Mpumalanga International Film Festival 2027
Beyond the Screen
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN · Early Bird 31 Oct 2026 · Regular 15 Dec 2026 · Late 31 Jan 2027 · Extended 20 Feb 2027* · Notification 31 Mar 2027
*Final deadline being confirmed — submit via FilmFreeway or Festhome; always check the official listing before submitting.
Why submit to MIFF 2027?
Cinema screenings & Q&As
Your film on the big screen in Mbombela, followed by a moderated audience Q&A.
Industry access & masterclasses
Keynotes, workshops and funding sessions with local and international experts.
Networking & markets
Meet producers, investors, broadcasters and distributors across the festival week.
Destination experiences
Skukuza and Kruger National Park experiences for selected filmmakers.
Awards & recognition
Competitive awards across eight core categories, celebrated at the closing ceremony.
Optional MPPLUS consideration
An optional pathway to digital audiences after the festival — you keep your rights.
2027 Competition Categories
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best African Film
Best Mpumalanga Film
Best Wildlife, Environment & Conservation Film
US$3,500 Prize Pool
- Official MIFF recognition
- Potential MPPLUS licensing for selected films
- Potential MPPLUS streaming / digital arrangements
- Potential future development consideration
- Selected Skukuza experience
- Selected Lime Time travel opportunities
- Festival screening & audience exposure
- Industry networking
MIFF 2026 Award-Winning Stories
Best Wild Film
The Legacy of Megaherbivores
United States
Local Is Lekker Award
A Dream (Liphupho)
Eswatini
Women Behind the Scenes Award
Mufunwa: Kiss of the Blood
South Africa
Best Producer
Remember Their Names
South Africa