The Emberlight International Film Festival is now accepting submissions for our next season. Part of the annual Emberlight Festival, we showcase narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental films in the scenic Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned visionary, we’re looking for films that move, challenge, and inspire.
Submit your film
Film Festival FAQ
EIFF 2026 will take place at The Ember Club from August 14 – 21, 2026. The Film Festival runs “in rep” with other festival events over two weekends.
Films can be submitted on FilmFreeway. Submissions are open from August 18, 2025 – May 8, 2026.
Our submission fees start at only $12 until the Early Bird deadline on November 30, 2025. Fees increase gradually at our other deadlines: Regular (February 6, 2026), Late (March 6, 2026), Extended (May 8, 2026).
We are pleased to name 20 awards and offer over $3,000 in prizes this year.
One of our top awards is the Emberlight Choice which includes a $500 cash prize and plus flight + accomodations to join us in Ironwood for the 2026 Film Festival. (The winner of the Emberlight Choice will be selected by the Emberlight Board of Directors.)
Prizes will be announced during our annual award ceremony on Friday, August 21, 2026 (more details to be announced in April).
Each film will be reviewed by 2-3 industry professionals from across the U.S. and abroad. Films will be judged based on their overall artistic and technical quality. All genres are welcome.
We would be thrilled to welcome you to Emberlight! Our local airport has daily direct flights to Chicago (ORD) and Minneapolis (MSP) that connect with United and American airlines. We also have connections with many local hotels to help supply exclusive discounts to visiting filmmakers and industry professionals.
Emberlight is on the Michigan & Wisconsin border and 16 miles south of majestic Lake Superior in the town of Ironwood, MI. Our area boasts incredible vistas, the Northern Lights, countless waterfalls, pristine inland lakes, Copper Peak, and four vibrant season year round.