Submissions Open for 2026 Film Festivals

Maeya Culture Exchange Group is gearing up for another great year of film festivals. Each of their three festivals is now open for submissions.

Kicking off the lineup is Universe Multicultural Film Festival, returning to Palos Verdes June 5-7. UMFF bridges international cultures together through the cinematic arts. Its programming emphasizes cultural diversity and inclusion. Past editions have showcased coming of age dramas and enlightening documentaries. Mark your calendars for the submission deadline May 10.

Following UMFF in August, San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival features films made by and for kids. It showcases of youth and child-produced films, as well as films made for all-ages. Families are invited to attend together. The event will also feature a film market, providing filmmakers a platform to connect with distributors interested in children’s entertainment. Submissions wrap up on July 15. SDIKFF will return August 21-23.

October’s Epic ACG Fest is our newest festival, focusing on animation, comics, and games. Located in California’s technological hub Silicon Valley, EACG features panels with technology experts and artists. Submissions will remain open until October 1.

All three festivals have special competitions for screenplays and film music. Select screenplays will be performed live at the Screenplay Showcase. Starting this year, they will also be accepting submissions for audiobooks and projects made using AI. AI made films will compete in a separate category from the other entries.

Guests will experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood on the red carpet. Each festival will include industry-led panels, where filmmakers will receive valuable insights from Hollywood veterans. Filmmakers will also have opportunities to network with likeminded peers.

The Maeya team looks forward to another amazing year of cinema! For more information, visit the festival websites: www.umfilms.org, https://sdkidsfilms.org, and https://eacgfest.org.