFest for information on our short film festival, ShortFest.
- The film must have been completed in 2025 (exceptions are made for Academy Award Best International Feature Film submissions). Films completed in 2024 will only be considered if they premiered in 2025; films premiering prior to 2025 will not be considered.
- The film must not have been screened previously in the Coachella Valley (exceptions are made on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Festival)
- The film must not have been broadcast or available on streaming services in the U.S. prior to January 2026 (exceptions are made on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Festival)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What is your submission refund policy?:
A: Submission fees are non-refundable. The only exception to this policy is if you have selected the Submission Protection coverage offered through FilmFreeway. You can learn more about this coverage here. If you have questions regarding a refund or the festival’s policy, please contact us at info@psfilmfest.org
Q: Can I submit multiple projects?
A: Yes. However, each film must be submitted and paid for separately.
Q: What are the submission requirements?
A: Requirements are as follows:
o Completed entry on FilmFreeway
o Digital screener - Vimeo link (preferred) or Secure Online Screener
o Submissions must be uploaded and submitted no later than the deadline date to qualify for the respective entry fees.
o Films must have been completed in 2025
o Submitted films must be ≥70 minutes for either narrative features or documentary features. PSIFF does not accept short film submissions. Those wishing to submit a short film should visit https://filmfreeway.com/PalmSpringsInternationalShortFest for information on our short film festival, ShortFest.
Q: Do you accept works-in-progress?
A: Yes! PSIFF accepts work-in-progress cuts that are picture locked and includes an opening slate listing what still needs to be completed (color-correction, sound mix, special effects, etc.). Please note that we will only review one cut.
Q: My film is available online, streaming and/or is being released theatrically. Will this affect my film’s eligibility with PSIFF?
A: Congratulations on your film going places, however, if your film is available online, streaming or is released theatrically prior to the PSIFF dates, it is no longer eligible for consideration for PSIFF.
Q: Here’s my updated link, can you update my submission?
A: You will need to update your submission via FilmFreeway directly. If you have any questions on how to do this, you can reach out to FilmFreeway directly at support@filmfreeway.com
Q: Do you have a premiere requirement?
A: PSIFF does not require a US premiere, however, we do require films have not and will not be screened theatrically in the Palm Springs area before our festival dates, or be available to the US audience online or on any streaming platforms.
Q: Do I need to submit a DCP?
A: You do not need to submit a DCP to be considered for PSIFF, however, if selected, films must be available for projection in DCP.
Q: Do I need to submit a press kit or any other materials?
A: You do not need to provide any publicity materials with your official submission. The programming department will reach out to you directly with materials requests if they are needed.
Q: When will I know if I’ve been selected?
A: Final notifications are sent via FilmFreeway in early November. Please check your messages on FilmFreeway and in your spam folder if you do not hear from us by November 10, 2025.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Only complete submissions will be considered (fee paid and screener submitted). Please ensure you’ve paid the fee and attached a screener by the final deadline. We will not consider incomplete submissions.
The information contained in my online application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I give the Palm springs International Film Festival the authority to use the submitted publicity materials for the purpose of promoting the film and the Festival. I understand that I am duly authorized to give permission to allow the Palm Springs International Film Festival to screen this film. I am the US Rights Holder of the film -or- I am authorized by the US Rights Holder of the film to submit the film and will include written verification from the Rights Holder with the submission copy.
COVID-19:
The safety of filmmakers, audience and staff are at the center of our focus. We are closely monitoring and following the law and guidelines set by the CDC, State of California, Riverside County and the City of Palm Springs. In the event that the festival must cancel both physical and virtual events, PSIFF will consider submissions for the following PSIFF edition.
REFUND POLICY:
Submission fees are not refundable.
*see FAQ section for additional information
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This is a first-class festival and one of the most important in the world! Our doc STUDIO ONE FOREVER enjoyed four sold-out screenings filled with a passionate Palm Springs audience, whose vote honored us with a Best of Fest, Audience favorite win. David Ansen and Mimi Brody, the programmers, led the Q and A with knowledgeable and insightful questions that sparked the audience. The entire staff and incredible volunteers are so passionate about film and it shows. To top it off they present the top Academy awards contenders of the year and the stars and filmmakers show up! I saw a screening of POOR THINGS with Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe and director Yorgo Lanthimos in attendance. You get to enjoy all of this in the desert paradise of Palm Springs during the best season! Highly recommended.
January 2024
