Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF)

Produced by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA)

The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) is an international film festival established in 2012 and proudly produced by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. Founded by Latinos, GALIFF celebrates the power of storytelling to connect cultures, inspire change, and showcase the creative excellence of filmmakers from around the world—especially those of Latino heritage or background—while remaining fully inclusive and open to all voices.

Though rooted in the Latino experience, GALIFF embraces the universal language of film, serving as a bridge between cultures and highlighting creativity, innovation, and shared humanity through the art of cinema.

Hosted in the City of Atlanta, as well as Gwinnett County, Fulton County, and DeKalb County, the festival brings together international filmmakers, industry professionals, students, and audiences for several days of screenings, masterclasses, networking events, and cultural celebrations. GALIFF provides a platform for storytellers to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate in shaping the future of global filmmaking.

Supported annually by the Georgia Film and TV Office, the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, and the Georgia Production Partnership, GALIFF continues to be a dynamic force in advancing cultural representation and creative collaboration within Georgia’s thriving film industry.

Mission of GALIFF

The mission of the Georgia Latino International Film Festival is to build awareness and appreciation for film as an art form while creating meaningful educational and networking opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers. GALIFF is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry by connecting audiences with powerful stories that reflect the beauty, challenges, and contributions of the global Latino experience—alongside voices from every culture and community.

Vision of GALIFF

The vision of GALIFF is to create an enduring international platform where storytellers from all backgrounds can share their creative work, celebrate cultural exchange, and inspire the next generation of filmmakers. GALIFF aims to ensure that Latino and multicultural stories continue to be seen, heard, and valued in Hollywood, Georgia, and beyond—shaping a future where inclusion, collaboration, and creativity thrive on a global scale.

Mission of GALFA

The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) exists to educate, promote, and inspire filmmakers—particularly Latinos and other underrepresented voices—through the transformative power of film. GALFA is committed to creating opportunities for talent from all backgrounds by fostering inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic storytelling in film and television.

Vision of GALFA

Our vision is to position Georgia as a global hub for cinematic creativity and cross-cultural collaboration—where diverse voices, stories, and perspectives are celebrated and amplified. We strive to cultivate a thriving creative community that empowers filmmakers to inspire social change, nurture cultural pride, and ensure that every generation sees itself represented on screen and behind the camera.

Awards & Prizes

The event offers laurels and awards to all winning short and long-form movies, directors, actors, actresses, web series, and best student films.

GALIFF Awards Fees:

Our submission fees are affordable compared to other film festivals. The Georgia Latino Film Alliance charges the following fees:

Please do not forget to add shipping fees.

Awards, Commemorative Statuettes & Replacement Statuettes: $350 each studios, and production companies may order a commemorative statuette for public display at their place of business (up to a maximum of three per winning entry). The statuette is engraved with the same information as the actual GALIFF Award.

Replacement statuettes may be ordered for a statuette that has been broken. All pieces of the statuette must be returned to our office. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery (depending on the delivery option chosen).

GALIFF Plaques: $225 each GALIFF plaques may be purchased by individuals designated by the entrant of a GALIFF-awarded entry. The plaque measures 10 ½ x 13 and features an inscribed gold plate with the GALIFF logo. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Original Certificates: $150 each GALIFF certificates may be purchased by individuals who contributed to a GALIFF-awarded entry but were not listed on the original entry form. Please send a brief letter stating the credit (director, editor, etc.), entry title, entry category, and year awarded. GALIFF awards must be approved by the chapter before the order is placed. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Only one certificate per name can be purchased.

Nomination Plaques: $225 each The GALIFF offers a plaque commemorating work on GALIFF Award-nominated pieces. The rosewood plaque measures 8 x 10 and features an inscribed gold plate with the GALIFF logo. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Only one award per name can be purchased.

Nomination or Contributor Commemorative Curved Glass: $180 each

Nomination: The GALIFF offers a curved glass award commemorating work on GALIFF-nominated pieces.

Contributor: These awards may also be purchased by individuals who contributed to a GALIFF-awarded entry but were not listed on the original entry form.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Only one award per name can be purchased.

AWARDS LIST:

Audience Choice Award: In recognition of captivating, engaging, and leaving a lasting impression on the Georgia Latino International Film Festival audience.

