Calling all filmmakers, creators, and screen storytellers!
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is thrilled to announce that submissions are officially open for Cayfest on Film 2026, a vibrant celebration of storytelling, imagination, and Caymanian creativity!
As part of the annual Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts (Cayfest), this showcase invites local and international filmmakers alike to share their documentaries, short or feature films, and music videos.
Whether you’re an emerging artist experimenting with your first short film or a seasoned storyteller ready to premiere your next masterpiece, this is your moment to shine!
Submissions are open from Saturday, 1 November 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026.
How to submit
Click "Submit a Film" button and fill out the Formstack.
Please include: film file link, runtime, synopsis (max 150 words), film rating (indicate if you have a local or international rating), director bio and screening format.
Note: if you want to enter more than one film, you must fill out one form per film.
Suggested technical specs
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Submissions: Viewing link with password
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Preferred codecs: ProRes or DCP for screening if selected
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Resolution: 1920×1080 (2K) minimum; 4K if available.
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Subtitles: Embed or provide .srt for non-English dialogue.
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Runtime categories: Short (less than 30 min), Feature (more than 30 min), Documentary (any), Music Video (any)
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If you have questions about submissions or Cayfest on Film, please reach out to us at cayfestonfilm@gmail.com
A cinematic celebration of Cayman Islands stories, voices and visions.
Cayfest on Film 2026 is a follow-up to the successful 2025 edition titled Splice, which explored the thematic concepts of liminal (a transitional stage between two states) and katharsis (emotional purification).
Building on this foundation, the 2026 film showcase embraces Cayfest's theme Global Threads, exploring how our stories, histories, and identities are interwoven across borders. From our three islands to the wider diaspora, Cayfest on Film 2026 will highlight works that reflect connection, migration, cultural exchange, and the shared experiences that bind us together through art.
Cayfest on Film 2026 is slated to return with various partnered venues on Grand Cayman as well as to Cayman Brac on select dates in March. This curated programme continues the tradition of highlighting diverse works made in and about the Cayman Islands by a local and global filmmakers.
From 1 November 2025 - 4 January 2026, filmmakers are invited to submit up to two (2) films for consideration.
While this year’s programming will reflect the Global Threads theme, submissions are not required to align with the theme to be considered.
Due to the curated nature of this limited screening, not all submissions will be selected. However, all works will be logged for potential inclusion in future CNCF programming.
The Cayfest on Film screening schedule and locations will be published in February 2026.
Venues
Venues across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac are slated to host Cayfest on Film 2026, with complimentary screenings of a diverse mix of films and videos.
Venue details will be published in February 2026.
