The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival Is an IMDb qualifying live event taking place in beautiful Peurto Aventuras, Mexico with four days of celebration across multiple venues. We seek to celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing a diverse range of films from around the globe. Founded by world-renowned filmmakers Moe Taylor (BrainDagger Films) and Dewey Paul Moffit (Dewey Paul Films). Taylor's films have been shown in over a hundred film festivals on the global circuit and have taken the highest prizes in over sixty events so far! Moffitt is a veteran festival producer with more than thirty years of professional event production experience having produced every type of large-scale event conceivable. Moffitt also joins Taylor as an accomplished filmmaker and together they form a formidable alliance of support in the cinematic realm.

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, is an ideal location for an international film festival due to its stunning natural beauty and modern amenities. Nestled on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, it boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, providing a picturesque backdrop for any event. The area's luxurious resorts and villas offer top-notch accommodations and venues, suitable for screenings, galas, and networking events.

The region's rich cultural heritage adds a unique flavor to the festival, with opportunities for showcasing local talents and themes. Its accessibility to international airports makes it convenient for filmmakers, celebrities, and audiences from around the world. The temperate climate and outdoor venues are perfect for year-round events, and its mix of relaxation and adventure activities ensures a memorable experience for attendees.

Furthermore, Puerto Aventuras's growing reputation as a tourist and cultural hub means an international film festival would attract a diverse, global audience, enhancing its prestige and impact in the film industry.

Our mission is to provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work to an audience that appreciates the unique power of storytelling through film. PAIFF aims to foster a community of cultural exchange, where ideas and inspiration are shared among filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and the local community.

The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival promises to be a vibrant addition to the cultural landscape and local community, offering a unique experience for all participants. We invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of cinema and the stories that connect us all.

• Best Feature Film: Awarded to the best full-length film.
• Best Short Film: For outstanding films under.
• Best Documentary Feature: Recognizes excellence in documentary filmmaking.
• Best Documentary Short: Recognizes excellence in documentary filmmaking.
• Best Director Feature: Awarded for outstanding vision and direction.
• Best Director Short: Awarded for outstanding vision and direction.
• Best Screenplay: Recognizes exceptional writing.
• Best Cinematography: For exceptional camera work and visual storytelling.
• Best Editing: Recognizes skillful film editing.
• Best Actor: Awarded for outstanding acting performance by a male actor.
• Best Actress: Awarded for outstanding acting performance by a female actor.
• Audience Choice Award: Voted as the favorite by festival attendees.
• Best Experimental Film: Recognizes innovative and experimental filmmaking.
• Best First Film: Awarded to an outstanding debut feature or short film.
• Best Music Video: For excellence in music video production.
• Best Film Trailer: Recognizes excellence in creative editing.
• Best Original Score: Awarded for the best musical score.
• Best Sound Design: Recognizes excellence in sound editing and mixing.
• Special Jury Prize: A discretionary award given by the jury for various achievements.

The films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).
The scripts must be written in English.

By submitting the film or script, the submitter agrees that:
1. PAIFF can use trailer/teaser/film poster/stills or BTS and script excerpt for promotional purpose (but do not release, under any form or circumstances, the full film or script)
2. Entry fees are non-refundable.
3. The submitter owns all the rights to the film or script.
4. The information about the entries can be disclosed to PAIFF associate film festivals.
5. Submission cannot be withdrawn after the announcement of the official selection.

For student fee, it is mandatory the student status evidence (e.g. copy of student card included in the project).

For the public events, submitter must provide PAIFF with a DCP or, if not possible, full HD mov or mp4 digital file.

The projects that do not follow the rules & terms above can be automatically disqualified at the sole discretion of PAIFF.

Disclaimer:
(i) PAIFF We do not represent or can be represented by any other organization.

(ii) Also, we do not disclose any kind of information with third parties.

(iii) Finally, please be aware that we do not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

Important Notice: The submitter owns all the rights to the film, meaning that the submitted work (i) does not violate or infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark or any other personal or property right of any person or entity, that (ii) does not constitute or include a defamation of any person or entity, and that (iii) its representatives have paid and will pay in full all license fees, clearance fees, and other obligations, of any kind, arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film at or in connection with the Festival. Also, the submitter is duly authorized, on his own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights or interests (including, without limitation, intellectual property rights) in or relating to the film, to exhibit the film at the Festival.

PAIFF 2023 © All Rights Reserved

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Hospitality
Networking
  • James Downham

    I just attended the inaugural Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival. Set against the picturesque resort/marina town of Puerto Aventuras on the Caribbean, in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, it was incredible experience. The tropical surroundings and outdoor venues contributed to an easy-going and casual experience. Movies on the beach, informal networking sessions, and plenty of time to take in the local sights between events made for an exceptional experience. The events were well-organized, the hosts were friendly and approachable, and I particularly enjoyed the ability to network with other nominees and participants. This was my first Film Festival, and it exceeded my expectations. Several others I spoke to who have been to other Film Festivals expressed that PAIFF quickly became a favourite of theirs - particularly because of the tropical backdrop and casual setting. Given that this was the inaugural event, I expect it will only get better in the coming years.

    April 2024
  • Karolina Alvarez

    Thanks a lot for wonderful times with great people in beautiful place. The quality and freedom of expression of all the chosen project was the highest possible, thanks a lot for the best documentary director award and big effort from the part of organizators !!

    April 2024
  • It was truly an honor to screen not one but two of our latest shorts (DATING AUDREY and DOMINO SPRINGS) at the inaugural Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival. From the very beginning, the festival directors (Moe and Dewey) were extremely friendly and accessible — not to mention super talented filmmakers in their own rights. We sincerely appreciated them consistently promoting our work before, during, and after the event. Of course, as others have said, you can’t beat the tropical setting and laid back vibe of this festival, which was key for networking with all the other gifted artists. I know this festival will only become more sought out and even better over time. With three wins, we literally want to make movies just for the chance to visit again!

    April 2024
  • Johannes Thürmer

    It was a great festival with beautiful locations for the screenings. We saw excellent films and met a lot of inspiring people. Thank you very much for the wonderful time and selecting our film
    Money Maker: Saygin Yalcin for two awards (Best Documentary Short and Best Director).
    We hope to see you all soon.

    April 2024
  • I'm so grateful to have my BERLIN shown at the festival!!

    April 2024