CAAMFest

ELIGIBILITY

--- Films and media works about the Asian American experience are eligible.

--- Films and media works with subject matter not related to the Asian American experience are not eligible.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

FEATURES (Documentary and Narrative)
--- Running time of at least 41 minutes

SHORTS (Documentary and Narrative)
--- Running time of 40 minutes and under
--- Can include music videos, episodics, etc

ADDITIONAL NOTES

--- We understand that some works can be in multiple categories or defy categorization altogether. Please do your best to choose the category that best fits your work.

--- CAAMFest will consider films that are rough cuts or works-in-progress as long as the work is completed by February 1, 2026. Though we do encourage you to submit as close to the final cut as possible. If you do make an update to your film link after submission, we cannot guarantee that the new version will be considered.

--- Although a Bay Area premiere is strongly preferred for feature length films, we will still consider works of all premiere statuses.

--- All submissions must be digital. We cannot accept DVDs or hard copies.

--- Due to limited capacity, our programming team is not able to offer feedback or notes on your submission.

SUBTITLES
--- All non-English language films with dialogue must have English subtitles
--- English language films with subtitles are appreciated, but not required
--- In an effort to provide greater accessibility for our communities, we will ask if you’re able to provide audio descriptions, open and closed captioning but your response will not impact your eligibility or consideration.

SUBMISSION FEES
--- Multiple entries will be accepted. A separate entry and entry fee is required for each film submission; we do not offer refunds.
--- If you are a CAAMFest alum, meaning that CAAMFest has screened one of your feature or short films in a previous festival, then you are eligible for a fee waiver for ONE submission this year. Please email festival@caamedia.org.
--- A very limited number of discounted submission fees are granted on a case-by-case basis for filmmakers who demonstrate a financial need. Please email festival@caamedia.org for more info.
--- Entrants will be notified of festival selections in early April 2026

ENTRY DEADLINES
Early Bird Deadline: November 7, 2025: $35
Normal Deadline: December 12, 2025: $40

OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By submitting your film for consideration, the signatory of submission agrees to the following:

- Signatory has read, understood, and completed all eligibility requirements. To the best of your knowledge, all the information and statements in your submission is true.
- Signatory warrants that all necessary steps have been taken to obtain the rights to use and display the work that is submitted.
- Signatory grants CAAM permission to screen the above-mentioned work at CAAMFest 2026
- Signatory grants CAAM permission to use excerpts and photographic stills from accepted works for promotional purposes. CAAM must be notified in writing of any press and photo restrictions including hold reviews.