The Guam International Film Festival proudly presents an international cinema event exhibiting a dynamic source of cross-cultural artistic presence, bridging gaps among the U.S., Asia and the Pacific’s multi-cultural population and region. GIFF is the first and only annual U.S. film festival in the western pacific.
Building upon its growing success with an abundance of creative talent and worldwide recognition emerging from Asia and the Western Pacific, GIFF aims to unify, celebrate and showcase to the region and the world, the collective experience through the universal medium of film.
GIFF strives to capture the passion and spirit of independent filmmakers and their films.
The mission of the Guam International Film Festival is to foster the growth of cultural understanding through the art of filmmaking. GIFF achieves this through community outreach, education through festival workshops and efforts to build awareness for social responsibility through our film programming. In addition, GIFF aims to provide opportunities for local artists and emerging filmmakers to flourish through exposure to international cinema and industry related business.
Although Pacific Asia is the core of the Guam International Film Festival, we are proud to showcase international movies from submissions worldwide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FILMMAKERS
Q. Why GIFF?
A. In short, we’re the cinematic bridge between the U.S. and Asia. Our past festivals include Academy Award, Sundance and Cannes Palme d’Or winners that have showcased side-by-side with first-time DIY indie filmmakers. We’re eclectic, we keep it simple and we love film.
And if that doesn’t grab you, read this article from the Huffington Post: The Most Interesting Destination in America
Additionally, only a few hours away from major international metropolitan cities such as Sydney, Manila, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, and Hong Kong, Guam has always served as the global gateway to an eclectic mix of professionals from the US, Asia and Pacific rim offering a platform to exchange opportunities in business and entertainment.Our films are screened and judged by filmmakers, television and media professionals from the U.S., Asia/Pacific Asia Region.Top films of the festival will receive awards.One of the most diverse group of nationalities and ethnic communities ever to converge at one film festival.
Q. Does GIFF accept film submissions in any language?
A. Yes. GIFF accepts films in any language. However, all non-English language films must be subtitled in English for both submissions and exhibition if your film is chosen as an Official Selection of GIFF.
Q. Do you have to be Asian or a Pacific Islander to submit a film?
A. Nope. As an international festival, we are proud to present world class submissions from around the globe. Even though our mission is to showcase emerging Asian and Pacific Islander talent, international submissions are at home here at GIFF. Click here to see our complete list of 2014 GIFF Submission Rules and Regulations.
Q. Does my film have to be a world premiere to submit to GIFF?
A. No. Our festival does not require premiere status for submissions.
Q. My film has been released commercially on DVD. Is it still eligible to screen at GIFF?
A. Yes. Keep in mind that all films, regardless of their release status, must have the proper rights clearance for exhibition at GIFF.
Q. What if it’s already played on YouTube, Vimeo or anywhere online?
A. Your film will still be eligible. However, if you become an official selection of GIFF 2014, we ask that you refrain from posting your film in its entirety for online public viewing until the festival dates have expired.
Q. Can I submit a rough-cut?
A. GIFF does not accept rough-cuts.
Q. Does my film have to be recent?
A. GIFF 2014 submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2013 to be eligible for competition.
Q. What’s the best way to submit my film?
A. We offer two platforms of online submission via Withoutabox.com and FilmFreeway.com. Although we strongly recommend using secure online screeners, we do accept DVD submissions; but secure online screeners keep it streamlined for you, our screening committee and our Grand Jury. And…it’s eco-friendly!
CLICK HERE to visit our Submissions page.
If you do decide to go the DVD route, we require 2 screener DVDs for submission. The DVDs sent must be Region 1 NTSC packed in a bubble lined envelope, with the DVD disc clearly labeled with: FILM TITLE, CATEGORY, RUNTIME, CONTACT’S NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER and YOUR WITHOUTABOX or FILMFREEWAY TRACKING NUMBER. Please double check your DVD disc’s playability before sending. Screener DVDs will not be returned. Press materials are not needed during the submission phase and are only required by the festival if your film has been chosen as an official selection.
Q. How do I know if you’ve received my submission?
A. GIFF will post the ‘In Consideration’ status on your film via Withoutabox or FilmFreeway. This process may take a few days after receipt of your film.
Q. What happens after my film has been submitted to GIFF?
A. Your film will go through our selection process and reviewed by our programming committee. All filmmakers will be notified of selection status.
Q. If I get selected for GIFF 2014, what format do I need to submit for exhibition?
A. We’ll accept only the final exhibition format of HD Quicktime .mov file delivered via secured download link (if less than 2GB) or by mail on a USB-powered flashdrive (external hard drive is also fine, as long as it’s USB-powered). Hard drives requiring AC power (wall outlets) will not be accepted. Preferred delivered codec is Apple ProRes, however, exhibition files using a hi-resolution h.264 compression with AAC audio is also acceptable. Please be sure that audio levels register properly and are not peaked.
Q. Who should I contact about information for my film in GIFF?
A. Once you are accepted as an Official Selection of GIFF, you will be contacted with your support information. You can also visit our CONTACT PAGE.
FESTIVAL PATRONS
Q. How do I buy tickets?
A. General admission ticketing and Festival Pass information will be made available as the Festival draws near. Please check back often as we’ll update the site once everything is set.
Q. How early should I show up before movies start?
A. a good rule of thumb is AT LEAST 30 minutes before showtime. Any later than that and chaos ensues!
Q. What’s going on besides movies?
A. Along with our lineup of films at the Guam International Film Festival we’ll have festival events (TBA) and film Master Classes.
Q. Are the films rated?
A. We anticipate many of our films to not yet have a rating by the Motion Picture Association of America and therefore do not have an MPAA rating (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17). Please see each film’s description on their respective pages on this site as they are listed. The GIFF Guide description is a generalized precaution and notates that there may be material in the program not suitable for all ages. The GIFF Guide will help you make informed choices on what suits your movie-loving tastes.
Q. How can I be involved?
A. We are always interested in hearing from people with a strong sense of commitment to join our celebrated volunteer team, “Team GIFF”. For more info on becoming a volunteer Team GIFF member for the 2014 Guam International Film Festival, please CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE.
Q. What if I have questions or need help?
A. If you’re hanging out at the Festival and you have a question or need some assistance, just contact any of the Festival staff or volunteers. We’ll be glad to help. Otherwise, you can get an answer now from ourCONTACT PAGE.
See you at GIFF!
Stewart Rob 
