The film industry in Latin America is rapidly evolving to a world-class level. Increasingly, works from this region are not only finding their way to the world's most prestigious festivals, but garnering top critical recognition as well. The same can be said for U.S.-based Latinx projects. This festival, designed to cast a spotlight on the emerging Latino film industry features works by up and coming and well-established filmmakers from the area and seeks to build professional and artistic exchanges between Latin America and the Hollywood film world.
This year, PIFFLA is tremendously excited to partner once again with The East Los Angeles film festival as well as CAL STATE/LA who have invited us to bring our collective offerings onto their campus for a weekend of Latino arts featuring films, art, dance, panels and more.
Please note that this year we are only soliciting short films in all genres- drama, comedy and documentary. Filmmakers are advised to limit their projects to no more that 15 minutes as length will impact your consideration for programming.

A panel of industry judges comprised of producers, filmmakers, writers and others review all submissions and select winners in Directing, Acting and Writing categories. Awards are given for Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best Short. An Audience Award, based on polling of audience members during screenings, is also awarded.

Latinx Filmmakers from the U.S. and across the globe are encouraged to submit their work. English and subtitled Spanish language work welcome.

PIFF/LA is an inclusive festival and interested in a range of Latinx experiences including work from Central American filmmakers, Student Films, Female and LGBTQ Filmmakers, to name a few.

You may submit more than one film, but each one must be submitted separately and must be accompanied by its own completed submission form and entry fee.

All non-English films must have English subtitles.

Entries will not be viewed without entry fee payment.

Screeners should be labelled with the title, running-time, contact email and phone number.
Please do NOT send stills or press kits. If your project is selected we will request additional information at that time.

All fees are non-refundable.

The Panama International Film Festival/LA is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening, and understand and accept these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless The Panama International Film Festival/LA from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. Entries will not be returned. The Competition reserves the right to refuse entries.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this Great Festival. In addition to having won Best Film (Life REBORN) and Best Actor (Marcel Barragan), I can tell you that it was a Wonderful Experience and Excellent Treatment.

    October 2024
  • Johnny Kirk

    PIFF were terrific hosts. They gave the Fourth a fantastic screening, and we could not have been happier with their care and attention.

    December 2022
  • Enrique Kirchman

    Thank you, so much, to the Panamanian International Film Festival/LA for allowing our short documentary film to be part of their event. It meant a lot to us. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there for the screening, but it was an honor that the film was projected in L.A. Best Regards!

    December 2022
  • Sandra O'Neill

    Thank you very much for including Las Rosies in the Panamanian International Film Festival/LA. We appreciated the time to answer questions and let more people know about these incredible historic Latina women.

    December 2022
  • Loren Escandon

    This festival is a gem. I was so honored to screen my short Los Patines. The organization really cares for high-quality storytelling, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is a lot of fun as well. They have the perfect balance between networking and pachanga!!!

    October 2021
    Pifflalogosinletras 01
    Response from festival:

    I think you've given us a new slogan!