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ABOUT

The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) (@pafilmfestival) is entering its exciting third season after experiencing remarkable growth, with a 70% increase in film submissions from our inaugural year to year two, and a 45% boost in audience attendance. To date, we've proudly presented over 115 awards, including honors through our popular Early Bird Awards program.

Set in the breathtaking Riviera Maya community of Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, PAIFF is an IMDb-qualifying, destination-style 5-day international film festival renowned for its highly interactive environment and vibrant screening locations. At PAIFF, audiences don't just watch films—they become an essential part of our judging process, adding a dynamic layer to filmmaker recognition.

PAIFF provides a lucrative networking platform where filmmakers, industry insiders, and enthusiasts from around the globe converge to build lasting relationships, share insights, and celebrate outstanding cinema. Against the stunning Caribbean backdrop of pristine beaches and world-class amenities, our festival delivers an unforgettable experience designed to elevate filmmakers and connect powerful stories with appreciative audiences.

Join us for our third season—become part of a cinematic journey where creativity flourishes and meaningful industry connections are made!

AWARDS & PRIZES

Our Seasonal Early Bird Awards offer exclusive recognition with certificates for 15 select films—5 per submission deadline across Summer, Fall, and Winter—resulting in automatic selections for our annual event. The Annual Awards showcase trophies and certificates for excellence in various categories, including Best Feature, Documentary, Director, Visionary Director, Editing, Cinematography, Short Film, Actor, Actress, Music Video, Original Score, Sound Design, Screenplay, Trailer, Experimental, First Film, Student Film, Audience Choice, and Special Jury Prizes to name a few. Additional awards in Animation and AI-generated categories enhance our diverse selection. Selected projects continue competing across multiple categories, with an average of 50 coveted awards presented at our main event, scheduled this season for March 25–29, 2026.

RULES & TERMS

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.

By submitting the film, script, or music video, the submitter agrees that:

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).

Entry fees and Pass fees are non-refundable.

The submitter owns all the rights to the film or script.

The information about the entries can be disclosed to PAIFF associate film festivals.

Submission cannot be withdrawn after the announcement of the official selection.

For student fee, it is mandatory the student status evidence (e.g. copy of student card included in the project).

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).

TRAILERS, TEASERS, and/or SIZZLE REELS for ALL film projects MUST be available for download upon entry submission in HD or 1080p format.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Projects that do not follow the rules & terms above can be automatically disqualified at the sole discretion of PAIFF.

Disclaimer:
(i) PAIFF does not represent or cannot be represented by any other organization.

(ii) PAIFF does not disclose any kind of information with third parties.

(iii) PAIFF judging committee does not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

Important Notice: The submitter owns all the rights to the film, meaning that the submitted work (i) does not violate or infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark or any other personal or property right of any person or entity, that (ii) does not constitute or include a defamation of any person or entity, and that (iii) its representatives have paid and will pay in full all license fees, clearance fees, and other obligations, of any kind, arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film at or in connection with the Festival. Also, the submitter is duly authorized, on his own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights or interests (including, without limitation, intellectual property rights) in or relating to the film, to exhibit the film at the Festival.