The 2020 Joshua Tree International Film Festival’s mission is to provide a platform for independent and noteworthy films and filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and the diverse audience that recognizes the Morongo Basin as an oasis of creativity, art and culture throughout the international arts community.

With special focus and support for projects that encompass the diverse vision of cinema and bring to light the perspectives of indigenous cultures from around the world, we hope to cast the widest possible net to grow future generations of filmmakers and movie goers in the Morongo Basin and beyond

The theme for JTIFF 2020 is SOUL of the DESERT. We are seeking films that explore journeys that inspire audiences to connect with diverse communities, commune in the human experience and challenge paradigms, inspiring SOUL-filled transformation. Accepted genres are listed below.

Awards & Prizes

The JTIFF/Black Lotus Spirit Awards will be presented as certificates of Achievement in Film for Outstanding Feature and Outstanding Short. Winners will receive an all expense overnight camping trip for two (2) at the Indian Cove Campgrounds inside Joshua Tree National Park, redeemable throughout 2020.

Rules & Terms

2020 JOSHUA TREE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: MAY 29-31
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

The Joshua Tree International Film Festival (JTIFF) prefers online entries submitted via filmfreeway.com, which provides cost-saving, paperless submission. This internet-only submission platform features online applications via one master entry form, online fee payments, press kits, and the option to use Secure Online Screeners, and is an economical, eco-friendly, and secure alternative to traditional hard-copy submissions. Fill out one master entry form and take advantage of quick entry, extended deadlines, and powerful submission management tools. There’s no extra cost to you. Submit your film today!

Dates indicate when your film MUST BE POSTMARKED by. If your film is not postmarked by the deadline that you have registered for, you will be prompted to make an additional payment to bring your account up to date. Once you have filled out the application, mail a DVD or Blu-ray and write your tracking number on the face of your submission AND on the front of your envelope. Mail your submission to the address below. The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to the JTIFF. Entries must be POSTMARKED by deadlines. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that if chosen to screen during the dates of the festival, JTIFF will not pay any additional screening fees presented by the submitter.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Feature films must have been completed after January 1, 2017.

Although films to Premiere at the Festival are highly desired, we welcome non-premiere works as well.

Feature films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English for Festival presentation.

Filmmakers must deliver final DVD/Blu-ray and ALL promotional materials for Festival no later than April 3, 2020. No exceptions will be permitted.

JTIFF
Attn..: Programming
73065 Sun Valley Drive
Twentynine Palms, California 92277
United States

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
If your film is selected for exhibition, please be advised that the Festival will require:
• All films must be submitted on DVD or Blu-ray disc.
• Digital press kits with photo stills (color and black/white).
• Trailer, poster, postcards, and EPK to maximize exposure for your film.
• All foreign films, features and short films in languages other than English must be
subtitled in English to be considered for Festival presentation.

ALL materials must be received no later than March 10, 2020. No exceptions will be permitted.

ENTRY FEES
Payment in US dollars MUST be made by credit card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express). Do not send cash.

Early Bird
• Feature Films (50 mins.+) $30.00 (Int’l-$40.00)
• Short Films (Under 50 mins.) $20.00 (Int’l-$30.00)

Official
• Feature $50.00 (Int’l-$60.00)
• Short $40.00 (Int’l-$50.00)

Late
• Feature $70.00 (Int’l-$80.00)
• Short $60.00 (Int’l-$70.00)

LABELING
For all submissions, include the English language title and the running time on the DVD or Blu-ray. Indicate the region-coding of the disc, and if the DVD is in PAL format, print “PAL” on the disc.

MULTIPLE ENTRIES
You may submit more than one film, but each one must be on a separate DVD or Blu-ray and must be accompanied by its own completed submission form AND entry fee.

