Festival start: 31 October 2025
Festival end: 07 November 2025
Galápagos International Film Festival – GIFF
Islands that tell stories. Cinema that connects.
The Galápagos International Film Festival – GIFF is a platform born from the heart of the archipelago, with the purpose of positioning cinema as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and transformation in insular contexts. More than just a film showcase, GIFF is a space for connection that highlights the narratives emerging from island territories, shedding light on social, environmental, and cultural realities that are often left out of the dominant audiovisual discourse.
In its second edition, GIFF reaffirms its commitment to audience development, the strengthening of local capacities, and the circulation of both national and international works, generating opportunities for emerging filmmakers, creative communities, and cultural actors at the local, national, and international levels.
The best works will be part of the Official Selection of the second edition of the Galápagos International Film Festival, taking place from October 30 to November 7, 2025.
Best Fiction Short Film
Trophy and certificate.
Best Documentary Short Film
Trophy and certificate.
GALÁPAGOS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALCALL FOR ENTRIES – TERMS AND CONDITIONS
General Conditions
Submissions must be made through the FESTHOME platform (https://festhome.com/festival/festival-internacional-de-cine-de-galapagos). Submissions sent by other means will not be accepted.
The results of the Official Selection will be announced in writing to participants starting October 20, 2025, and will also be published on the festival’s website, social media, and other official communication channels. After this date, if an applicant has not received any formal notice and the film is not listed in the published selections, it will be understood that the film was not selected.
Short films and feature films that have been duly submitted may not be withdrawn from the Galápagos International Film Festival’s programming.
All submitted and/or officially selected films grant the festival the non-exclusive rights to reproduce the film in full or in part, always crediting the author(s), in free screenings—whether physical, virtual, or any other format the Festival deems appropriate—within the context of the Galápagos International Film Festival. Participants accept that the festival cannot provide monetary compensation for the inclusion or exhibition of the selected films. This authorization is irrevocable.
Once a film is selected, the rights holder agrees not to publicly exhibit the film (including online or television) anywhere in Ecuador prior to the end of the Festival, except for press screenings or private professional viewings.
The same film may not be submitted in different categories. If in doubt, please consult the Categories section on the official website of the Galápagos International Film Festival.
Submitting a film implies full acceptance of these terms. The interpretation and application of these rules are at the discretion of the Festival organizers, including decisions related to the registration fee, which is non-refundable once the submission has been completed.
The Galápagos International Film Festival is not responsible for any copyright infringement or legal claims arising from a failure to meet the submission requirements or applicable regulations.
The Festival commits to ensuring that submitted works will not be copied or distributed outside of the official context of the Galápagos International Film Festival.
Schedule
Festival Launch: July 3, 2025
Early Bird Submissions: July 3 – August 2, 2025
Regular Submissions: August 3 – September 2, 2025
Late Submissions: September 3 – October 2, 2025
Notification of Official Selection: October 20, 2025
Reception of Final Format Films: October 25, 2025
Festival Dates: October 30 – November 7, 2025
Submission Process
Filmmakers must submit their audiovisual works by October 2, 2025, through FESTHOME (https://festhome.com/festival/festival-internacional-de-cine-de-galapagos). Early submissions are encouraged during the first and second call.
Films must be submitted in 1920x1080 resolution. Additional documentation will be requested via email after submission. If selected, the filmmaker must provide a final version in the highest agreed quality according to their category.
To complete the submission, a registration fee must be paid (except for the student category, which is free).
Awards and Recognition
The best works will be included in the Official Selection of the second edition of the Galápagos International Film Festival, which will take place from October 30 to November 7, 2025.
Contact
If you have questions about the submission rules, please contact us at: hola@galapagosfilmfest.com. We’ll be happy to help and provide more information.
Insular Film Showcase
Promoting cinematic works that explore island realities from diverse perspectives: cultural, social, ecological, identity-based, and human.
Accepted formats:• Fiction, documentary, animation, experimental• Short films and feature films• National and international works
Theme:• Islands, archipelagos, or insular territories seen through human, environmental, or geographic lenses
duration:• Minimum: 5 minutes• No maximum duration
Production Date:• Open (no restrictions)
Local Short Film Competition
Categories:
Fiction (including music videos and animation)
Documentary
Requirements:
• Open to amateur and professional filmmakers.
• National, international, or Ecuadorian co-produced fiction short films produced between 2023 and 2025 are eligible.
• Fiction short films must be a minimum of 1 minute and a maximum of 15 minutes.
• The theme is open, but priority will be given to stories that portray the island experience at its core—its struggles, beauty, resilient culture, complex relationship with nature, the ocean, isolation, and identity. We want to see how the world is imagined, transformed, and reflected from a coast surrounded by water.
• Fiction short films must be presented in their original language or with Spanish subtitles. Submissions must include either a Spanish-subtitled master or a dialogue list in Spanish.
• Submissions must be made by individuals or legal entities holding all rights to the work, including image rights of individuals appearing in the production.