Youth Choice Award: In recognition of captivating, engaging, and leaving a lasting impression on the Georgia Latino International Film Festival youth audience.

Best Director: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills as a director in a film.

Best Feature Actress: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as an actress in a feature film.

Best Feature Actor: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as an actor in an international film.

Best Short Film Actress: In recognition of the exceptional talent and promise displayed by actresses in short films, celebrating their contributions to impactful storytelling and cinematic excellence.

Best Short Film Actor: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as an actor in a short film.

Best Student Short Film: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of student short filmmaking.

Best Supporting Actress: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as a supporting actress in a film.

Best Supporting Actor: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as a supporting actor in a film.

Best Female Director: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills as a director in a short film.

Rising Female Director: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as a female director in a film.

Rising Director: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as a director in a film.

Rising Star: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as an actor or actress in a film.

Best Georgia Production Short Film: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of short filmmaking in Georgia.

Revelation of the Year: In recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to filmmaking and storytelling in a film.

Best Animation: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of animation.

Best Stop Motion Animation: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of animation.

Best Georgia Writer (Short Film): In recognition of exceptional achievements and contributions to storytelling in a short film.

Georgia Best Actor: In recognition of exceptional talent and promise as an actor within the Georgia Latino film community.

Best Musical Documentary: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of documentary filmmaking.

Best Documentary: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of documentary filmmaking.

Best Director of Photography: In recognition of outstanding contributions as director of photography in a film.

Best Production Design: In recognition of outstanding set design and remarkable use of locations, bringing the story to life with visual brilliance.

Best International Director: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills as a director in an international film.

AfroLatino Film Award: Recognizing and honoring filmmakers who bring AfroLatino stories to life, celebrating culture, resilience, and community through film.

Best Costume Design: In recognition of outstanding attention to detail and creativity in costume design, bringing characters and stories to life with authenticity and style.

Best Soundtrack Award: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in music storytelling and production.

Best Musical Video Award: In recognition and honoring exceptional creativity, storytelling, and the fusion of music and visual art.

Best Score Award: In recognition of outstanding achievements in film scoring, celebrating dramatic underscoring, musical storytelling, and production excellence.

Civil Rights Award: In recognition of exceptional contributions to the field of civil rights through film and storytelling.

Trailblazer Award: Honoring extraordinary achievements that redefine boundaries in filmmaking, celebrating groundbreaking contributions to storytelling, style, and technique.

Voices Award: In recognition of exceptional talent and expertise in showcasing the unheard voices of the Latino community.

Next Generation Award: Celebrating a young actor or actress whose exceptional performances and undeniable potential position them as a leading voice in the future of cinema.

Best Horror Feature Film: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of horror filmmaking.

Best Writer: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in storytelling and scriptwriting for a film.

Best Latino LGBTQ+ Feature: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in exploring storytelling and celebrating Latino LGBTQ+ identity through film.

Best Latino LGBTQ+ Short Film: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in exploring storytelling and celebrating Latino LGBTQ+ identity through short films.

Best Cinematography: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of cinematography.

Best Comedy: In recognition of exceptional talent, skills, and performances that bring laughter and joy to audiences.

Best International Feature Film: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of international feature filmmaking and storytelling.

Best International Short Film: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the field of international short filmmaking and storytelling.

Best Producers: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in film production.

Best Editing Film: In recognition of exceptional talent and vision in the field of film editing.

Web Series Award: In recognition of exceptional talent and skills in the art of filmmaking for a web series.

5 Honorable Mentions a year

We are recognizing exceptional talent and contributions to impactful storytelling and creativity in filmmaking.

GALIFF Complimentary Certificates

GALIFF awards five complimentary certificates to recognize exceptional contributions and attitudes demonstrated during the festival:

GALIFF Radiant Spirit – Female: In recognition of exceptional talent, creativity, kindness, warmth, and a positive attitude towards GALIFF and everyone at the event.

GALIFF Radiant Spirit – Male: In recognition of exceptional talent, creativity, kindness, warmth, and a positive attitude towards GALIFF and everyone at the event.

