Film Submissions FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions that we receive at Mountainfilm.
Mountainfilm focuses on documentary film, art and ideas in the broad categories of adventure, activism, social justice, environment and culture, including an eclectic mix of films that celebrate indomitable spirit. Just because your film doesn’t include a mountain doesn’t mean it won’t work in our programming.
We’re looking for everything from two-minute shorts to feature-length films.
Films are processed through FilmFreeway and sent to our review team. Each film is typically reviewed by two reviewers. If it receives positive feedback, it moves on to the programming team, which makes the final decision on selections for the festival program.
We will notify the contact person on the entry form via e-mail by May 1 at the latest regarding the status of your submission.
With few exceptions, Mountainfilm requires that films have not been screened or broadcast in Colorado prior to the festival. However, the festival does take other previous screenings, broadcasts, and online availability into consideration when making its official selections.
Yes. Please submit each film as a unique entry and create a separate application for each.
No, rough cuts will not be considered. Films must be at least at the fine-cut stage. If you're submitting a fine cut, please include a title card at the beginning listing any general elements that are missing or incomplete, such as color correction, sound mix or music. Where applicable, add on-screen descriptions as placeholders for missing scenes or elements within the continuity of the film.
Please note that if you submit a fine cut and provide the final version later on, we'll make every effort to review it, but we can only guarantee that the first version we receive will be viewed. We recommend waiting until you're comfortable with your cut before submitting.
We are unable to consider new cuts once a film is submitted, so please wait until you're comfortable with your cut before entering. Do not send updated cuts or request that the programming team review them.
The only exception is for fine cuts that were clearly identified as such in the initial submission. In that case, you may notify the programming team once the completed film is available. We'll make every effort to review it, but we will not review multiple revisions and can only guarantee that the first version we receive will be viewed.
Yes, you are welcome to re-submit, but we do not encourage re-submission unless the film has undergone significant changes.
We are seeking films that are making their premiere after June 2026. Under rare circumstances, films made prior may be considered.
Each year Mountainfilm receives thousands film submissions. From those, we typically select about 15–20 feature-length films and 80–100 shorts. It’s a highly competitive process, with an acceptance rate of roughly 10–15%.
Mountainfilm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and strongly believes in filmmaker support. Submission fees help fund our yearly Commitment Grants and Emerging Filmmaker Fellowship. Your submission fee is assisting fellow filmmakers with production and post-production support!
If your film is accepted, you will receive an email with next steps. Please note that Mountainfilm is a DCP-only festival, and all selected filmmakers are required to provide a DCP file for exhibition. We understand this may be an unexpected expense for some, but it is a standard requirement at Mountainfilm and at many festivals that prioritize high technical and projection standards. The good news is that once created, your DCP can be used for future screenings as well. If you don’t already have one, you can have a DCP made through our partner, Simple DCP.