• The submission form must be fully completed to facilitate proper cataloging, scheduling, and promotion. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.
• If the film was produced in a protected area of Galápagos, proper authorization from local authorities must be provided.
• The screening format of selected short films will be agreed upon with the director(s) after selection. Both physical and online screening formats must be made available to the Festival.
• The Festival will accept national documentary short films in post-production, as long as the filmmakers commit to completing the final version by October 2, 2025.
Documentary Short Film
Short Films >1' 15'< (2023+)
Fee-8%
PRO 83%
Early10$9.2$
1.7$
02 Aug 25
Standard15$13.8$
2.55$
02 Sep 25
Late20$18.4$
3.4$
02 Oct 25
Extended25$23$
4.25$
15 Oct 25
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Oct 25
Save up
8.3$
Submit
Requirements:
• Audiovisual creators are invited to participate, whether amateur or professional.
• Fiction feature films of national, international, or Ecuadorian co-production made between 2023 and 2025 are eligible.
• Fiction short films must have a minimum duration of 1 minute and a maximum of 15 minutes.
• The theme is open; however, priority will be given to works that authentically portray island life: its struggles, beauty, resilient culture, complex relationship with nature, the sea, isolation, and identity. We want to see how the world is imagined, transformed, and reflected from a coastline surrounded by water.
• Fiction short films must be screened in their original version with Spanish subtitles. Therefore, submitted productions must include a Spanish-subtitled master or, at minimum, a Spanish dialogue list.
• Submissions must be made by individuals or legal entities holding the rights to the work and the image rights of the people appearing in the film.
• The submission form must be completed in full to facilitate the processing of the selected work, ensure the correct inclusion of information in the program and catalog, and prepare other promotional and communication materials—especially photographic archives. Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification.
• If the audiovisual work was filmed in any of the protected areas of Galápagos, the corresponding authorizations from the competent provincial authorities must be provided.
• The screening format of selected short films will be agreed upon with the film’s director(s) once the selection is confirmed. Technical requirements must allow for both physical and online screenings. Copies in both formats must be delivered to the headquarters of the Galápagos International Film Festival.
• The Galápagos International Film Festival will accept submissions of national fiction and documentary short films in post-production, provided the creators commit to finalizing them by October 2, 2025.
Student Short Film
Short Films >1' 15'< (2023+)
Fee-8%
PRO 83%
Early0$0$
0$
02 Aug 25
Standard0$0$
0$
02 Sep 25
Late0$0$
0$
02 Oct 25
Extended0$0$
0$
15 Oct 25
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Oct 25
Save up
0$
Submit
Requirements:
• Audiovisual creators are invited to participate, whether amateur or professional.
• Fiction feature films of national, international, or Ecuadorian co-production made between 2023 and 2025 are eligible.
• Fiction short films must have a minimum duration of 1 minute and a maximum of 15 minutes.
• The theme is open; however, priority will be given to works that authentically portray island life: its struggles, beauty, resilient culture, complex relationship with nature, the sea, isolation, and identity. We want to see how the world is imagined, transformed, and reflected from a coastline surrounded by water.
• Fiction short films must be screened in their original version with Spanish subtitles.
Therefore, submitted productions must include a Spanish-subtitled master or, at minimum, a Spanish dialogue list.
• Submissions must be made by individuals or legal entities holding the rights to the work and the image rights of the people appearing in the film.
• The submission form must be completed in full to facilitate the processing of the selected work, ensure the correct inclusion of information in the program and catalog, and prepare other promotional and communication materials—especially photographic archives. Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification.
• If the audiovisual work was filmed in any of the protected areas of Galápagos, the corresponding authorizations from the competent provincial authorities must be provided.
• The screening format of selected short films will be agreed upon with the film’s director(s) once the selection is confirmed. Technical requirements must allow for both physical and online screenings. Copies in both formats must be delivered to the headquarters of the Galápagos International Film Festival.
• The Galápagos International Film Festival will accept submissions of national fiction and documentary short films in post-production, provided the creators commit to finalizing them by October 2, 2025.
Feature Film Fiction
Short Films >5' (2021+)
Fee-8%
PRO 83%
Early10$9.2$
1.7$
02 Aug 25
Standard15$13.8$
2.55$
02 Sep 25
Late20$18.4$
3.4$
02 Oct 25
Extended25$23$
4.25$
15 Oct 25
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
15 Oct 25
Save up
8.3$
Submit
Insular Film Showcase – Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Experimental (Feature and Short Films)
This section aims to promote cinematic works that portray island life and imagination through a wide range of perspectives: cultural, social, ecological, identity-based, and human. Special value will be given to narratives that explore the richness and complexity of insular territories, offering deeper insights into these unique geographies.
Theme:
• Islands, archipelagos, or insular territories explored through human, territorial, or environmental perspectives.
Duration:
• Minimum: 50 minutes
• No maximum duration
Production Date:
• Open – works produced in any year are eligible
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 