Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival call for entries: short films

July 1, 2025: Regular Deadline

The Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is consistently recognized as one of the "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by MovieMaker Magazine. Thank you!

The recurring theme of the annual Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is "Other Places, Other People"; the festival's purpose is to encourage attendees to think broadly (about how huge the world of film is) and deeply (about the universal concerns and desires that unite all people). About 90% of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.

Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival is an amazing experience not to be missed. Come and join us for 6 days in September.

THE FILMS: The 2025 Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival will present a selection of films from around the globe by International filmmakers. Films drawn from top-notch festivals like Sundance, Berlin, and Cannes, with a few surprises thrown in.

CONVERSATIONS: The movies are just the beginning. Making our festival unique we’ll bring guests from film, media, politics, and art worlds to celebrate, discuss and debate the films’ issues.

WALKING FESTIVAL DISTRICT: Meet the filmmakers, attend special events, cocktail parties, artist showcases, and live music at the festival. Check out the great local shops and restaurants. Enjoy the islands amazing beaches and relaxed charm.

THE ISLAND EXPERIENCE: Although most of the festival will take place in the village of Vineyard Haven, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore our other Island towns and natural beauty. Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect location for our multi-day festival, with its amazing beaches, sunsets, spectacular chefs, unique shops, and a highly influential community.

$2000 Cash Prize for Winning Short film -- jury competition

ACCEPTING SHORT FILM ENTRIES -- starting November 1, 2024

International Jury Competition – 10 films will be selected from festival's worldwide entries and screened in the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival short film showcase. Jury members will select the winning film for a jury cash prize and presentation at Short Film Finalist showcase program on Saturday, September 6th.

We accept either fiction or non-fiction short films. Our festival's programming is about exploring other cultures/people in the world -- so please keep that in mind before submitting.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS:
Eligible if your short film was completed after July 1, 2024
English language, or with English subtitles
20 minutes or less in length (firm)

Your film must not be in breach of any copyright, including music or sound contained in your entry.

Watch the video conversationbetween Richard Paradise and Bruno Chatelin during Berlinale 2025.