Picture this: catch a great film, chat with some cool people, grab some great food, go for a quick dip in the crystal blue water in the middle of the day, catch some more great films, and by ends day clamp by the beach to watch the sun kiss the horizon.

Who wouldn't want that kind of film festival experience?

The production of the Cabo Verde International Film Festival was, and continues to be, inspired by the morabeza, the enchanted landscapes, and the electrifying vibe of Sal Island. It provides the perfect backdrop for an international film festival experience; it is a paradise par excellence. Our mission is to bring together Art, Cinema and Industry, while presenting a bazaar of exceptional films and filmmakers from around the world.

The officially selected films will compete for awards in their respective categories and the Parda Award, which goes to the best film of the festival. Members of the jury will vote for the Parda Award as well as the awards for Best Short Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Feature Film, and Best Feature Documentary. All award winners will be announced during the official closing of the festival, which is also announced in real time through social media. No monetary prize is granted.

ENTRY ELIGIBILITY FOR COMPETITION:
• Film must be completed prior to submission
• Film must be independently financed
• Short: less than 45 minutes
• Feature: 45 minutes or longer
• Filmmaker is allowed to submit more than one project
• Film and trailer must be in MPEG or MP4 format
• All films submitted are legally authorized to use all music, images, and content
• Film must have subtitles prior to submission:
1) if the dialogue is in any language other than Cabo Verdean Creole or Portuguese, it must have Portuguese subtitles;
2) if the dialogue is in Cabo Verdean Creole or Portuguese, it must have English subtitles

FILMS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COMPETITION:
• previously submitted to Cabo Verde International Film Festival
• have aired on any Cabo Verde television prior to festival dates
• are available for purchase on DVD in Cabo Verde
• are available for public online viewing in its entirety
• animated
• student (not a option for this edition)

ENTRY CATEGORIES:
• Feature Film
• Feature Documentary
• Short Film
• Short Documentary

SUBMISSION FEES:
• Feature Film & Feature Documentary: 3.500 CVE / 35 USD /35 Euros
• Short Film & Short Documentary: 2.500 CVE / 25 USD / 25 Euros

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
• Film and trailer must be in MPEG or MP4 format

OFFICIAL SELECTION:
A CVIFF selection committee will make the official selection. Officially selected films will be notified via FilmFreeway.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I was never invited for this festival. Beyond the Selection notification after the paid submission, there was no further communication on ANYTHING.

    January 2019
  • Jeremy Rigby

    A FIVE Star International Film Festival in one of the most beaitiful destinations in the World! Highly recommended and very professional. I truly believe Cabo Verde International Film Festival will continue to grow and will one-day be recognised as one of the greats. Whilst I was unable to attend the festival made me feel welcome and their correspondence was refreshing. From social media posts the festival looked like it was a great success and I am honoured to have been selected. Thank you.

    October 2017
  • Flávio Colombini

    Wonderful festival! I loved that my film was exhibited in a beach screening!

    October 2017
  • Kai Staats

    While I was unable to attend the festival in person due to other obligations, I was very impressed with the quality of communication--personal, timely, and professional. Very well run!

    March 2017
  • Carla Jay Shah Laroche

    Although I was physically unable to attend the festival I was very pleased by how the organisers communicated with me throughout. Was a pleasure to have my film selected by them.

    December 2016