It’s a wrap. Now what? Film festivals are a long-standing part of the life cycle of a film, and a great way to get your project seen. But a quick search for film festivals with upcoming deadlines on Withoutabox shows over 1,400 results. FilmFreeway lists over 6,000 festivals. Even just thinking about looking through all of those festivals to find the best fit for your film is enough to drive one to tears.
We wanted to help break this down for you. So, we’ve assembled below a list of 90 film festivals with final deadlines coming up in 2018. If you can still submit in 2019, we didn’t include it. We’ve broken them down by categories as well, like: Big Name Festivals, Shorts Film Festivals, Documentary Festivals, Horror Festivals, Women in Film Festivals, Children’s Film Festivals, Academy Qualifying Festivals, Festivals from MovieMaker’s List of Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, and Festivals from the list of FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals. Then, we listed even more festivals you can submit to before 2019.
CMU.EDU
Big Name Festivals
Not many of the really big name festivals, the ones even your family members outside the industry have heard of, have deadlines in the fall of 2018, but some of the biggest names do. These highly competitive festivals can carry a lot of weight, if you’re accepted.
Sundance Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 14
Submission Fees: $110 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 24 – Feb. 3rd, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Park City, UT
What They Say About Themselves: “Now in its 41st year, The Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film, held each January in and around Park City, Utah. Presenting dramatic and documentary films from emerging and established artists, innovative short films, filmmaker forums and panels, live music performances and film composer events, cutting-edge media and art installations, engaging community and student programs, the Festival brings together today’s most original storytellers in a vibrant community.”
Slamdance Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 11
Submission Fees: $110 for Feature. $70 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 25-31, 2019
Academy Qualifying, MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Park City, UT
What They Say About Themselves: “Slamdance is a showcase for raw and innovative filmmaking that lives and bleeds by its mantra: By Filmmakers For Filmmakers. No other film festival in the world is entirely run and organized by the creative force that can only be found in filmmakers. Slamdance adamantly supports self-governance amongst independents, and exists to deliver what filmmakers go to festivals for – a chance to show their work and a platform to launch their careers. Slamdance has created a track record for emerging artists that is beyond dispute. Filmmakers who first showed their work at the festival are now amongst the biggest names in the entertainment industry.”
SXSW
Final Deadline: Oct. 18
Submission Fees: $110 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 8-16, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Austin, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “The SXSW Film Festival celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent from both behind and in front of the camera. Featuring provocative dramas, documentaries, comedies, genre standouts, and more, the festival has become known for the high caliber and diversity of films presented, and for its smart, enthusiastic audiences.”
Shorts Festivals
Sometimes short film doesn’t get the kind of appreciation it deserves. That’s where festivals like these, dedicated to just celebrating short films, come in.
Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 9-10, 2018
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “For over a decade the ** Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival ** has provided FILMMAKERS from around the World the opportunity to showcase their work to REEL PEOPLE in the Chicagoland area. They seek to provide a supportive atmosphere with low entry fees and low cost ticket prices.”
FilmBath
Final Deadline: Sept. 1
Submission Fees: $35 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 1-11, 2018
Bath, UK
What They Say About Themselves: “FilmBath (previously Bath Film Festival) is a showcase for the most creative, intelligent, and thought provoking new films and film events in the South West of England, providing opportunities for new film makers and reaching a diverse audience from the local area and beyond.”
Flickerfest
Final Deadline: Sept. 28
Submission Fees: $33.50 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 11-20, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Bondi Beach, Australia
What They Say About Themselves: “Celebrating its 28th year in 2019, Flickerfest has grown to become Australia’s leading competitive International Short Film Festival with entries coming from filmmakers across the globe. Flickerfest screens under the stars over 10 days in the peek of the Australian summer at the iconic Bondi Beach with highlights of the festival touring to 50+ venues Australia wide.
New York Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 1
Submission Fees: $40 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 2-8, 2018
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “We at NYSFF are preparing for a fantastic festival of independent short filmmaking. We’ll be showcasing short films from around the world on Nov 2-8, 2018 at Manhattan’s best-loved independent cinema — the Cinema Village.”