GALIFF Empathy and Appreciation Honor (Male): Given to a loyal moviegoer in recognition of exceptional kindness, warmth, and a positive attitude towards GALIFF and everyone at the event, as well as consistent support for GALIFF events and films throughout the festival.

GALIFF Empathy and Appreciation Honor (Female): Given to a loyal moviegoer in recognition of exceptional kindness, warmth, and a positive attitude towards GALIFF and everyone at the event, as well as consistent support for GALIFF events and films throughout the festival.

GALIFF Empathy and Appreciation Honor (Group, Family, or Organization): Given to a loyal group, family, or organization in recognition of exceptional kindness, warmth, and a positive attitude towards GALIFF and everyone at the event, as well as consistent support for GALIFF events and films throughout the festival.

Rules & Terms

Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF): Rules & Policies
Submission Guidelines & Criteria
Create, Don’t Wait! To be eligible for judicial review, all submissions must be complete. Any film submitted without the following assets will not be presented to the judges:

YouTube or Vimeo Trailer

Promotional Posters (Minimum of one)

Film Overview & 250-word Synopsis

Director’s Bio & Statement

Social Media Links & Website

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Images & Credits

Eligibility:

Latino Representation: Entries must be written, directed, produced, and/or principally acted by Latinos.

Recency: Films must have been completed within the last two years.

Language: Spanish or Caribbean language films must include English subtitles. All other non-English films must also be subtitled.

Technical Requirements & Digital Delivery
GALIFF has transitioned to a fully digital workflow. We no longer accept Blu-rays or CDs.

Initial Submission: All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway using a Vimeo link. If password-protected, the password must remain active throughout the selection process.

Final Exhibition Formats: If selected, filmmakers must provide:

A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) sent directly to the assigned theater (GALIFF will provide theater contact info and specific format requirements).

A backup Digital File via WeTransfer or Google Drive.

Physical Backup Requirement: All selected films (regardless of duration) must submit a copy of the film on a High-Speed, Shockproof Portable External SSD.

Labeling: All drives must be labeled with the Title, Runtime, Director’s Name, Phone Number, and Email.

Accessibility: All films must include Closed Captioning.

Attendance & Promotion Policy
Mandatory Attendance: GALIFF is a premier networking event. At least three representatives (e.g., Director, Producer, Lead Actor) must attend the festival and be present for the film’s screening and mandatory Q&A session.

Note: Films will be removed from the schedule if representatives cannot attend, regardless of selection status.

Filmmaker Responsibilities:

Ticket Sales: Filmmakers are responsible for actively driving ticket sales for their screenings.

Outreach: Filmmakers are required to engage local consulates and media outlets (GALIFF will provide a contact list).

Social Media: Use GALIFF-provided assets to promote the festival.

Rights & Permissions
By submitting, you grant GALIFF and the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) the following:

Screening Rights: To screen the film in theatrical or approved venues during the festival.

Promotional Use: To use trailers, stills, or clips (up to 2 minutes) for marketing, social media, and highlight reels.

Archival Copy: To retain a copy for internal, educational, and non-commercial purposes.

Clearances: The filmmaker certifies they own all rights (music, talent, etc.) and the work is not subject to litigation.

Categories & Fees
Feature Film (Narrative): 40+ mins

Documentary: 30+ mins

Short Film / AI Short: 1–39 mins

Short Doc: 1–29 mins

Web Series: 1–15 mins

Music Video: 1–5 mins

Fees: Non-refundable and payable via PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle.

Students: Must provide a valid student ID.

Georgia Ties: Reduced fees are available for films shot in GA or involving GA residents (verification required).

Shipping, Returns, & Logistics
Shipping: All physical materials (SSDs) must be sent via trackable services (FedEx/UPS). GALIFF is not responsible for damage or loss during transit.

Delivery Standards: GALIFF will make every reasonable attempt to deliver items promptly; however, the festival is not responsible for delays caused by third-party carriers such as USPS.

Refund Policy: GALIFF maintains a strict no-return, no-exchange, and no-refund policy for all delivered items, including submission fees and tickets.

Expenses: GALIFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and does not cover travel, lodging, or per diems for filmmakers.

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Facebook / Instagram / Twitter: @galatfilmfest | @georgialatinofilmalliance