Poetica: The Art of Poetry
Poetica (Film): a short film where an original poem is transformed into a micro film. of 1-5 minutes

Be a part of this innovative poetry movement! Original Poems are transformed into microfilms of 1-5 minutes.

Poets, writers, filmmakers, artisans, musicians, and other community members gather for this visual celebration of words!

Selected films will be shown Sunday April 12, 2026 in Manteca, California to paid ticket holders as part of the POETICAS INSTITUTE 2nd ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL.

Film genres include live action, documentary, animated, claymation, or other approved method. This should not read as a music video.

Categories: General Audience/ Family Friendly, PG/ Teen, and R.

Films must be submitted between November 1, 2025 and April 04, 2026.

Awards & Prizes

Selections Posted on Poeticas Institute Website and YouTube

Judge created awards TBD as inspired by submissions
Past awards include:
-Film of the Year
-Best Editing
-Best Shot
-Judges Choice

2026 additional awards will also include:
*1 $500 award for best local filmmaker (awarded to the filmmaker)
*1 $500 award for best local poem (awarded to the poet)
-Audience Choice
-And more!

*Starred awards are only available to residents of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties in California

Rules & Terms

Poeticas Film Festival
Submission Guidelines

1. $25 Non-Refundable Entry/Registration Fee:

2. Each “Poetica” or Short Film Submitted must be an original poem that does not have a published video that is publicly posted prior to the film festival on Sunday April 12, 2026

3. Each Poem must be used with express written consent of its author. Email statement from poet author to poeticasinstitute@gmail.com and include the name of the film/poem.

4. Each Poetica (Film) should be a minimum of 1 minute and no longer than 5 minutes, including any opening or closing credits.

5. The majority of dialogue in the film should be the poem (approx. 70-75% or more). In other words, the poem is the script.

6. The Poetica may be live action, animated, Claymation, or other adjacent film-art.

7. Any music should be used within legal rights and should not distract or detract from the poem. It Should not read like a Music Video.

8. This festival is open to persons of all ages from anywhere in California.

9. Any member of a Poetica team who is under 18 years of age must have express written consent from their parent or guardian to participate. Please email poeticasinstutute@gmail.com for waiver.

10. Each Submission must also come with "Download" permission. Films that cannot be downloaded will likely not be accepted.

10. All stakeholders participate at their own risk

11. The Poetica may not be a Powerpoint type of Presentation, photo slide-show.

12. Submissions are due by 11:59PM April 4, 2026.

2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marisol Romero

    Poeticas Film Festival was amazing! It was very welcoming, great energy, keen to detail, well organized & very fun!
    Thank you for selecting my film and giving me this wonderful opportunity!
    Looking forward for more of Poeticas Film Festival events! :)

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • Greg Roensch

    Thank you, Poeticas Film Festival, for including my short poetry film "How Much Filipino" in your event. Thanks especially for the excellent communication and super-smooth process from start to finish. All the best.

    April 2025
    Helpful