The Glendale International Film Festival (GIFF)’s 12th edition is open for film and screenplay submissions on FilmFreeway. GIFF 2026 is scheduled to be held in person from Sept/ 23-28, in its namesake Glendale. The multi-venue festival will once again screen at filmmaker and fan favorite Laemmle Theatre’s Glendale location.

Presented by non-profit Glendale Arts (GA), GIFF offers a filmmaker-forward festival experience designed to showcase local-to-global creative artists and powerful storytelling on the screen while fostering meaningful connections and network-building opportunities off the screen. The annual six-day celebration of independent cinema is programmed with thoughtfully-curated film blocks including dozens of premieres; in-depth Q&As and panel discussions; a spirited awards ceremony; and fun-filled parties and mixers. 

This year marks GA’s five-year milestone of stewarding GIFF as its tentpole program and expanding the GIFF experience with care, integrity and a welcoming spirit. As film festivals remain a vital lifeline for independent filmmakers and continue to play a critical role in discovery, distribution and career development, GA and GIFF maintain their commitment to serving as a conduit between emerging and established storytellers and the audiences, collaborators, and opportunities that advance their work.

GIFF invites filmmakers and screenwriters from around the globe to submit work in 22 categories: feature film, international feature, documentary feature, animation feature, horror/thriller feature, Glendale film – feature & short, female filmmaker – feature & short, experimental film – feature & short, drama short, comedy short, dramedy short, international short, documentary short, animation short, horror/thriller short, short short, web series/new media, music video, feature screenplay, short screenplay, student film – feature & short, student screenplay – feature & short. 

Film and screenplay submissions are accepted through FilmFreeway, the industry-trusted platform used by festivals worldwide. Filmmakers and writers are encouraged to browse GIFF’s FilmFreeway listing at https://filmfreeway.com/GlendaleInternationalFilmFestival to review detailed guidelines, explore feedback shared by past participants, and submit their projects. Submissions are open until the June 26 final deadline. 

GIFF is a Gold-designated festival, giving FilmFreeway Gold members access to discounted submission fees. GIFF is also proud to be included on the Film Festival Alliance’s curated list on FilmFreeway, which highlights member festivals of the leading organization dedicated to promoting best practices and professional standards across the global film festival industry.

GIFF is a celebration of storytelling and the cinematic arts – spotlighting the powerful medium of film, the creative artists who make them, and the tradition of moviegoing. Launched in 2014, GIFF is based in Glendale and has been ranked in the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals in the World on FilmFreeway. The multi-day festival features in-competition screenings, Q&As, panels and special programs at the iconic Laemmle Theatre in Glendale; a film, screenplay and student competition and awards ceremony; and networking opportunities with industry professionals.