Artlas Film Festival (AFF)

February 13–18, 2027 | Saint Lucia, Caribbean

The Artlas Film Festival (AFF) launches its inaugural edition as the premier international film festival of Saint Lucia; an elite gathering of filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals from around the world.

Positioned in the heart of the Caribbean, AFF offers something rare in the global festival circuit: world-class cinematic recognition in an extraordinary destination.

While much of the Northern Hemisphere is in the depths of winter, AFF provides a February escape: sunshine, ocean air, and meaningful artistic exchange in one of the most visually stunning locations on earth.

Why Submit to AFF?
🌍 International Visibility

AFF is committed to showcasing high-quality films and screenplays from across the globe. Our programming balances international cinema with Caribbean excellence, creating a diverse and culturally rich platform.

🏆 Prestigious & Competitive

With a carefully curated selection process and a limited number of Official Selections, AFF prioritizes quality over quantity. Only a small percentage of submissions receive awards, maintaining competitive integrity and professional recognition.

🎓 Industry Development

AFF is more than screenings. The festival features professional workshops, filmmaker panels, and development discussions focused on:

Directing

Screenwriting

Cinematography

Producing

International distribution

Cross-cultural collaboration

Filmmakers gain not only exposure, but growth.

🤝 Real Connections

In a relaxed yet sophisticated environment, AFF fosters genuine networking — not rushed hallway encounters. Opening mixers, curated gatherings, and industry sessions create space for meaningful conversations and long-term partnerships.

📰 Press & Media Exposure

AFF is committed to amplifying selected films and filmmakers through coordinated press outreach across multiple levels:

🌍 Global Media Outreach

Selected projects may receive:

International digital press exposure

Festival feature spotlights

Social media promotion across global audiences

Interviews with international filmmakers attending the festival

🌎 Regional Caribbean Coverage

AFF works to ensure strong Caribbean-wide visibility through:

Regional cultural and entertainment publications

Caribbean film community networks

Broadcast and digital features highlighting participating filmmakers

🇱🇨 National & Local Media

As the island’s premier film event, AFF receives:

Coverage from Saint Lucian television networks

Radio interviews

Newspaper features

Government and tourism visibility

Local press attendance at screenings and awards

Filmmakers benefit from exposure in a growing cultural market eager to engage with international cinema.

🌴 A Festival Destination Experience

Saint Lucia is globally known for its iconic Pitons, turquoise waters, volcanic beaches, and luxury hospitality. AFF blends artistic excellence with a destination experience, allowing filmmakers to combine professional opportunity with island inspiration.

For many international guests, AFF offers:

A winter creative retreat

A unique travel opportunity

A festival experience that feels intentional and immersive

A Growing Caribbean Film Movement

Saint Lucia has produced a new wave of internationally recognized filmmakers, including Mathurine Emmanuel, Elijah Anatole, Kendal John, Ted Sandiford, and many others shaping the island’s cinematic voice.

AFF builds upon this momentum, positioning Saint Lucia as a serious emerging hub for global film dialogue.

What Sets AFF Apart

Multi-screen curated programming

Structured jury system

17 competitive awards

Screenplay competition (Feature & Short)

Professional workshops

International networking

Intimate, focused festival size

Destination-level experience

AFF is intentionally designed to avoid overcrowding. With limited selections and a carefully structured program, filmmakers receive visibility, engagement, and respect.

Our Mission

To connect Caribbean and international storytellers.
To elevate emerging and established voices.
To create a cinematic experience that is both prestigious and unforgettable.

Awards & Prizes

AFF 2027 – Official 17 Astra (Awards)
🥇 Festival Signature Astra (3)

1. Grand Jury Prize – Feature

2. Grand Jury Prize – Short

3. Audience Choice Award
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Regional Awards (2)

4. Best Saint Lucian Film

5. Best Caribbean Film
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International Awards (2)

6. Best International Feature

7. Best International Short
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Individual Awards (3)

8. Best Director

9. Best Actor

10. Best Actress
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Short Film Awards (3)

11. Best Narrative Short

12. Best Documentary Short

13. Best Experimental Short
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Specialty Award (1)

14. Best Faith-Based / Inspirational Film
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Screenplay Awards (2)

15. Best Feature Screenplay

16. Best Short Screenplay
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Craft Award (1)

17. Best Cinematography

Rules & Terms

Artlas Film Festival (AFF)
Rules & Terms – 2027 Edition

February 13–18, 2027

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Artlas Film Festival (AFF) is an international film and screenplay competition taking place in Saint Lucia from February 13–18, 2027.

By submitting to AFF, the entrant acknowledges and agrees to comply with all rules and regulations stated herein.

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Film Eligibility

Films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.

All genres are accepted.

Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway only.

Multiple entries are allowed but require separate submission fees.

The submitter must hold all necessary rights, including music, footage, and performances.

Screenplay Eligibility

Feature screenplays must be 70+ pages.

