It’s BACK! For only the second time in history and the first time since 2019, the International Jugglers’ Association Festival will include a film festival event as part of our annual festival. We want your film to be a part of it!
We are looking for juggling-themed films in the categories of comedy, action, drama, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, musical, parody, or mystery. We’re not looking for juggling trick videos. Instead, we want narrative films with a plot that somehow involve juggling in an important way. The films don’t even have to include juggling but could take place in the juggling community or be about juggling. Below are the eligibility requirements.
- Submissions must be PG-13 or lower in terms of content.
- Applicants must be an IJA member.
- One submission per IJA member.
- Films must be between 3 to 20 minutes in length.
- Films must follow some narrative structure with juggling being a focal point.
- Applicants are highly recommended to attend the festival, but do not have to be present at the event to participate.
- Submissions must be shot specifically for this event and may not be screened publicly prior to the IJA Film Festival.
- Film makers retain 100% ownership of their films and may do whatever they wish with their films (enter into other film festivals, post online, etc.) after the IJA Film Festival concludes.
- Films must be made organically with real human elements. Submissions that are AI generated are not allowed. Traditional animation and stop-motion are permitted.
- There is room for ten entries total, once that number of valid submissions are received, we will not be able to accept any further entries.
To submit your film, upload the digital film (MP4, landscape, and 1080 or 4k preferred) to a file sharing site (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.), then email and share the video with the organizer, Nathan Wakefield at: nrwakefield@gmail.com. Films need to be submitted by May 29th, 2026.
Those films selected will then be screened at the IJA Festival in Fort Wayne, IN on Friday, July 31st, 2026. The winner will be chosen by audience vote at the event, and will receive a film festival trophy and a special juggling goodie bag as a prize. It is recommended to email the organizer in advance if you have intent to participate or if you have any questions. If you have a fun idea, don’t be shy, this is a fun event and we look forward to seeing your films!