Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival

Technical tips for favorable results TO BE CONSIDERED FOR OFFICIAL SELECTION:
• Complete films must have been finished within 3 years prior to the festival dates (works-in-progress, screenplays, etc. are the exception).
• Have a downloadable trailer of 2 minutes or less with English subtitles.
• Submit a professional poster image with the title clearly displayed.
• Include a brief synopsis, director bio, and essential cast and crew credits.

Entrants may submit more than one film. Each entry requires a separate submission and fee but each title is eligible for all applicable award categories.

For student fee, it is mandatory to provide the active student status evidence (e.g. copy of student card included in the project).

OFFICIAL SELECTION CRITERIA (if selected):
• There must be no publicly available or distributed version of the film outside of the festival circuit (YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platform links must be private or password protected). Music Videos, Trailers, Teasers, and Sizzle Reels are the exception to this rule.
• Films must include a version with English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).
• Subtitles in Español are encouraged for non-Spanish language films but are not required.
• Screenplay / script submissions must be written in English.
• Non-English music videos must have English subtitles.
• Entrants must provide PAIFF with a downloadable full HD (1080p recommended) .mov or .mp4 digital file of the film AND the trailer for screening use at least 30 days prior to event (special "for preview" and "festival screening" water marks are acceptable).
• Verticals / Vertical Shorts / Episodic Filmmaking category submissions must be presented in vertical format and be under 5 min. (can be a series of episodes with a maximum time of 5 min. per project)

ATTENTION: Once selected, we proudly co-promote your project in our festival. TRAILERS, TEASERS, and/or SIZZLE REELS for ALL film projects MUST be available for download upon entry submission or upon request in HD or 1080p format.

MOST IMPORTANT: We present films in exotic locations that do not rely on streaming technology. If our team does not receive the required downloadable assets 30 days prior to screening, your project WILL BE WITHDRAWN, potentially disqualified, and removed from the screening schedule.

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE: Selected submissions and filmmakers who plan to attend the annual screening and awards ceremony will be required to purchase a festival pass for each attendee (rate will be significantly discounted from general public). If filmmaker cannot attend, it is highly encouraged that an introduction reel be presented and in some cases a virtual Q+A session can be arranged.

For SCREENPLAY writers: If selected, it is recommended that you have a presentation ready (video or in-person preferred) 15 minutes or less in length.

At this time, PAIFF does NOT pay, provide, or reimburse submitters/filmmakers and their entourage for travel and/or lodging expenses to/from festival, but filmmaker may be eligible for a stipend if asked to join a panel discussion or workshop (must inquire for details).

Legal stuff: By submitting the film, script, or music video, the entrant agrees that:
• PAIFF can use trailer/teaser/sizzle/film poster/stills or BTS and script excerpt for promotional purpose (but do not release, under any form or circumstances, the full film or script).
• The information about the entries can be disclosed to PAIFF associate film festivals.
• Entry fees and Pass fees are non-refundable.
• The entrant / submitter owns all the rights to the film or script, meaning that the submitted work (i) does not violate or infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark or any other personal or property right of any person or entity, that (ii) does not constitute or include a defamation of any person or entity, and that (iii) its representatives have paid and will pay in full all license fees, clearance fees, and other obligations, of any kind, arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film at or in connection with the Festival. Also, the submitter is duly authorized, on his own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights or interests (including, without limitation, intellectual property rights) in or relating to the film, to exhibit the film at the Festival.

Projects that do not comply with the rules and terms above may be disqualified or withdrawn at PAIFF’s sole discretion. All fees are non-refundable.