The annual Arpa International Film Festival (Arpa IFF) was founded on the vision of creating a platform for a diverse presentation of films from around the globe. A hub of global connection for over two-decades, the Annual Arpa IFF has cultivated a space of discovery, imagination and inspiration by showcasing local and international cinema that explores all facets of the human condition. Our festival prides itself on championing a dynamic and international collection of filmmakers, joining in the celebration of unapologetic storytelling. The Arpa International Film Festival is a beautiful collaboration of talented, passionate individuals who come together in the pursuit of change; to move an audience, and to help tell stories that touch all.

This year marks the 29th anniversary of the Arpa International Film Festival, the signature event of the Arpa Foundation for Film, Music and Art (AFFMA).

This year's festival will be held at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood (6801 Hollywood Blvd. 3rd floor, Hollywood CA 90028) from Thursday September 24 through Sunday September 27, 2026.

Thank you for your support!

Awards & Prizes

- BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($600)
- BEST FEATURE DIRECTOR AWARD ($500)
- BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY AWARD ($500)
- BEST FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY AWARD ($500)
- BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY ($400)
- BEST SHORT NARRATIVE FILM AWARD ($400)
- BEST ANIMATION AWARD ($400)
- BEST MUSIC VIDEO AWARD ($400)

Rules & Terms

GENERAL FESTIVAL RULES

• The Arpa International Film Festival (“Festival”, “Arpa IFF”) accepts films from all countries and in all languages worldwide that have been produced within the past 2 years.

• All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.

• It is preferred that your film has not been through formal and online distribution channels.

• Entry fee is per category and is non-refundable, and submission does not guarantee screening at the Theater Festival.

• Once a film submission gets accepted, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2026 Official Selection laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:
- Basic info (film title, country and year of production, names for director, screenwriter, producer, cast, short synopsis, and list of important screenings/awards)
- Film poster and film stills (high-res JPG or PNG images)
- Vimeo or YouTube download link to official film trailer in HD 1920x1080 MOV or MP4 format
- Web link to the official film trailer open to public on YouTube or Vimeo
- If your film is selected to be screened at the TCL Chinese theater, you will need to provide a DCP in 2K minimum, between 24-30 fps, and delivered uncompressed on a USB or CRU hard drive, or for films 10 minutes or less provide a secure download link (DropBox, Google Drive, or similar).

• Once a film submission gets a Nominee status, submitter receives a congratulatory email with Festival's 2026 Nominee laurel, and will be asked to provide the following:

- Web link to the official film screener or Film Freeway page
- Confirmation of filmmaker's festival attendance

• All film entries selected for the festival grant Arpa IFF the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

• Festival reserves the right to change any of this information (including festival dates, venues, events, awards and eligibility requirements) without further notice.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Screening Fees or Rental Fees: Festival does NOT CONSIDER films that require any screening/rental fees.

• Promotional, instructional, industrial, corporate films, and raw documentary footage of any kind are not eligible either.

• Film Categories: Festival accepts submissions of Feature Narrative, Feature-Length Documentary, Short Documentary, Short Narrative, Animated Films, and Music Videos.

• Language: All submitted films must be in English or with English subtitles (We prefer to avoid films dubbed in English, as they often feel unnatural to American audiences. However, if dubbing is your only option, we’re happy to accommodate).

• Duration/Running Time (including your film credits):
- Feature Narrative Film: No less than 40 minutes, but no more than 180 minutes
- Short Narrative Film: Less than 40 minutes
- Feature-Length Documentary: No Less than 40 minutes
- Short Documentary: Less than 40 minutes
- Animation: Less than 120 minutes
- Music Video: Less than 10 minutes

• If your film is selected for screening at the theater, you may be required to provide an uncompressed ProRes MOV file along with closed caption files.

FESTIVAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. You have read, understood and fully complied with all General Festival Rules, Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions stated here.
2. The film you are submitting is not the subject of any litigation or threatened litigation, and you have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
3. You are duly authorized to submit this film to the competition.
4. You hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from any damage to the print(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film print. In addition, you agree to hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from cost and/or damages incurred as a result from any litigation and or threatened litigation as a result of the screenings of the film.
5. The number(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the screenings of films are at the discretion of the Festival.
6. The Festival reserves the right to change or adjust any and all festival rules, awards and guidelines without notice.
7. The Festival reserves the right to complete any information not supplied by the Filmmaker or Film Supplier from whatever source available and will not be responsible for any incorrect information.
8. Films may not be withdrawn after acceptance into the Festival.
9. No hidden fees during the submission process whatsoever. In addition, no requests for screening fees or any other kind of reimbursement are allowed after acceptance into the Festival.
10. Unclaimed film prints will be discarded one year after the last day of the present Festival.
11. By submitting your film to Arpa IFF via FilmFreeway, you hereby grant the Festival all necessary rights to screen this film and use reasonable parts of the film for purposes of advertising and promotion.
12. To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true.
49 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mariam Vardanyan

    The experience is truly immersive: the air in the theater crackles with a unique energy where cultural boundaries dissolve into shared cinematic wonder. From the glitz of the historic Hollywood venues to the deeply intimate Q&A sessions, Arpa International Film Festival is a festival with a soul, driven by owners whose passion for the craft is as breathtaking as the films they curate

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you dear Mariam for your amazing review from the heart 🎬 everyone loved Shakkar! You are an amazing filmmaker 👏👏 can’t wait to see your future stories on the big screen!

  • irit tarasula

    A beautifully organized festival with a warm, dedicated team.
    Communication was excellent and supportive from start to finish.
    I’m honored that my film was part of Arpa IFF.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Irit,
    We at the Arpa International Film Festival take pride with our team, realizing time, effort, and dedication each filmmakers put into their passion project.
    We give good time to make sure not to miss anything and our goal and joy is to be able to screen all of these wonderful stories.
    Thank you so much for your wonderful message, as this is our reward.
    As a non profit, each one on the team puts their heart in as they love the works of independent filmmakers.

    Thank you for passing the word out to other filmmakers.
    Looking forward to our 29th year in Hollywood.

    With our best wishes always.
    The Arpa International Film Festival TEAM

  • Si Paros

    ARPA International Film Festival was such a welcoming and filmmaker-focused experience. Our team attended on behalf of our documentary My Name Is Robert Ruark, and we were genuinely impressed by how personally involved the coordinators and staff were throughout the event. They introduced themselves to every filmmaker and created a warm, supportive atmosphere that made us feel truly valued.

    The communication and hospitality were excellent, and the festival has a heartfelt, community-driven spirit that sets it apart from many others.

    One suggestion that could strengthen an already wonderful event would be expanding public attendance at screenings. ARPA programs strong, meaningful films, and it would be fantastic to see even wider community engagement. Adding public-facing incentives such as filmmaker meet-and-greets and advertising that to the public could help attract larger audiences and amplify visibility.

    Overall, ARPA was a beautiful experience, and we are grateful that My Name Is Robert Ruark had the opportunity to screen there.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Si,
    We at the Arpa International Film Festival take pride with our team, realizing time, effort, and dedication each filmmakers put into their passion project.
    We give good time to make sure not to miss anything and our goal and joy is to be able to screen all of these wonderful stories.
    Thank you so much for your wonderful message, as this is our reward.
    As a non profit, each one on the team puts their heart in as they love the works of independent filmmakers.

    Thank you for passing the word out to other filmmakers.
    Looking forward to our 29th year in Hollywood.

    With our best wishes always.
    The Arpa International Film Festival TEAM

  • Paul Rigg

    I was thrilled be be invited and participate in the 28th edition of the Arpa international film festival. All the staff and volunteers were both highly professional and warm and welcoming. I will carry the experience in my heart forever.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your heartfelt comments. The Q&A following the screening of your documentary SIRANOOSH, the story about the life of your exceptional mom was exceptional!

  • Jane Centofante

    We can’t say enough good things about Alpa IFF! We were deeply honored that our film Saffron Robe was awarded Best Feature Documentary. Arpa is a first class festival - thanks to Sylvia, Maral & their incredible team.- with special “Hollywood” touches from screenings at the iconic Chinese Theatre to an impressive awards ceremony with celebrated guests. A must on the festival circuit!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Jane,

    We at the Arpa International Film Festival take pride with our team, realizing time, effort, and dedication each filmmakers put into their passion project.
    We give good time to make sure not to miss anything and our goal and joy is to be able to screen all of these wonderful stories.
    Thank you so much for your wonderful message, as this is our reward.
    As a non profit, each one on the team puts their heart in as they love the works of independent filmmakers.

    Thank you for passing the word out to other filmmakers.
    Looking forward to our 29th year in Hollywood.

    With our best wishes always.
    The Arpa International Film Festival TEAM