Austin Spotlight Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 26
Submission Fees: $35 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 14-15, 2018
Austin, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “Austin Spotlight Film Festival (ASFF) is an international monthly film festival. We accept all types of short films, music videos, trailers, & even kickstarters.“
London International Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 6
Submission Fees: $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Dec. 10-13, 2018
London, UK
What They Say About Themselves: “LISFF invites filmmakers and film fans to celebrate the possibilities of short film. Exhibiting filmmakers will be invited to screenings and networking events, and will showcase their talents, share their innovations, and build contacts for future collaborations.”
Asia South East Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 7
Submission Fees: $10 for Short
Festival Dates: Dec. 1, 2018
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
What They Say About Themselves: “The Asia South East – Short Film Festival is a seasonal film festival that gives international audiences a chance to see a wide variety of the great short films that are being produced from around the world. The festival is curated by the same team that produces the annual London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival and the seasonal London-X4 Short Film Festival. We screen all genres from drama to action to horror to documentary to comedy to animation and more and we prize originality above all. We have awards for different genres, production locations and technical and artistic talent. The festival organisers are very proud to be able to showcase the best work of both established and upcoming filmmakers. Our mission is to give recognition and plaudits to the creative talents we feel deserve it and to screen their work to our appreciative, cinema loving audience.”
Albany Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 17
Submission Fees: $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 17-24, 2019
Albany, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Albany (short and really short) International FilmFest, now in our 9th year, is a juried short film festival that takes place annually in Albany, California, a small city in the San Francisco Bay Area. We screen an eclectic mix of drama, comedy, documentary, and animation from emerging and established Bay Area, national, and global filmmakers. Our warm, friendly small-town vibe encourages filmmakers and audience members to connect and engage. Filmmakers consistently praise Albany FilmFest: “One of the best festival experiences I have had!” … “Of all the festivals we attended this year, Albany FilmFest was the most personable and enjoyable.” … “Great party and opportunities to connect with other filmmakers!””
Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 23
Submission Fees: $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Dec. 9, 2018
Mumbai, India
What They Say About Themselves: “Mumbai- The city of celluloid dreams since past century- is the destination of thousands of budding & professional filmmakers in India & world. The city has nurtured many great filmmakers, technicians & entertained the millions worldwide through cinema. People also fondly called it as Bollywood. In the highly competitive age of cinema ‘Mumbai Shorts International Film Festival’ is the platform for short filmmakers to put their work forward among the league of professional.”
Taosz Shortz Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 22
Submission Fees: $33.33 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 21-24, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Taos, NM
What They Say About Themselves: “The Taos Shortz Film Fest is again… searching the globe for outstanding short films . We are looking for compelling stories, exemplary production and cinematography and overall awesome films! Voted one of “the 50 film festivals worth the entry fee” by MovieMaker’s Magazine, Taos Shortz boasts being the stellar shorts film fest in the country.”
Documentary Festivals
There aren’t many documentary- focused fests with deadlines coming up in the fall, but here are the ones we could find for you documentary filmmakers out there.
DOCLA
Final Deadline: Sept. 16
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 17-21, 2018
Beverly Hills, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Presented by the esteemed Parajanov-Vartanov Institute, DOC LA [Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival] will screen and award outstanding films by students, emerging auteurs, and established masters, especially those that our city’s other important festivals overlook. We want Angelinos to have an opportunity to see great examples of World and American cinema, and to bring the students and the master filmmakers together to inspire and learn from one another. DOC LA furthers the mission of the annual Parajanov-Vartanov Institute Awards established in 2010.”
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 8
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 15-24, 2019
Academy Qualifying, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed, MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Missoula, MT
What They Say About Themselves: “The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. Big Sky offers an ideal setting for filmmakers to premiere new work and develop lasting relationships with fellow filmmakers and industry. The festival draws an audience of 20,000 and film entries from every corner of the globe to a uniquely intimate mountain town setting with local Montana flavor.”
Docville
Final Deadline: Dec. 15
Submission Fees: $25 for Feature, $12 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 27 – Apr. 4, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Leuven, Belgium
What They Say About Themselves: “DOCVILLE, the largest documentary film festival in Belgium, has a strong focus on author driven documentary with special emphasis on the cinematic experience in general and cinematography in particular. For 8 days, the festival organizes masterclasses, seminars, master talks next to its screenings. Invited guests are welcome to join us in our renowned festival kitchen and bar, the ideal place to meet professionals in an informal setting.”
