Celebrate indie film in the old west!

The Wyoming International Film Festival isn't just another film fest, it's a 4-day celebration of filmmakers and art from around the world! Screenings in a state-of-the-art theater, filmmaker Q&As, live dance, live music, unique western experiences, art and photography exhibitions, and nightly parties give filmmakers ample opportunity to network and exhibit their work - and most important of all - have a blast while visiting Wyoming! WyoIFF is capped off with an award ceremony where we present 21 awards, along with other prizes, to the winners of the festival. Join us for food, fun, and film!

WyoIFF welcomes movies from all over the world! We accept features, shorts, narratives, documentaries, and web series of every genre. The Wyoming International Film Festival is committed to screening a diverse slate of stories with a broad spectrum of genres, topics and styles. Because we are a film festival run by filmmakers; the WyoIFF team guarantees every submission is watched by a selection committee of experienced industry professionals.

Our alumni include Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Lee, Lily Gladstone, Willie Nelson, Eric Roberts, Lee Child, Ralph Inerson, Jefferson White, as well as more than 2 dozen Emmy Award Winning filmmakers! At WyoIFF you won’t just find celebrity helmed films; we pride ourselves on a robust mix of industry professionals, up-and-coming directors, as well as first time filmmakers. With nightly networking events you will be sure to build lasting connections and lifelong relationships!

Formerly the Cheyenne Film Festival; The Wyoming International Film Festival has been dedicated to developing the film community in Wyoming since our inception in 2010. In 2021 WyoIFF grew to include the annual Wyoming 48 Hour Film Festival, and in 2022 further branched off to include the Wyoming Dance Film Fest! If you are a Wyoming resident, if your film was shot in Wyoming, or features Wyoming as a setting or story point, you can submit in either the "Wyoming Film" or "Wyoming Documentary" categories.

In an effort to create a more inclusive film program, and to give more opportunities to independent filmmakers, the Wyoming International Film Festival has partnered with several filmmaking organizations and institutions. If you are a member of any of these organizations, you are eligible for additional discounts. Please contact your member representative to access your discount code.
• Alliance of Women Directors
• International Documentary Association
• New York Film Academy

The Wyoming International Film Festival awards 14 Grand Jury Awards and 6 Audience Choice Awards!

Grand Jury Awards

• Best Narrative Feature
• Best Documentary Feature
• Best Wyoming Film
• Best Wyoming Documentary
• Best Narrative Short
• Best Documentary Short
• Best Director of a Feature Film
• Best Director of a Short Film
• Best Actress in a Feature
• Best Actress in a Short
• Best Actor in a Feature
• Best Actor in a Short
• Best Screenplay of a Feature Film
• Best Screenplay of a Short Film
• Best Music or Dance Video

Audience Choice Awards

• Best Narrative Feature
• Best Documentary Feature
• Best Wyoming Film
• Best Wyoming Documentary
• Best Narrative Short
• Best Documentary Short

Premiere Status – All films must be a Wyoming premiere.

Distribution & Online - With the exception of Web Series and Music Videos, films that are publicly available online, or are available to the public through a distribution service, are ineligible for submission.

Run Time –
• Short films and short docs: 0–25 min.
• Feature films and feature docs: 40-120 min.
• Wyoming films and docs: 0-120 min.
• Music videos: 0-8 min.
• Web series: 0-15 min.

English Language or English Subtitles – All films submitted to the Wyoming International Film Festival must be in English or have English Subtitles.

Delivery – Films must be delivered in .mov or mp4 format. We do not accept any other formats.

Genre – The Wyoming International Film Festival accepts films of all genres. This includes but is not limited to; action, animation, biographical, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental, genre (horror, sci-fi, fantasy, etc.) LGBTQ+, musical, music video, mystery, political, romance, sports, thriller, web series, western or period piece, etc.

Web Series – This category is for narrative or documentary episodic series produced exclusively for distribution on the web. Filmmakers may submit multiple episodes totaling up to 15 minutes. Episodes must be contained on the same screener. For awards purposes web series will be considered in the “Short Film” categories. Web Series made in Wyoming may submit under the “Wyoming Film” category for a discount.

Wyoming Films – To qualify as a Wyoming Film or Wyoming Documentary the project must meet one of the following criteria. The programming committee reserves the right to disqualify films that do not meet the criteria.
• The director of the film is a current resident of Wyoming.
• At least 50% of the film was shot in Wyoming.
• Wyoming strongly features as a character, setting, or plot point in the film.

Waiver Requests – WyoIFF only issues waivers under very specific circumstances, including but not limited to; filmmakers in countries under economic sanctions from the U.S., filmmakers from countries on the United Nation's list of LDCs, & refugees. Waivers are not issued to students, self-funded films, or films supported by grants or scholarships. To request a waiver email our staff and fill out our waiver request form.

Screening Fee - WyoIFF does not offer screening fees.

Refunds - WyoIFF does not issue refunds.

Agreement of Use – Selected films agree to allow the festival to use screen shots, clips, trailers, posters, or other materials to promote the film and festival. Filmmakers and guests agree to allow the festival to use their likeness in any photo, video, or audio recordings to promote the film and festival.

Age of Film – Films cannot have been produced any earlier than January 1st, 2023. Films produced in 2022 and older are ineligible.

Copyright – By submitting filmmakers acknowledge they own the full copyright to their film, soundtrack, and all other elements contained within the film, and have the legal right to exhibit the film in the United States. The festival takes no responsibility for any copyright violations, and the filmmaker agrees they are the sole responsible party of their work.

Non-Discrimination – The Wyoming International Film Festival has a strict non-discrimination policy and has zero tolerance for films promoting discrimination. Any film that actively promotes hate speech or discrimination against any protected class (Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Ability, Age, etc.) will be immediately disqualified.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Akshay Ravi

    WYOIFF was such a unique and eye-opening experience! From the moment you set foot in Cheyenne, the festival organizers welcome you with true frontier hospitality, immersing you in everything the area has to offer - when you’re not catching the various blocks of incredible films from around the world. Truly a one-of-a-kind film - nay, ARTS - festival experience!

    September 2024
  • Casey De Fremery

    I unfortunately wasn’t able to attend this year for my film “Chorus Notes” but friends of mine who did attend testified that WIFF ran a great festival! They were very communicative and helpful in the run up to the festival and on my next submissions will definitely try to make it. I blame capitalism

    September 2024
  • Michael Friberg

    Our short You Are Here played at WOIFF this year and we had a great time at the festival. Rudy and his team were so thoughtful about the programing and I have to say, our shorts block was the strongest we have had a chance to be a part of so far on our festival run. The events in the evening were low key and fun and I met a lot of other great film makers.

    August 2024
  • Bernadette Chapman

    An exceptional festival, hands down. The kindest people rolled out the red carpet for all us filmmakers. We were honored to be included with so many high quality films.

    August 2024
  • Ashleigh Coffelt

    While I wasn't able to attend the festival in person, the communication was always quick and attentive. We're sad we weren't able to make all the fun events that were planned. Forever honored to have our film, First You, Then I in the Wyoming International Film Festival!

    August 2024