The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) (@pafilmfestival) is an IMDb qualifying live event that takes place in the beautiful Riviera Maya community of Puerto Aventuras, Mexico with several days of celebration across multiple venues. PAIFF celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing a diverse range of films from around the globe.

The second edition of PAIFF brings a bi-monthly seasonal-themed award program with the Summer, Fall and Winter awards for earlybird entries. Selected winners will be automatically qualified and nominated for our annual awards event taking place in the spring of 2025 (April 2-6). We encourage you to get your film projects in early for the best considerations.

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, is the ideal location for an international film festival due to its stunning natural beauty and modern amenities. Nestled on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, it boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, providing a picturesque backdrop for any event. The area's luxurious resorts and villas offer top-notch accommodations and venues, suitable for screenings, galas, and networking events.

At the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF), we’re not just showcasing films—we’re igniting a cinematic celebration where stories come alive and connections are made. Our mission is to provide an inspiring, professional platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to share their boldest visions with an audience that truly values the transformative power of storytelling.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Riviera Maya, PAIFF is more than just a festival—it’s a thriving hub of creativity and cultural exchange, where filmmakers, enthusiasts, and the local community come together to spark ideas, share inspiration, and celebrate the art of cinema.

Don’t just submit your film—be part of an unforgettable experience that honors your craft, amplifies your voice, and connects your story with the world. Join us, and let’s make magic happen on the big screen!

Awards & Prizes

Our bi-monthly Early Bird Awards offer certificates in Summer, Fall, and Winter, categories for 15 select films (5 per deadline) resulting in automatic nominations for our annual event. Annual Awards feature trophies and certificates for Best Feature, Documentary, Director, Visionary Director, Editing, Cinematography, Short Film, Actor, Actress, Music Video, Original Score, Sound Design, Screenplay, Trailer, Experimental, First Film, Student Film, Audience Choice, and Special Jury Prize. Additional awards for Animation and AI-generated categories will be added this season. Selected projects will continue to compete across multiple categories for up to 50+ coveted awards at our main event, scheduled for April 2-6, 2025.

Rules & Terms

Films must include a version with English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English). *Spanish subtitles are encouraged for non-Spanish films but are not required. Screenplay scripts must be written in English. Non-English music videos must have English subtitles.

By submitting the film, script, or music video, the submitter 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)

Entry fees and Pass fees are non-refundable.

The submitter owns all the rights to the film or script.

The information about the entries can be disclosed to PAIFF associate film festivals.

Submission cannot be withdrawn after the announcement of the official selection.

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

Submitter 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).

TRAILERS, TEASERS, and/or SIZZLE REELS for ALL film projects MUST be available for download upon entry submission in HD or 1080p format.

If project IS selected as a bi-monthly early bird winner, then it will automatically qualify and be considered for the annual event.

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 discounted from general public).

At this time, PAIFF does NOT pay or reimburse submitters/filmmakers for travel and/or lodging expenses to/from festival, but filmmaker may be eligible for a gifted sponsorship from one of our sponsors (must inquire for details).

Projects that do not follow the rules & terms above can be automatically disqualified at the sole discretion of PAIFF.

Disclaimer:
(i) PAIFF does not represent or cannot be represented by any other organization.

(ii) PAIFF does not disclose any kind of information with third parties.

(iii) PAIFF judging committee does not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

Important Notice: The submitter owns all the rights to the film, 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.

PAIFF 2024 © All Rights Reserved
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • dan hertzog

    It was truly an honor to screen not one but two of our latest shorts (DATING AUDREY and DOMINO SPRINGS) at the inaugural Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival. From the very beginning, the festival directors (Moe and Dewey) were extremely friendly and accessible — not to mention super talented filmmakers in their own rights. We sincerely appreciated them consistently promoting our work before, during, and after the event. Of course, as others have said, you can’t beat the tropical setting and laid back vibe of this festival, which was key for networking with all the other gifted artists. I know this festival will only become more sought out and even better over time. With three wins, we literally want to make movies just for the chance to visit again!

    April 2024
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  • Johannes Thürmer

    It was a great festival with beautiful locations for the screenings. We saw excellent films and met a lot of inspiring people. Thank you very much for the wonderful time and selecting our film
    Money Maker: Saygin Yalcin for two awards (Best Documentary Short and Best Director).
    We hope to see you all soon.

    April 2024
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  • Ashley Bogley

    I'm so grateful to have my BERLIN shown at the festival!!

    April 2024
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  • Udara Wijesinghe

    From day one, the PAIFF organizers provided an exceptional understanding of the event. Their communication was impeccable, ensuring that participants felt informed and engaged. we eagerly anticipate the next edition. Our film received the prestigious Best First Short Film award, Heartfelt gratitude goes to the dedicated organizing committee for their unwavering support throughout'

    April 2024
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  • Seerkatchi Packil Pandian Bhaskaran

    Thanks a lot for selecting & electing our film 'Bumper' [Winner: Best Debut Feature Film]. We were delighted and impressed with the arrangements and the courtesy of the festival team. All the very best for the future editions.

    April 2024
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