How to Submit

Submissions for 2025 will open in February. Please submit your film online via FilmFreeway At the time of submission, select at least one of the award categories. See below for submission criteria, award categories, and deadlines.

Submission Criteria

The International Avant-Garde Film Awards is politically independent. We welcome films from any side of the idealogical spectrum. No preference is given to anyone based on race, gender, or ethnicity. All voices are welcome.

  • Short films < 40 minutes

  • Feature films > 40 minutes

  • Open to filmmakers from any country

  • If English is not the original language, English subtitles would be helpful.

  • Open to films completed between October 2023 and September 2025.

Award Categories

  • Best Experimental Short

  • Best Experimental Feature

  • Best Debut Film

  • Best Environmental Film

  • Best Short Narrative Film

  • Best Feature Narrative Film

  • Best Short Documentary

  • Best Feature Documentary

  • Best Animated Short

  • Best Animated Feature

  • Best Comedy

  • Best Student Film

  • Best Music Video

  • Best Cinematography

  • Best Sound Design

  • Best Performance

  • Best Original Concept

2025 Submission Deadlines

  • Early Deadline: March 1 ($34)

  • Regular Deadline: April 1 ($39)

  • Final Deadline: May 1 ($44)

  • Notification Date: July 23

  • Event: September 23, 2025