Submission Categories

• Indigenous Voices

• Made-In-Montana

• Narrative Feature

• Documentary Feature

• Narrative Short Film

• Documentary Short Film

• Animation Film

• Experimental/Late Night

• Nature & Environment

• Student Films

JURY AWARDS

The MINT Film Festival is proud to recognize winning films in the following categories:

• MINT Spirit Award

• Best Narrative

• Best Documentary

• Best Made-In-Montana Film

• Best Narrative Short

• Best Documentary Short

• Best Indigenous Film

WHY YOU SHOULD SUBMIT TO MINT

Our venue partners include The Historic Babcock Theatre—750 seats with a glowing marquee in the heart of downtown Billings, MT.

All too often, great films by hard-working filmmakers go unseen, and we want to change that outcome! We know how hard it is to make a film. We know how much you’ve likely sacrificed to bring your film to life, and we want to assure you that the selection process at the Montana International Film Festival is a true meritocracy. All submitted films will be viewed by knowledgeable programmers, not by inexperienced volunteers who may only watch a minute of your film and move on to the next. In an ever-growing sea of film content, we understand that the curator's role is more vital than ever, and we take this role seriously. We’re a world-class festival that gives up-and-coming directors a platform and an audience to show their work.

Billings is a growing and vibrant city located along the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana. Voted by Outside magazine as the #1 Best Town of 2016, the city has an abundant, energetic, and passionate audience of film and art lovers who are ready to see your film and ready to share their community with you.

RULES & Conditions

Submission Deadline

• March 25, 2024 - Earlybird Deadline

• April 29, 2024 - Regular Deadline

• May 20, 2024 - Late Deadline

• June 17, 2024 - Extended Deadline

Film Length

• All Feature-length films with a run time of 46 – 120 min.

• All Short films with a run time of 1 – 45 min.

• Other media project lengths can vary.

Submission Format & Technical Requirements

• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway

• All films must either be in English or with English subtitles.

• Filmmakers must have all necessary legal authority and rights required to submit.

Submission Eligibility

• All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2023, for consideration.

Premiere Status

A Montana premiere is not required, but it's preferred.

Selecting Films

Film submissions are reviewed and considered under the following criteria:

• Quality of narrative (or documentary subject matter)

• The emotional depth of the characters

• Ability to push creative, technical, or social boundaries

Screening Format

We only accept DCP format.

Liability

We work closely with our theater venues to ensure the best quality projection and sound. Failure of technical equipment, while rare, can happen, and we, along with our venues and partners, will not be held liable. Submission fees will not be refunded in any such case. Submission fees will not be refunded should the festival cancel, postpone, or alter the schedule/availability of screenings or events due to COVID-19 or anything outside our control.

Refund Policy

We adhere to FilmFreeway’s refund policy. Refunds will not be issued for films that do not qualify within our submission categories. Please check that your film qualifies or contact us before submitting. We're happy to chat.