The annual Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) was founded on the vision of creating a platform for a diverse presentation of films from around the globe. A hub of global connection for over two-decades, the Annual Arpa IFF has cultivated a space of discovery, imagination and inspiration by showcasing local and international cinema that explores all facets of the human condition. Our festival prides itself on championing a dynamic and international collection of filmmakers, joining in the celebration of unapologetic storytelling. The Arpa International Film Festival is a beautiful collaboration of talented, passionate individuals who come together in the pursuit of change; to move an audience, and to help tell stories that touch all.

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Arpa International Film Festival, the signature event of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA).

Thank you for your support!

Awards & Prizes

- BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($600)
- BEST FEATURE DIRECTOR AWARD ($500)
- BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY AWARD ($500)
- BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY AWARD ($500)
- BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY ($400)
- BEST SHORT NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($400)
- BEST ANIMATION AWARD ($400)
- BEST MUSIC VIDEO AWARD ($400)

Rules & Terms

GENERAL FESTIVAL RULES

• The Arpa International Film Festival (“Festival”, “Arpa IFF”) accepts films from all countries and in all languages worldwide that have been produced within the past 2 years.

• All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.

• It is preferred that your film has not been through formal and online distribution channels.

• Entry fee is per category and is non-refundable, and submission does not guarantee screening at the Theater Festival.

• Once a film submission gets accepted, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2025 Official Selection laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:
- Basic info (film title, country and year of production, names for director, screenwriter, producer, cast, short synopsis, and list of important screenings/awards)
- Film poster and film stills (high-res JPG or PNG images)
- Vimeo or YouTube download link to official film trailer in HD 1920x1080 MOV or MP4 format
- Web link to the official film trailer open to public on YouTube or Vimeo

• Once a film submission gets a Nominee status, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2025 Nominee laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:

- Web link to the official film screener or Film Freeway page
- Confirmation of filmmaker's festival attendance

• All film entries selected for the festival grant Arpa IFF the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

• Festival reserves the right to change any of this information (including festival dates, venues, events, awards and eligibility requirements) without further notice.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Screening Fees or Rental Fees: Festival does NOT CONSIDER films that require any screening/rental fees.

• Promotional, instructional, industrial, corporate films, and raw documentary footage of any kind are not eligible either.

• Film Categories: Festival accepts submissions of Feature Narrative, Feature-Length Documentary, Short Documentary, Short Narrative, Animated Films, and Music Videos.

• Language: All submitted films must be in English or with English subtitles (We prefer to avoid films dubbed in English, as they often feel unnatural to American audiences. However, if dubbing is your only option, we’re happy to accommodate).

• Duration/Running Time (including your film credits):
- Feature Narrative Film: No less than 40 minutes, but no more than 180 minutes
- Short Narrative Film: Less than 40 minutes
- Feature-Length Documentary: No Less than 40 minutes
- Short Documentary: Less than 40 minutes
- Animation: Less than 120 minutes
- Music Video: Less than 10 minutes

• If your film is selected for screening, you may be required to provide an uncompressed ProRes MOV file along with closed caption files.

FESTIVAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. You have read, understood and fully complied with all General Festival Rules, Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions stated here.
2. The film you are submitting is not the subject of any litigation or threatened litigation, and you have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
3. You are duly authorized to submit this film to the competition.
4. You hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from any damage to the print(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film print. In addition, you agree to hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from cost and/or damages incurred as a result from any litigation and or threatened litigation as a result of the screenings of the film.
5. The number(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the screenings of films are at the discretion of the Festival.
6. The Festival reserves the right to change or adjust any and all festival rules, awards and guidelines without notice.
7. The Festival reserves the right to complete any information not supplied by the Filmmaker or Film Supplier from whatever source available and will not be responsible for any incorrect information.
8. Films may not be withdrawn after acceptance into the Festival.
9. No hidden fees during the submission process whatsoever. In addition, no requests for screening fees or any other kind of reimbursement are allowed after acceptance into the Festival.
10. Unclaimed film prints will be discarded one year after the last day of the present Festival.
11. By submitting your film to Arpa IFF via FilmFreeway, you hereby grant the Festival all necessary rights to screen this film and use reasonable parts of the film for purposes of advertising and promotion.
12. To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true.
43 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mikheil Gabaidze

    All the experiences that come with participating in festivals are very important. I congratulate all the participants and wish the festival leaders success.

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Mikheil - Thank you for submitting your film to our festival. We were delighted and honored to have had the opportunity to showcase your creative work. We deeply appreciate your contribution and hope you consider us again in the future.

  • Toma Enache

    It was an honor to have Enescu, jupuit de viu included among such a remarkable lineup of films. Winning the prize here is not only a recognition of my work but also a validation of the courage it takes to tell challenging stories. I am deeply grateful to the jury for this honor and to the festival for championing voices like mine.

    The festival provided a platform not just for competition but also for meaningful exchange. The Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking events were invaluable, offering filmmakers a chance to connect with peers and audiences in a vibrant, supportive environment. It was particularly inspiring to engage with viewers whose insightful questions and comments affirmed the universal resonance of the themes explored in my film, the first movie about our universal genius of a composer, George Enescu.

    ARPA IFF has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the international independent film community, and this year’s edition further solidified its reputation. The festival’s dedication to showcasing a diverse range of voices and stories was evident in its meticulously curated program, which brought together innovative works from across the globe.

    Thank you!

    December 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Toma - It was our pleasure and honor to screen your exceptional work at the Harmony Gold Theater. Your creativity and dedication to filmmaking captivated our audience and made a significant impact on our event.

    We appreciate the opportunity to showcase your film, and we look forward to seeing more of your remarkable work in the future.

  • Sonja Bertucci

    The Arpa Film Festival is a wonderful and magical event, and I was incredibly honored to screen The Diamond Couple in competition at the magnificent Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood. The organization was perfect: the festival organizers and the entire staff was passionate, friendly, and supportive, such that one had the impression of being part of a family. I saw some incredible films that I never would have been able to see elsewhere and meeting the talent behind these films was an amazing opportunity. It is an event that showcases the art and craft of cinema: a festival for cinephiles in the heart of Hollywood. I am extraordinarily grateful to all organizers, the selection committee, and the entire staff, as it was clear how much love and work went into making this festival one of the best ever.

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We were honored to screen your film and share it with our audience. We’re thrilled to hear that you felt a sense of family and community. It’s the type of experience we strive to create every year. Your kind words means a lot to our team, and we’re grateful for your appreciation of the effort and love that went into this event. We hope to see you again at future festivals and wish you continued success with your work.

  • Denise Gentilini

    Elegant, classy and wonderful talent they honored

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Alessandro Fiorucci

    it was an amazing experience. This festival is so special! thank you for your job! well done!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for sharing your short film with us. It was a pleasure to screen it, and we were thrilled to have the chance to showcase your work to our audience. We look forward to seeing more of your unique storytelling in the future and hope you'll submit again.