PAIFF
PAIFF
Cinema in Paradise!


Puerto Aventuras
International Film Festival
• Riviera Maya, Mexico •
March 25–29, 2026

THE PREMIER IMDb QUALIFYING FILM FESTIVAL OF THE RIVIERA MAYA.
El Festival Internacional de Cine de Puerto Aventuras es EL FESTIVAL DE CINE PREMIER DE LA RIVIERA MAYA.
Dan Hertzog, Filmmaker

"You can’t beat the tropical setting and laid back vibe of this festival, which was key for networking with all the other gifted artists. I know this festival will only become more sought out ... we literally want to make movies just for the chance to visit again!"
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@PAFilmFestival
Season 3 is officially open!

Location
The community of Puerto Aventuras is located 13 miles (20 km) south of Playa del Carmen and 26 miles (45 km) north of Tulum.
Nearby Airports:
Cancun Airport
Tulum Airport
Cozumel Airport (requires additional ferry transport)







Jorge Morias–Filmmaker, Spain
“There is no doubt that the festival's organization is admirable; a dedicated team has demonstrated exceptional commitment in planning and executing an event that brings together filmmakers and lovers of the seventh art in a truly spectacular setting"

Barbara Todd Hager–Producer, British Columbia
"Absolutely the best kept secret in the film festival circuit celebrating new and emerging filmmakers from around the world. The programming team chose beautiful films with messages of hope and resilience. Looking forward to seeing this gem of a festival grow!"

Tom Miller–Filmmaker, Gainesville, Florida
“It was spectacular and an honor to attend. Absolute top-to-bottom bliss. With its artsy local charm, stellar support, and top-tier shorts, this festival is an indie standout I’d recommend to any filmmaker or film lover in a heartbeat.”
Festival Passes
Get ready for PAIFF '26 like never before — we're launching exclusive destination packages that include luxury lodging, food and beverages, local travel options, and unforgettable excursions in the heart of the Riviera Maya.



Venues



Schedule
May 5, 2025
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Open Call for Submissions for 3rd season
July 15, 2025
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Summer Early Bird Deadline
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5 Early Bird Winners chosen
September 2, 2025
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Fall Early Bird Deadline
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5 Early Bird Winners chosen
November 3, 2025
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Winter Early Bird Deadline
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5 Early Bird Winners chosen
December 21, 2025
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Regular Deadline
January 15, 2026
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Late Deadline
February 2, 2026
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Final Selections Announced
March 25–29, 2026
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3rd Annual Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival


















Entries
How to submit your project.
Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway, the world's #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests.
Rules
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Technical tips for favorable results:
→ Have a downloadable trailer 90 sec or less with English subtitles.
→ Submit a professional poster image.
→ Include a brief synopsis, director bio, and cast and crew credits. -
Films must include a version with English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English). *Spanish subtitles are encouraged for non-Spanish films but are not required. Screenplay scripts must be written in English. Non-English music videos must have English subtitles.
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By submitting the film, script, or music video, the submitter agrees that:
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PAIFF can use trailer/teaser/sizzle/film poster/stills or BTS and script excerpt for promotional purpose (but do not release, under any form or circumstances, the full film or script).
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Entry fees and Pass fees are non-refundable.
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The submitter owns all the rights to the film or script.
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The information about the entries can be disclosed to PAIFF associate film festivals.
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Submission cannot be withdrawn after the announcement of the official selection.
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For student fee, it is mandatory the student status evidence (e.g. copy of student card included in the project).
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If selected to be present in the festival program, submitter must provide PAIFF with a downloadable full HD (1080p recommended) mov or mp4 digital file of the film AND the trailer for screening use at least 30 days prior to event (special "for preview" and "festival screening" water marks are acceptable).
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TRAILERS, TEASERS, and/or SIZZLE REELS for ALL film projects MUST be available for download upon entry submission in HD or 1080p format.
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If project IS selected as a seasonal early bird winner, then submission status will be updated to "SELECTED" and project will qualify as an OFFICIAL SELECTION and NOMINATION for the annual event.
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Selected submissions and filmmakers who plan to attend the annual screening and awards ceremony will be required to purchase a festival pass for each attendee (rate will be discounted at 50% from general public). If filmmaker cannot attend, it is highly encouraged that an introduction reel be presented and in some cases a virtual Q+A session can be arranged.
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For WORKS IN PROGRESS / TEASER submissions: presentation must be no more than 45 minutes and it is strongly encouraged that filmmaker be available to attend the festival.
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For SCREENPLAY writers: please have a poster image for your project and it is also recommended you have a presentation ready (power point or similar) if you plan to attend the festival.
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At this time, PAIFF does NOT pay or reimburse submitters/filmmakers and their entourage for travel and/or lodging expenses to/from festival, but filmmaker may be eligible for a gifted sponsorship from one of our sponsors (must inquire for details).
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Projects that do not follow the rules & terms above can be automatically disqualified at the sole discretion of PAIFF.
Fees
We only require ONE submission fee per project based on type! PAIFF committee will thoroughly review and rate your project for an award consideration in ALL applicable award categories based on the type of film as laid out in the pricing structure below. Prices listed in USD.
Non-Documentary Features $30–$80
Non-Documentary Short Films $25–$70
Documentary Films $20–$65
Animation and AI-generated Projects $15–$50
Music Videos, Sizzle Reels, & Works-in-progress $5–$30
Screenplays $15–$50
We consider all projects under 60 minutes to be shorts, and 60 minutes and over to be features.
Early bird discounts and special pricing for students,
FilmFreeway Gold members, and late fee entry prices are listed on FilmFreeway. Promotional discounts will be available to our instagram followers (@pafilmfestival). Waiver requests will be handled on a case by case basis.