Short screenplays must be under 30 pages.

Scripts must be in English or translated to English.

The submitter must hold full copyright ownership.

Adaptations must have secured rights if based on existing material.

For Student Film submissions, the director must have been enrolled in an educational institution during production. Proof of student status may be requested by the festival.

• Valid student ID
• Enrollment letter from the school
• Transcript showing the production year
• Graduation confirmation if the film was made during school

Important:

The filmmaker must have been a student when the film was made, not necessarily when submitting.

If you are disqualified by not meeting student requirements, you will be asked to pay full fee to keep your film in the festival, otherwise, your film will be removed from selection. No refund will be issued.

3. PREMIERE STATUS

AFF does not require premiere status. However:

Saint Lucian premieres are encouraged.

Caribbean premieres are strongly encouraged.

Films that are publicly available online prior to the festival may still be considered.

4. SUBMISSION FEES

All submission fees are non-refundable.

Fee waivers are granted at the sole discretion of the festival.

Late submissions may incur higher fees.

5. SELECTION PROCESS

All submissions are reviewed by the AFF programming team and appointed jurors.

Official Selections will be notified via FilmFreeway.

Not all selected films are guaranteed screening in prime-time slots.

The festival reserves the right to determine screening schedules.

6. SCREENING REQUIREMENTS (FOR SELECTED FILMS)

Selected films must provide:

High-resolution screening file (DCP preferred or high-quality digital file).

Trailer and promotional materials.

Poster artwork (minimum 300 DPI).

Director headshot and biography.

Permission for clips (up to 60 seconds) to be used for promotional purposes.

Failure to provide materials by the designated deadline may result in disqualification.

7. AWARDS & JUDGING

AFF presents 17 official awards, including:

Grand Jury Prize – Feature

Grand Jury Prize – Short

Audience Choice Award

Best Saint Lucian Film

Best Caribbean Film

Best International Feature

Best International Short

Best Director (Feature)

Best Actor (Feature)

Best Actress (Feature)

Best Narrative Short

Best Documentary Short

Best Experimental Short

Best Faith-Based / Inspirational Film

Best Cinematography

Best Feature Screenplay

Best Short Screenplay

Awards are determined by appointed juries and/or audience voting where applicable.

All jury decisions are final.

8. SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

Screenplays are evaluated by industry professionals.

Winning scripts may receive table reads, development meetings, or recognition (subject to availability).

You must submit an Author Profile Image:
Requirements

• Size: 800 × 800 px
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1 (square)
• Format: JPG or PNG
• File size: under 2MB
• Background: neutral or simple
• Framing: head and shoulders
• Lighting: well lit, no harsh shadows

Send a full bio as well to info@artlasfilmfestival.com

AFF does not claim ownership or production rights of submitted scripts.

9. RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

By submitting, entrants grant AFF the right to:

Screen the film during the festival.

Use film stills, posters, and trailers for promotional purposes.

Use excerpts (up to 60 seconds) for press, social media, and marketing.

AFF does not claim ownership of any submitted work.

10. LIABILITY

The festival is not responsible for:

Technical submission errors.

Lost or corrupted files.

Copyright disputes between collaborators.

The entrant assumes full responsibility for securing all necessary rights.

11. DISQUALIFICATION

AFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:

Violates copyright laws.

Contains unlawful material.

Fails to meet submission guidelines.

Engages in misconduct toward festival staff or jurors.

12. CANCELLATION / FORCE MAJEURE

In the event of circumstances beyond the festival’s control (natural disasters, government restrictions, etc.), AFF reserves the right to:

Postpone the festival.

Transition to a hybrid or virtual format.

Modify screening arrangements.

Submission fees remain non-refundable.

13. AGREEMENT

By submitting to the Artlas Film Festival (AFF), the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all rules and regulations outlined above.

14. ATTENDANCE & NOMINEE POLICY

AFF prioritizes filmmaker presence as part of its commitment to fostering meaningful artistic exchange.

Nominees and Official Selections are expected to attend the festival or appoint a representative.

Nominees who fail to notify the festival of absence prior to the event may forfeit eligibility for on-stage award recognition.

All attendance adjustments must be communicated in writing in advance.

15. ACCREDITATION & BADGE COLLECTION

All Official Selections, nominees, jurors, panelists, and accredited guests must collect their festival badges in person.

Badges must be collected at one of the following times:

During the Opening Mixer on Saturday, February 13, 2027

Sunday morning prior to the scheduled workshop session

Badges will not be mailed in advance.

Participants who are unable to collect their badges during the designated times must notify the festival in writing prior to arrival in order to make special arrangements.

Failure to collect accreditation badges may result in restricted access to screenings, workshops, networking events, and the awards ceremony.

AFF reserves the right to deny access to any individual without proper accreditation.

AFF is committed to fostering diversity, artistic excellence, and cultural representation from Saint Lucia, the Caribbean, and the international filmmaking community.