The following information outlines the awards, recognitions, and submission guidelines for films submitted to the Hispanic Heritage Film Festival.
Please review the information carefully before submitting your film.
Awards & Prizes
At the Hispanic Heritage Film Festival, we celebrate the talent of our selected films through recognitions presented by a professional jury and by the audience vote.
Our awards are honorary recognitions. When selected, your film receives meaningful visibility within our community: promotion across our platforms, inclusion in the official festival program, and the opportunity to connect with audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals in Miami.
As an independent festival and nonprofit organization, we are currently unable to cover screening fees. Our commitment is to provide a professional and carefully curated platform where Hispanic cinema can be seen, valued, and celebrated.
Rules & Terms
The Hispanic Heritage Film Festival (HHFF) accepts films from filmmakers of any nationality, as long as the submitted works have a clear connection to Hispanic culture, identity, or experiences. The festival is open to all genres, formats, and durations.
Before submitting your film, please read the following rules carefully:
1. Festival Strategy
Before submitting your film, we recommend carefully considering the festival dates (October 9–11, 2026) and your film’s festival strategy.
The Hispanic Heritage Film Festival does not require premiere status. However, we understand that other festivals may require it, so we encourage filmmakers to consider how a potential selection at HHFF may fit within their overall festival run.
By submitting your film through FilmFreeway, you agree that if selected, the Hispanic Heritage Film Festival may screen your film during the official festival dates in Miami, Florida.
2. Language (Spanish Required, Not Exclusive)
Films must include Spanish in a meaningful way. We understand that many Hispanic productions—particularly those produced in the United States—may be bilingual (Spanish and English) or include other languages. The important requirement is that Spanish is clearly present within the film. Films without Spanish, or where Spanish is only incidental, may not be considered.
3. Subtitles
All films must include English subtitles for Spanish dialogue. For dialogue in languages other than Spanish, Spanish subtitles are recommended. Films without English subtitles for Spanish dialogue may be disqualified.
4. Rights
The person submitting the film must hold the rights to the work or have explicit authorization for its public exhibition.
5. Original Content
Films must be original works and must not infringe on copyright or third-party rights. The filmmaker is responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions.
6. Technical Requirements
Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that the film file functions correctly and meets the festival’s technical requirements. Films with technical issues or missing required subtitles may be disqualified without refund.
7. Withdrawals
Films may not be withdrawn once submissions have closed.
8. Promotional Materials
Selected films must provide a required marketing package including a poster, trailer, synopsis, director biography, director headshot, and film stills. Stills are essential for festival promotion.
9. Use of Materials
By submitting your film, you authorize HHFF to use the promotional materials provided for publicity purposes, including social media, website, and official festival materials.
10. Exhibition
By submitting your film, you authorize its screening before a public audience during the official festival dates.
11. Multiple Submissions
Filmmakers may submit more than one film.
12. Communication
All official festival communication will be conducted exclusively with the person who submitted the film.
13. Changes
HHFF reserves the right to make changes to festival dates, schedules, or venues. Any modifications will be communicated accordingly.
14. Fees
Submission fees are non-refundable once the festival’s decision has been announced.
15. Acceptance
By submitting your film, you agree to these terms and conditions and authorize the festival to send communications related to HHFF. The information provided will not be shared with third parties.
A film may be considered for more than one category. Final programming and categorization decisions will be made by the festival programming team.