Victoria Falls Adventure Film Festival (1)

Festival Start: 30 Juli 2026      Festival Ende: 01 August 2026

The Victoria Falls Adventure Film Festival is not just an event; it is a unique experience set against the thunderous, awe-inspiring backdrop of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

We exist to champion the most powerful visual stories from the front lines of exploration, the depths of the wild, and the heart of global adventure.

We are the premier global gathering for those who dare to explore, document, and protect our planet.

We seek films that do more than just show—they reveal, inspire, and provoke. We are looking for cinematic masterpieces that capture the raw beauty of a landscape, the heart-pounding thrill of an ascent, the intimate glance of a creature in the wild, and the urgent, compelling narratives of conservation in action.

This festival is a celebration of a rising Zimbabwe and a gateway to the soul of Southern Africa—a nation and a region reclaiming their place as leaders in conservation and home to the planet's most unparalleled safari experiences.

We believe in the power of story to reshape perceptions and fuel a future where wildlife and communities thrive together.

We are the curators of this experience. For our selected filmmakers, you are not just a name in a program. You are a celebrated voice. Your film will premiere to an influential, global audience at the heart of this narrative. You will connect with legends in the field, debate with change-makers, and find your next collaborator against a sunset over the Zambezi.

This is where your story meets its most iconic setting.

Submit your film, and join us in creating an unforgettable celebration of our wild world.

Geldpreise: 15,000$

At the Victoria Falls Adventure Film Festival, we don't just screen films; we honor and reward the extraordinary artistry and impact of the storytellers behind them. We are proud to offer one of the most significant prize pools in adventure cinema, with over USD$15,000 in cash and prizes.

Competitive Categories & Cash Prizes

· BEST OF FESTIVAL: USD$5,000 CASH. This is the pinnacle award for the single most outstanding film in the festival.
· CATEGORY AWARDS: USD$1,500 CASH & Trophy
· Awards to the best film in each of the following categories:
· Best Wildlife Film
· Best Adventure Film
· Best Conservation Story
· Best Travel Film
· Best Short Film (Under 40 minutes) - USD$1,000 Cash Prize

Special Recognition & Craft Awards (Trophy & Sponsor-Donated Prize Pack)

· The ZimParks Award for Best Cinematography
· The "Voices of Zimbabwe" Award (Best film by a Zimbabwean filmmaker)
· The "Future Voice" Award (Most promising emerging filmmaker)
· Audience Choice Award

Victoria Falls Adventure Film Festival: Official Film Submission Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

· Premiere Status: While not mandatory, preference will be given to films that have not had extensive theatrical or broadcast exposure in the Southern Africa region. Films that have previously been screened are eligible but must disclose this information.

· Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

· Language: Films not in the English language must have English subtitles.

· Rights: The submitter must hold all necessary rights for the public screening of the submitted film, including music, footage, and talent releases. The Festival reserves the right to request proof of these permissions at any time.

2. Categories & Fees

· Submissions are open for the following categories:

· Feature Film (40 minutes and over)

· Short Film (under 40 minutes)

· Adventure Series Episode (must be a standalone episode, under 60 minutes)

· Submission fees are non-refundable and must be paid via the method outlined on our submission platform (e.g., Festhome).

· Early bird, regular, and late deadlines with corresponding fees will be clearly listed on the submission page.

3. Submission Process

· All films must be submitted via Festhome.

· We require a secure online screener (password-protected Vimeo/Youtube link). Please ensure the link and password are valid until the date of the festival announcement.

· Incomplete submissions (e.g., missing fee, unviewable link, incorrect information) will be disqualified.

4. Selection Process

· All films will be reviewed by the VFAFF pre-selection committee and our official jury.

· Selection for the festival is at the sole discretion of the VFAFF.

All decisions are final.

· Filmmakers of selected films will be notified via email by the date specified on the website.
Due to the high volume of submissions, we regret that we cannot provide individual feedback on films that are not selected.

5. Requirements for Selected Films

If your film is selected, you MUST provide the following by the deadline provided in your selection notification:

· A high-resolution digital exhibition file (e.g., ProRes 422HQ, H.264 in a .mov or .mp4 container) as specified by our technical team.

· At least 3 high-resolution stills from the film (300 dpi, JPG).

· A trailer (if available).
· A director's biography and filmography.
· A full list of film credits.
· A press kit and any additional promotional material.

6. Screening & Promotional Rights

· By submitting your film, you grant VFAFF a non-exclusive license to screen your film during the 2026 festival dates in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and potentially at associated, non-commercial satellite events promoting the festival.

· You grant VFAFF the right to use up to 3 minutes of footage, stills, and titles from the film for promotional purposes in all media, including television, social media, and the festival website.

· The film's ownership remains at all times with the rights holder(s).

7. Logistical & Financial Responsibilities

· VFAFF will cover the cost of standard technical checks and formatting for the screening.

· The submitter is responsible for all costs related to the production of the film and the delivery of the exhibition copy to the festival.

8. Legal & Agreement

· The submitter warrants that they are authorized to submit the film to VFAFF and that all rights and clearances have been obtained. The submitter indemnifies and holds harmless the Victoria Falls Adventure Film Festival, its organizers, partners, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, or performance.

· By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all the rules and terms outlined in this document.

Contact:
For any questions regarding submissions, please contact: info@vfaff.co.zw

1. Fully Funded Invitations (Award Winners & Headliners)

· The winners of our top-tier awards—including Best of Festival and Best Conservation Film—will receive a fully funded journey to Victoria Falls.

This includes:

· Round-trip economy airfare.
· Accommodation for the festival duration.
· A full-access VIP festival pass.
· A select number of internationally renowned filmmakers will also be invited as our special guests under this tier.

2. Partially Funded Invitations (Category Award Winners & Key Voices)

· Winners of other major categories (e.g., Best Adventure Film, Best Cinematography) will receive significant support to facilitate their attendance, which may include:

· A fixed travel stipend to offset costs.

· Complimentary accommodation for the festival duration.

3. Official Selection Invitations (All Selected Filmmakers)

· Every film chosen for our Official Selection will receive:

· Two (2) complimentary full-access Festival Passes.

· A formal invitation letter for visa and grant application purposes.

· Access to a dedicated Filmmaker Lounge and all exclusive networking events.

· Inclusion in our curated festival schedule and marketing materials.

4. The "Film-Only" Selection

· For films where the filmmaker is unable to attend, we proudly grant the "Official Selection" laurel and will promote your work as a core part of our program.

All funding is subject to the filmmaker's physical attendance at the festival to accept their award and participate in scheduled Q&A sessions.

We are thrilled at the prospect of showcasing your work and, hopefully, welcoming you to Victoria Falls.

Important Notes to Submitters:

Currency: All fees are in USD and must be paid through our Festhome Platform

Fee Waivers: A LIMITED number of fee waivers are available for filmmakers from developing nations who demonstrate financial need.

Please do contact us at info@vfaff.co.zw before final deadline to request an APPLICATION.

The Zimbabwean Filmmaker rate applies to any director who is a citizen or permanent resident of Zimbabwe.

The SADC Filmmaker rate applies to any director who is a citizen or permanent resident in the SADC member countries.

Our Deadlines are final.