Why Miami? Miami is the hero city of cinema, where iconic films and TV series have been filmed, but most importantly, it's where dreams are made.
We believe in the power of cinema as a way to express the most unique, personal and important ideas. Our awards recognise those who are willing to take risks, explore new avenues and change the perception of cinema.
The festival's main award, given to a film that demonstrates innovation, emotional power and originality. This prize emphasises contributions to independent cinema and the creation of new languages and forms of expression.
Award for a story that is impossible to look away from. A film in which the narrative is suspenseful, thought-provoking and memorable.
Award for Best First Feature . We support those who bravely take the first step into the big film industry and delight us with their unique vision.
Award for Outstanding Experimental Film. This award recognises filmmakers who go beyond traditional forms, explore boundaries and create a new space for art.
A visual excellence award recognising outstanding camerawork, art direction and the creation of unforgettable images on screen.
For those whose films not only entertain but also make you think about important social, political or environmental issues. We support those who motivate change through film.
Award An award for original and profound sound. If the sound in your film becomes an integral part of the story and enhances the experience, this award is for you.
Award Awarded to an outstanding animated film that attracts attention through its unique visual style, original idea and successful use of animation techniques.
Award Awarded to a film that has captured the hearts of the audience. We value the audience's response and consider their opinion an important part of the film's success.
Awarded to the best short film that surprises with a fresh perspective and masterfully tells its story in a limited amount of time.
A city where Caribbean motifs intertwine with American ambition and Latin passion with contemporary art. It's like it was made for independent cinema. It's a place where every story finds an audience and every creator finds inspiration.
Miami Independent Cinematic Fest is for those who defy the conveyor belt of mass production and are ready to create films with soul. There are no boundaries of genres, budgets or geography here. We are looking for courageous storytellers whose stories touch the heart and make you see the world differently.
We know that the journey of an independent filmmaker is not an easy one. It's often a struggle to be heard, to exist in an industry where the big studios dictate the rules. Miami Independent Cinematic Fest is our attempt to give you that platform, where it's not about scale, but about the sincerity and power of your voice.
The festival accepts works that demonstrate a vivid author's vision. We are looking for films with a personal touch, be it in terms of style, theme or presentation.
Short films: up to 40 minutes.
Full-length films: 40 to 120 minutes.
The film must be an original work of the participant. Use of other people's material is allowed only if the appropriate rights and licences are granted.
All films must be submitted by the deadline specified. Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Films for viewers over the age of 16 will be accepted. If there are explicit scenes, profanity or other age restrictions, the author must indicate this when submitting the entry.
Films must be submitted in MP4 or MOV format with a minimum resolution of 1080p. Download links via verified platforms (e.g. Vimeo or WeTransfer) are accepted. Sound must be in stereo or 5.1.
Films completed no earlier than 2020 will be accepted.
One participant may submit an unlimited number of entries in each category. One film may be submitted to multiple categories at once, which correspond to the goal of the work.
Films that are not in English must be subtitled in English.
We welcome works by students and aspiring authors. All projects are judged on equal terms.
By submitting an application, the author grants the festival the rights for one screening of the film in the main programme and, if agreed, for additional screenings during the year at special festival events.The participant also grants the right to use excerpts of the material for advertising on social networks.
screenings Films participating in the festival may be selected for retrospective screenings in the future. Participants agree that their film may be included in the festival programme at a later date, subject to prior notification and agreement.
The organisers reserve the right to reject an application if the film does not comply with the festival rules.