SHIPPING
All costs for shipping submission materials to and from Joshua Tree, CA are the responsibility of the sender. Ship your materials in a protective envelope. The Festival recommends bubble-pack envelopes over fiber-pack envelopes as the fiber type can lead to damaged DVDs and Blu-ray and players. The Festival is not responsible for damage to submitted materials incurred in shipping.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
All entries from outside the US should be sent Air Mail Registered or by a parcel or express service. We cannot accept entries shipped via air-freight if customs and delivery fees have not been paid.

LIABILITY
Although every possible care will be taken with tapes and films while in our possession, the Joshua Tree Film Festival cannot accept responsibility for loss or damaged submissions. Do not send original prints or tapes. Please keep the JTFF notified of any address/phone number changes.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS CHECK LIST
• Completed SUBMISSION FORM, submitted electronically via filmfreeway.com.
• Online digital submission
• For feature-length films (50 min. or more), submit two DVD or Blu-Ray discs. For short
films (under 50 min.) submit one DVD or Blu-Ray.
• Entry fee payment
• No press kits to be submitted in the submission process.

All submission materials must be delivered together in one package. Do not deliver your submission materials until you have completed your online entry and be sure that your online entry number is printed clearly on all materials. Please note: NO DVD/Blu-Rays or any other submission materials will not be returned. All materials will be recycled through a secured facility at the conclusion of the Festival.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bob Akins

    About a week before this festival's event date...it was cancelled.
    I'm just glad I didn't purchase plane tickets or something to get to there. Some of my cast and crew had already adjusted their schedules to attend though, so that sucks. I truly hope none of the other filmmakers got stuck with travel expenses etc due to the festivals incompetence.

    The email announcing the cancellation said refunds would be issued "immediately" - which did not happen (had to work with Film Freeway on this). The email also said, festival winners would be "announced by the end of the week" - which never happened.

    This was the 2nd year of the festival....take a look at the reviews for it's first year and it is quite apparent that this is one to avoid (if they try again next year)

    October 2016
    Helpful
  • Matt Bosson

    A few days before the 2nd Joshua Tree International Film Festival was to begin, the organizer announced that the festival was cancelled. I'm lucky in that I had already decided not to attend. I had invited some of my friends to attend the festival and see my film, and so had to make several embarrassing calls to let them know the fest was cancelled. The organizer also said he would announce the festival winners in the next week, but that has not happened either, as far as I know.
    In a way, I was not really that surprised. I had a sense that this festival was poorly run. But I feel bad for my fellow filmmakers who no doubt spent precious time and money in publicity and plans to attend the festival. That's pretty crappy thing to have happen.

    September 2016
    Helpful
  • Jim Politano

    In my many years of being in film festivals around the country, this was by far the worst experience I ever had. The problems with this were too many to list here. Hardly any films were shown because of no equipment and no venues. The little town of Joshua Tree was hardly ready to handle such an event, which turned into a disaster almost from the start. The organizer went into hiding after he realized what a mess he created. The final result was filmmakers paid lots of money on hotels and travel expenses only to never have their film shown. The few that screened were because filmmakers used their own laptops on borrowed local TV's. Lies about celebrities showing up added to this fraud. Totally insane. Submit at your own risk.

    May 2016
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Dear Jim,

    Thank you for your review. Your experience at our first festival is unfortunate, and we expressed sincere apologies to audiences and filmmakers alike. A majority of participants understood that first time efforts can be a bit rocky, and some will be returning this year as guests.

    Yes, our first festival last year was quite the event. Beset by major technical difficulties on opening night. overwhelmed and unprepared to handle the screening of so many films, and a improperly prepared staff were among the issues that we experienced. This year will be different.

    In the months leading up to the 2016 JTIFF, we have been developing and planning, so that things will go more smoothly. "Half the films, half the venues, double the fun" is our un-official motto this time around. I encourage you to consider some of your first efforts, and understand that success requires learning from past mistakes, with a determined spirit to get better. The 2016 JTIFF will be better this year and every year to come. We welcome your input.

    Ashe,
    Eric "Q" Quander
    JTIFF Founder