San Francisco, CA — The American Indian Film Institute is currently seeking film and video entries for the 34th annual American Indian Film Festival. As the nation's oldest and most prestigious venue for American Indian film arts and entertainment, the American Indian Film Festival has earned a reputation for excellence and integrity. At Film Festival 2008, AIFI premiered and/or screened over 100 film and video works from American and Canadian filmmakers. The annual Film Festival and American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, produced by AIFI Founder and President Michael Smith, draws an audience of nearly 5,000, anticipating the latest in American Indian cinema and music.

The 2009 American Indian Film Festival will be presented November 6-14 in San Francisco, California. Films to be entered for competition should be by or about American Indian or Canada First Nations people and produced during year 2008-2009. Entry deadline is August 7, 2009.

Download Entry Form (.PDF)

The major categories for competition are: (1) Documentary Feature, (2) Documentary Short, (3) Feature Film, (4) Live Short Subject, (5) Music Video, (6) Animated Short Subject, (7) Public Service, and (8) Industrial. All entries must be accompanied by DVD screener, promotional materials, including production credits, publicity stills, as well as a film synopsis, not to exceed 250 words. Entrants are responsible for all shipping costs to and from AIFI's San Francisco office.

A Film Jury, designated by the American Indian Film Institute, will screen entries and issue recommendations to the final program and award nominations. During the week of September 28, 2009, entrants will be notified of their selection to the 2009 American Indian Film Festival. The American Indian Motion Picture Awards, recognizing outstanding Indian cinematic accomplishments, will be presented the evening of November 14 at the Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon Street, in San Francisco.

Each entry must include: Completed entry form; film synopsis; DVD (NTSC) screener; Signed Regulations Agreement Form; Entry Fee $50.00 (U.S. Funds). Entry fee payable to American Indian Film Institute.

Entry forms can also be obtained by writing or calling the American Indian Film Institute 333 Valencia Street, Suite 322, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. Telephone: 415.554.0525, or Fax: 415.554.0542. You may also e-mail AIFI at: filmfestival@aifisf.com

2009 Film Festival Sponsorship packets are available now. Sponsorships range from $10,000 to $50,000. Reserve early.

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The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) is a non-profit media arts center founded in 1979 to foster understanding of the culture, traditions and issues of contemporary Native Americans. The American Indian Film Festival is produced by the American Indian Film Institute with the generous support of our sponsors.