Dear Filmmakers,

MOMO Film Festival (MOMO FF) is an independent, international celebration of cinematic freedom and authentic voices. Our mission is simple: to champion powerful storytelling in all its forms—regardless of budget, access, or industry status.

Founded by a creative duo—one an actress, TV host, and editor; the other a director, photographer, and filmmaker—MOMO FF was born from a shared devotion to independent cinema. We know how difficult it can be to find platforms that value vision over resources. That’s why we’ve built one: a festival where stories can truly breathe, connect, and resonate.

✨ New for 2026
Beginning this year, we are proud to expand our Official Selection to include Screenwriting—alongside our continued dedication to features, shorts, and 1-minute works.

✨ A Growing Festival with Global Impact
After launching in Hollywood, continuing with our second edition in Birmingham, and celebrating our 2025 edition at the historic State Theatre in Ann Arbor, we now enter our fourth year with a continued commitment to welcoming audiences, uplifting diverse voices, and creating spaces for dialogue and connection.
MOMO FF is more than just a screening event—it’s our creative community. A place for networking, conversation, and shared inspiration. Each year, we expand our reach to connect independent filmmakers with wider audiences, offering a stage where every voice can be heard.

Official Selection Benefits
Every filmmaker selected for MOMO FF receives a premium package designed to celebrate their work and elevate their career:
• The Big Screen Experience: Giving your work the showcase it deserves.
• Global Jury Evaluation: A rigorous review by a distinguished panel of industry experts from Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Tokyo, and Michigan.
• Prestigious Laurels: High-quality, minimalist Official Selection laurels for your marketing kits and trailers.
• Official Certificates: Professionally designed certificates serving as a lasting testament to your selection.
• Networking & Community: Direct access to our vibrant digital community of 25,000+ members and exclusive on-site networking with fellow creators and industry leaders.
The Official Categories
Our jury recognizes excellence across the following disciplines:
• Best Film: Awarded for excellence in storytelling, direction, and overall execution.
• Best Director: Recognizes the filmmaker whose unique vision brought a narrative to life.
• Best Cinematography (Best DP): Honors the eye behind the lens, celebrating compelling and intentional imagery.
• Best Actor & Best Actress: Recognizing leading performances defined by emotional authenticity and depth.

Category Honors
• The MOMO Trophy: A physical symbol of cinematic achievement, exclusively awarded to the winners of our official categories to commemorate their success.

Terms & Conditions – MOMO Film Festival 2026

Eligibility & Content Standards
Animal Welfare: The depiction of animal abuse, whether real or implied, is strictly prohibited. Submissions containing such content will be automatically disqualified, and entry fees will not be refunded.

Film Content: Films must adhere to the festival’s content guidelines, avoiding animal cruelty/abuse, hate speech, excessive or exploitative violence, or other offensive material.

Festival Premiere Requirements: MOMO FF does not impose premiere requirements. Films that have previously screened at other festivals are eligible.

Broadcast Eligibility: Prior public or internet broadcasts (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube) do not affect eligibility.

Language Requirement: Films must be in English or include English subtitles at the time of submission.

Submission & Fees
Submission Process: Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway in the specified format. Please ensure your film meets all technical requirements.
Entry Fees: All entry fees are non-refundable.
Late Fees: Films submitted after the final deadline will incur a $10 late fee.

Submission Changes: Changes to submitted films require a new submission and fee.

Selection & Participation
Selection Decision: All decisions of the selection committee are final and cannot be contested.

Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their status by email. The festival is not responsible for delays caused by technical issues.

Participation: Attendance in person is encouraged but not required. Virtual participation options may be available.

Date & Venue: MOMO FF reserves the right to change festival dates or venues under special circumstances. Updates will be shared via email and online platforms.

Screening Consent: By submitting, you grant MOMO FF the right to screen your film before a live audience and, if necessary, in online screenings.

Awards & Trophies: Trophies are presented exclusively during the Closing Ceremony as part of the shared celebration with filmmakers, jury, and audiences. Awards must be accepted in person by the filmmaker or an appointed representative. MOMO FF does not mail, deliver, or reissue trophies after the event.

Withdrawals
Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Rights & Promotional Use
Rights & Permissions: Entrants are responsible for securing all necessary rights and permissions for their work (including music, images, and third-party content).

Promotional Use (Stills): Stills from selected films may be used on the festival’s website, press releases, brochures, and publicity materials.

Clips/Trailer/Excerpts & Soundtrack:
Submitter grants MOMO FF a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the film’s official trailer and up to 30 seconds of excerpts with audio for festival promotion (website, social media, press, pre-show/intermission, and archival recap).
Submitter may also provide cleared soundtrack tracks for use in festival-produced promo videos and in-venue playback.
Submitter must provide any necessary Content ID whitelisting to prevent blocks/muting on platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook).
Submitter warrants that all rights are secured and indemnifies MOMO FF against related claims. Festival will remove materials within 30 days upon written request where reasonably practicable.

romotional Materials Provided by Filmmakers: For press kits, posters, trailers, clips, and any promotional content provided to MOMO FF, filmmakers must supply clean versions free of third-party logos, advertising, unrelated company branding, or other festival names/laurels.

Distribution Rights: MOMO FF does not claim any distribution rights. Promotional uses are limited to the scope above.
Promotion by Submitter: By submitting, you agree to promote MOMO FF on your social media platforms.

Technical & Liability
Technical Issues: Filmmakers are responsible for technical quality and English subtitles where required. Submissions with issues may be rejected without refund. For technical difficulties, contact the festival promptly.

Liability: MOMO FF is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials. Entrants should retain copies.

Film & Script Duration Guidelines
1-Minute Films: 60 seconds or less (including credits).
Short Films: 30 minutes or less (including credits).
Feature Films: 40 minutes or more (including credits).
Mid-Length Films (31–39 minutes): Submit under the Feature category; these works will be thoughtfully considered.
Scripts
Short Script: Up to 25 pages, standard industry format.
Feature Script: 60–120 pages, standard industry format. Scripts may be in early development or polished drafts.

Note: Once Official Selections are announced, films and scripts cannot be withdrawn.

Accessibility
MOMO Film Festival is committed to inclusion and accessibility. Our venues offer:
Wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms
Assistive listening devices (available upon request)
Open captions for all non-English-language films
Companion passes for guests requiring assistance
We are working toward adding an audio-described screening block in future editions. Please email [email protected] at least two weeks prior if you require accommodations.

Updates to Terms
MOMO FF may update these terms and policies without prior notice. By submitting, you agree to these terms and consent to receiving festival updates via email. MOMO FF will never sell your information to third parties.