SUBMISSIONS · 2026
Your story. The big screen.
We are looking for original voices, bold ideas and films made with conviction — at every budget level.
CATEGORIES
A home for independent work.
Every submission is handled securely by FilmFreeway. LAIFF never accepts film uploads or entry payments on this website.
INDEXED FILMFREEWAY FEES · USD
Category entry fees.
| Category group | Earlybird | Regular | Late / Extended |
|---|---|---|---|
| All feature film categories | $75 / $67.50 | $80 / $72 | $85 / $76.50 |
| Short films, documentaries, animation, experimental, horror / sci-fi | $45 / $40.50 | $50 / $45 | $55 / $49.50 |
| Short shorts & music videos | $35 / $31.50 | $40 / $36 | $45 / $40.50 |
| All screenplay categories | $45 / $40.50 | $50 / $45 | $55 / $49.50 |
Standard / Gold member fees from the search-indexed official listing; prices may have changed. FilmFreeway also lists an AI Short Film category at the short-film fee rate, for films integrating AI into their creative process. The indexed listing marks categories “Waiver Codes Only”; confirm entry availability directly on FilmFreeway.
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Entry details.
Open to USA and international features and shorts, in any genre, made with an independent spirit and low budgets.
Low-budget features: budget under $1 million USD. Micro-budget: under $250,000 USD. No-budget: under $25,000 USD.
The extended deadline supplied for this site is October 15, 2026.
Submission does not guarantee selection or a screening.
The indexed FilmFreeway listing shows September 29, 2026 as its extended deadline, while festival staff supplied October 15. Confirm the active deadline and fees on FilmFreeway before entering.
View fees & submit