Submit Your Film
Submit to the Femmes en Montagne Film Festival
Submissions are open from January 15 to July 20, 2026.
Scroll down to find the FAQ, which addresses the main questions about film submissions for the Femmes en Montagne Film Festival. Detailed rules can be found on the FilmFreeway platform, which can be accessed by clicking the “Submit Your Film” button below.
What are the requirements for submitting my film?
We accept films that highlight one or more women in main roles, a majority of female protagonists and mountains that play a central role, as a setting, place of action, or main theme. We also encourage technical teams that include women.
There are three submission categories:
- Main Category: Professional films with a maximum run time of 90 minutes.
- Amateur Film Category: Amateur films with a maximum run time of 52 minutes.
- Short Film Category: Amateur or professional films with a maximum run time of 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my film?
Submissions are only accepted via the FilmFreeway platform, via this link: https://filmfreeway.com/Femmesenmontagne
Create a free account to submit your film to the Festival.
This platform is used by many festivals and you can send in other submissions using your account.
What are the film selection criteria?
Like any film festival we evaluate image, sound, and writing quality, as well as the creativity and originality of the film.
As a festival committed to highlighting women in the mountain environment and in film, we promote the presence of women on screen as well as subjects which prompt reflection on the role of women in the mountains and in society.
Mixed-gender protagonist groups must be made up of at least 50% women.
We also favor female and mixed-gender direction and production teams, without disqualifying more male-dominated teams.
As a festival committed to a more environmentally respectful approach to mountain activities, we pay particular attention to this issue as part of our selection criteria.
Do I have to be a professional to apply?
No, the Festival is open to everyone, professionals and amateurs alike. In addition, the Amateur Film Category is reserved for non-professionals and first-time filmmakers. Keep in mind that the film must be of sufficient quality for screening in a theater setting.
How long does my film need to be?
Film running time is limited to 90 minutes for professional films and 52 minutes for amateur films so that multiple films can be shown per screening. To improve your chances of selection, we advise submitting films shorter than an hour, so that they are easier to include in the Festival program as it currently exists.
To submit to the Short Film Category, your film cannot be longer than 15 minutes.
Can I submit multiple films to the Festival?
Yes, you can submit multiple films. You must submit a new application for each film.
Does my film have to have been made in the last year?
No. Even if more recent films are preferred, we believe that certain older films also deserve to be showcased and that our audience will be just as pleased to (re)discover them.
My film isn’t finished; can I still apply?
Yes, you can submit an unfinished version of your film, but the quality must be representative of the final film so that it can be evaluated by the selection committee. In other words, rather than a rush job, send us the most completed possible version, with screens indicating modifications and additions to be made.
If your film is selected, you must make the finished film available before October 1 (keeping in mind the time needed to send the film!)
To apply, does my film need to be subtitled?
Yes. If it’s in a foreign language, it must be subtitled (at least in English) so that the selection committee (which is not fully multilingual) can evaluate the film’s content. Without subtitles, it may be at a disadvantage.
Selected French films should not be sent with English subtitles embedded but rather with French subtitles or closed captions (for the deaf and hard of hearing) which can be sent in a separate .srt file. Films in foreign languages must be sent with complete French subtitles or, at a minimum, with foreign language subtitles in .srt format sent separately. These must be complete and easily translatable.
Films with French subtitles are preferred because, as an organization, we do not have the means to translate too many subtitles (the translation team is recruiting, FYI!)
The big plus: so that we can continue advancing equality for all, it is very important that all films (even those in French) are subtitled by the production teams.
These subtitles are not required when applying, however, if you can provide them in time for the Festival, please specify this in the comments or by contacting us at the following email address: contact@femmesenmontagne.com.
For better quality subtitles, consider working with professional audiovisual subtitle translators/adaptors. If you are having trouble finding such professionals, please let us know so that we can put you in contact with our partners.
Like many other mountain film festivals, in an effort to improve accessibility we ask that films are submitted with subtitles. Should you have difficulties producing subtitles, please contact our preferred partners:
silenceongrimpe@gmail.com
julieklene.ils@ecomail.fr
celineripolles@gmail.com
Can I apply if my film is available for free online?
Yes. We believe that screening in theater conditions is an added value and that just because it is available online does not mean that it has been seen by everyone.
Nevertheless, films not available for free online have an advantage in the final selection.
Can I apply if my film has already been selected by other festivals?
Yes. We do not require exclusivity.
Can I apply with a fictional or animated film?
Yes, the program is not limited to documentaries.
Can I come present my film at the Festival if it is selected?
Yes, absolutely! Guest speakers are very important to us at Femmes en Montagne, thus we give them a lot of stage time. If you would like to share the behind-the-scenes of your film, engage with the audience, and see your film on the big screen you’re not only welcome, you’re invited!*
When will I know if my film has been selected or not?
The Festival program is determined in a few phases: first the pre-selection phases, then the final selection phase. If your film is pre-selected, you will need to send additional elements and information which will allow us to decide on its final selection.
With this in mind, you will know by October 1, 2025 at the latest if your film has been selected. Teams able to provide French subtitles, those coming to present their film at the Festival, films not available for free online, and world, European, and/or French premieres are given precedence.
Why do I have to pay to apply?
We ask for a modest financial contribution to submit a film to the Festival. The amount of this contribution increases as the deadline approaches. We are aware that this can be an inconvenience, however it is necessary for a few reasons: it prevents the Festival from receiving too many off-topic submissions and also encourages directors to apply as soon as possible.
This way, the selection committee can spread out their viewings over several months, guaranteeing the most fair and equitable selection process possible by preventing the need for a movie marathon a few days before the submission deadline. Thank you for your understanding!
Will I be paid if my film is selected?
Yes, some of the proceeds from the online version of the Festival allow us to pay the distribution rights to the director(s)/production companies, by invoice.
This total depends on online pass sales, so it is difficult to anticipate a precise amount, but know that we strive to compensate the film teams as well as possible. We know that part of our commitment to gender diversity is also offering better financial support.
The winning films are rewarded financially at the Festival, but they are also selected to be screened during “relay screenings,” which happen throughout year and for which we also pay the distribution rights.
Selected films are eligible to be shown during the school tour if interested, for which they also receive distribution rights.
Which themes are of particular interest to the Festival?
All topics are permitted as long as they fit within the theme of the Festival: travel, sports, cultural or scientific discoveries, portrayals of women in the mountains…Femmes en Montagne is not only about outdoor sports (though we do love them!). Surprise us! Inspire us! And, most importantly, tell us a story…a good film is not only beautiful images with good music, it’s a perspective on a subject, meetings with people, places, things, it’s a rhythm, a progression that keeps you in suspense until the end! Have confidence in yourself, experiment, have fun and you might just become one of the committee’s favorites!
If you don’t find a response to your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us at this email address:
