The city of Guadalajara is one of the most cinematographic places in the world, and currently, one of the most important production centers in America.

This festival aims to be a platform where new and brave creators of Independent cinema, can show and be recognized for their work.

The Festival's Jury composed from the film industry, will award in each category the best film through private screening, each month.

The Festival organizes one public screening per year. The Annual Awards ceremony will showcase the best films of the year and the award "Golden IGFA" will be announced by our jury members.

The festival is open to any film (scripts) in any genre and length.

The officially selected project in each month will receive a laurel and certificate and the winners will receive customized certificates and laurel.

In addition to the BEST CATEGORY AWARDS, International Guadalajara Film Awards, also recognizes OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, that highlight the exceptional work across these diverse categories, showcasing the talent and creativity within the global film community.

** PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS THROUGH IGFA ONLY! KINDLY READ OUR RULES & TERMS BEFORE SUBMITTING. **

Please read these Rules and terms carefully before you submit your film. By submitting your film to competition in the International Guadalajara Film Awards, you expressly acknowledge and agree that you shall be bound by the terms of these Rules and terms.

IGFA is open to any film, regardless of content, subject, or origin. Submitting your film to the IGFA does not guarantee selection. All the official selection, nominees and winners will be listed on our website permanently. We treat every filmmaker equally.

1. The film submitted to the IGFA for a particular month can be re-submitted at any time for a second chance, considering that we have different judges' panels for each season.

2. Films made in languages other than English or Spanish, must have English subtitles otherwise they will be summarily rejected.

3. The IGFA reserves the right to refuse entries.

4. A director/producer may submit more than one film in a category and more than one category at a time.

5. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the IGFA, from and against 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 and publicity.

6. After a film has been an official selection, the filmmaker will be notified, and eventually the film will be listed on the festival website under Official Selections. The Official Selection status doesn’t mean that your film will be screened at the festival. It means that your film has been appreciated by our judges of the panel and you can use the festival logo on your poster.

7. The IGFA will not refund any fees if the filmmaker fails to submit the film in the correct category. Films submitted without the correct fees or proper submission media may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the IGFA programming director or executive director. The festival does not cover any of the expenses incurred by the filmmaker.

8. We require an official trailer or poster, a synopsis and a link to your film. Please select the correct category while submitting to avoid disqualification. We reserve the right to re-assign films to the appropriate category.

9. A nominee will be privately screened for the IGFA judging panel, and will not be screened initially to the public.

10. A filmmaker’s submission fee will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

11. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the IGFA, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) that may be incurred because of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits and publicity.

12. IGFA may without advance notice amend these Rules & Terms from time to time. Each and every such amendment shall become effective immediately. It is your responsibility to periodically check for updates on these Rules and terms.


By submitting your work, you acknowledge and accept the regulations of our festival. We appreciate your submission and look forward to the opportunity to celebrate your creative endeavour. Thank you!