The International Organization for Migration and UN  (UN IOM) this week issued a call for films for the Global Migration Film Festival. The multi-venue festival which takes place annually in over 100 countries in December is the world’s première cultural event on migration.

Moreover, The UN IOM organization’s call for submissions includes Full-Length Feature and Short Films, in all genres: fiction, documentary, and animation. Filmmakers have long viewed migration as a rich source of storytelling. This unique festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers and viewers the world over to enjoy films about migration that entertain and educate – be the stories dramatic, sad or funny.

Further, It is in this spirit that IOM launched The Global Migration Film Festival in 2016 with just 30 film submissions. Last year there were 784 submissions from independent filmmakers in 98 countries making it a truly global filmmaking phenomenon. Additionally,  The Festival’s Official Selection of 42 films for 2018 led to 558 screenings in 104 countries around the world, drawing a global audience of over 30,000 people and inspiring filmmakers and film lovers alike.

“What an incredible festival. I highly recommend it. IOM is an incredible organization with an important aim. It was wonderful to see my short film playing worldwide,” said filmmaker Juan Romero.

Categories

• Full-length features: Filmmakers working in all genres are to submit films that address festival themes. Also, with a total running time exceeding 41 minutes.
• Short Films: Filmmakers working in all genres are to submit films that address festival themes. Also,  with a total running time with a minimum of 15 minutes up to 40 minutes.

Eligibility

• Open to both established and emerging filmmakers around the world;
• Films of all genres (feature, documentary, animation, etc.) and lengths will be accepted;
• Likewise, All submissions should portray the challenges and promises of migration, and the unique contributions migrants make to their new communities. Films that tackle negative perceptions of migrants, defy stereotypes and portray positive. Also,  welcoming actions by and toward migrants are encouraged;
• Films should be in English or subtitled in English. Subtitles are encouraged, even if the dialogue is in English, to ensure maximum comprehension for global audiences. Films in other languages are possible but must have subtitles in English;
• Films completed on or after 1 January 2016 are eligible for consideration;
• Further, films may only be submitted by individuals with the legal right to negotiate the use of the work;
• Films submitted already to previous editions of the Festival are not eligible for submission this year.