What We Look For
We welcome films that demonstrate artistic integrity, strong craft, and a distinct voice. We are especially drawn to work that challenges perspectives, bridges cultures, and leaves a lasting impression.
Open to Diverse Forms of Cinema
AMPF welcomes submissions across a wide range of genres, formats, and cinematic traditions. We invite narrative, documentary, experimental, student, animated, and other independent works from filmmakers around the world. Whether intimate and personal or bold and globally minded, we welcome films that reflect your voice and vision.
How the Festival Works
American Motion Pictures Festival brings together two complementary experiences:
Monthly Festival Sessions
Films are reviewed through recurring festival sessions that highlight selected works and recognize outstanding achievement across categories.
Annual In-Person Festival Experience
In addition to monthly recognition, AMPF culminates in an annual in-person festival gathering in Greater Atlanta, creating opportunities for celebration, visibility, and community connection.
For international and U.S.-based indie filmmakers
AMPF is built for filmmakers who want their work to move beyond one city or one country. We welcome both U.S.‑based and international teams and make it clear how your film fits into our program, wherever you are submitting from.
International filmmakers
American Motion Pictures Festival welcomes films from any country and in any language, with the simple requirement that non‑English work includes English subtitles. Our submission and screening process is designed so you can participate fully at a distance: secure online screeners, clear delivery guidelines, timely communication, and an annual Atlanta showcase that gives your film a tangible U.S. festival presence.
U.S.-based independent filmmakers
For U.S. indies, AMPF offers a curated home that understands micro‑budget realities and regional stories. By combining ongoing online recognition with an in‑person screening event in the Greater Atlanta area, we give independent features and shorts a chance to be seen by real audiences, connect with peers, and add a credible U.S. festival credit to their release strategy—without requiring a studio‑level campaign.
Whether you’re submitting from down the street or across an ocean, AMPF is designed to be a clear, welcoming home for independent cinema.
Why Submit to AMPF
Global Perspective
We champion films that speak across borders and bring diverse human experiences to the screen.
Filmmaker-Centered Platform
We are committed to creating a respectful, welcoming space for independent filmmakers and original voices.
Monthly Recognition
Selected films receive ongoing visibility through our monthly festival sessions and award announcements.
Annual Festival Presence
AMPF extends beyond online recognition through an annual in-person festival experience in Greater Atlanta.
Meaningful Storytelling
We value cinema that is bold, thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and artistically compelling.
Recognition That Honors Creative Excellence
AMPF celebrates filmmaking achievements through curated selections and awards that recognize excellence in storytelling, direction, performance, visual expression, and overall impact.
Our goal is not only to reward accomplishment, but to elevate films that deserve to be discovered, discussed, and remembered.
Official Selections • Monthly Awards • Special Recognition • Annual Festival Showcase
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I submit my film?
Films must be submitted through our official submission platforms. Please use the submission links provided on this website.
2. Is AMPF an online or in-person festival?
AMPF includes monthly festival sessions and an annual in-person festival experience in Greater Atlanta.
3. What kinds of films do you accept?
We welcome a wide range of independent films, including narrative, documentary, experimental, student, and international works.
4. Can international filmmakers submit?
Yes. AMPF welcomes submissions from filmmakers around the world.
5. Why should I submit to AMPF?
AMPF offers a filmmaker-centered platform that values bold storytelling, diverse voices, and meaningful cinema, with opportunities for recognition through both monthly sessions and the annual festival.
6. Do you accept international submissions?
Yes. AMPF welcomes films from any country. Non‑English work simply needs English subtitles, and we provide clear technical and delivery guidelines so international teams can participate without extra friction.
7. How long will it take to hear back?
Each monthly session closes at the end of the month, and filmmakers are notified of decisions within approximately 3–6 weeks via FilmFreeway and email. Notifications will state clearly whether your film has been selected, recognized with awards, or not programmed for that session.
8. What do selected films receive?
Selected films receive official AMPF laurels, promotional visibility on our website and social channels, and possible consideration for the annual Atlanta screening event. We also request stills and synopsis materials so we can present your work professionally to audiences and press.
9. How should I prepare my submission materials?
We recommend having a final screener, short synopsis, director bio, stills, and basic credits ready before you submit, as many festivals—including AMPF—draw on these materials for programming notes, announcements, and catalog listings.
Explore Festival Sessions
Discover past festival sessions, featured films, and award recognitions from AMPF. Our sessions highlight the range of voices, stories, and cinematic styles that shape the festival throughout the year.
