2027 OFFICIAL COMPETITION CATEGORIES
MIFF welcomes established filmmakers, independent producers, emerging filmmakers, students and new voices from South Africa, Africa and around the world.
Films may be submitted for consideration in the following categories:
1. BEST FEATURE FILM
Narrative feature-length films demonstrating outstanding storytelling, direction, performance and cinematic execution.
2. BEST SHORT FILM
Short-form narrative filmmaking showcasing powerful, original and memorable storytelling.
3. BEST DOCUMENTARY
Feature and short documentaries exploring real people, communities, environments, histories, ideas and contemporary issues.
4. BEST STUDENT FILM
Films created by students currently studying or produced as part of a recognized educational or training programme.
5. BEST ANIMATION
Animated storytelling across traditional, digital, stop-motion, experimental and hybrid forms.
6. BEST AFRICAN FILM
A celebration of filmmaking from across the African continent and African storytellers presenting stories rooted in African experiences, perspectives and imagination.
7. BEST MPUMALANGA FILM
Dedicated to films and filmmakers connected to Mpumalanga and stories that reflect the province's people, communities, landscapes, languages, heritage, contemporary experiences and creative talent.
8. BEST WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION FILM
Films exploring wildlife, biodiversity, conservation, climate, landscapes, indigenous knowledge and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
MIFF reserves the right to consider eligible films for additional special mentions, jury recognition or programme strands where appropriate.
NEW: MPPLUS PREMIERE & STREAMING OPTIONS
The 2027 Call introduces an additional opportunity beyond the competition categories.