Winter Film Awards Independent Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov 15 2018
Submission Fees: $25 – $60
Festival Dates: Feb 14-23, 2019
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves:
WINTER FILM AWARDS IS NEW YORK CITY. Like the City itself, we showcase the eclectic diversity and excitement of the independent arts world. We seek creative fresh voices from emerging filmmakers worldwide in all genres and lengths – feature length and shorts, narrative fiction, documentary, animation, horror, web series and music videos. We believe everyone deserves a fair shot at getting their voice heard and we have a rigorous blind judging process to ensure a bias-free review.
Telluride Horror Show
Horror Festivals
‘Tis the season! Well, it will be that one too, but we mean the Halloween Season, and so there are a lot of horror focused festivals with upcoming deadlines. If you’re a horror filmmaker don’t miss these deadlines!
Sacramento Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Sept. 28-29, 2018
Sacramento, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Sacramento Horror Film Festival is 2 days of short films, feature films, and performances by the world’s best performance artists. A must see for the horror lover and aficionado.”
Edmonton Festival of Fear
Final Deadline: Aug. 24
Submission Fees: $48 for Feature, $48 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 25-27, 2018
Edmonton, Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “Edmonton, Canada is North America’s Northernmost City with a Metropolitan Population of almost 1.5 Million People. Edmonton is Canada’s 6th Largest City, and is known as “Canada’s Festival City.” This past October, we Screened Feature Length & Short Films from all over the World, and had Moviemakers from all over North America Attend the Film Festival. We had great audiences, and Sold Out our first night with the incredible Feature Film, THE CHILD REMAINS, from Director Michael Melski. (Opening Night Gala) Our After Party, (along with free food) was fantastic.”
Unrestricted View Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 17
Submission Fees: $30 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 29 – Nov. 4, 2018
London, UK
What They Say About Themselves: “Seven days (and nights) showcasing the best independent horror features, shorts and web series. The festival is run by filmmakers and aims to celebrate the very best in indie and encourage all aspects of independent horror film making. The Festival is at The Hen & Chickens Theatre, an independent cinema in Islington, North London and the pub below will be the networking and meeting place.“
Telluride Horror Show
Final Deadline: Sept. 15
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 12-18, 2018
Telluride, CO
What They Say About Themselves: “The Telluride Horror Show, Colorado’s first and longest-running horror film festival, returns for its 9th edition October 12-14, 2018. Every year, the festival attracts the latest & best horror films from around the world and attendees from all over the country for an intimate gathering of genre film fans in the world-famous mountain resort town of Telluride, Colorado. For three days and nights, experience an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy in Telluride’s historic theaters, with many of the films showing for the first time in the US. The festival line-up offers over 20 feature films, more than 50 short films, surprise screenings of highly-anticipated genre films at our “Secret Sunday Shows”, along with special programs, guests, and events. If you love horror, and film, then you can’t miss this fest.”
Tucson Terror Fest
Final Deadline: Sept. 12
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 18-21, 2018
Tucson, AZ
What They Say About Themselves: “Tucson Terrorfest is Tucson and Southern Arizona’s only Horror Film Festival. Its our mission to showcase and celebrate the best of horror films from all over the world. We focus on the artistic, aesthetic, and fun side of independent horror filmmaking. We bring Tucson & Southern Arizona a terrifying mix of features and shorts that will give chills up your spine.”
Final Girls Berlin
Final Deadline: Dec. 15
Submission Fees: $10 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2019
Berlin, Germany
What They Say About Themselves: “Final Girls Berlin Film Festival showcases horror cinema that’s directed, written, and/or produced by women. We are committed to creating space for female voices and visions, whether monstrous or heroic, in the horror genre. We are lashing against representations of women as beautified victims and constructions of male fantasies or anxieties, and are working towards the primacy of women as subjects and storytellers in horror.”
Nightmares Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 13
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 18-21, 2018
Columbus, OH
What They Say About Themselves: “Nightmares Film Festival is a destination horror and genre fest conveniently held in the heart of the Midwest: easily reached, easily navigated and inclusive Columbus, Ohio. NFF sets itself apart from other genre fests by its deep year-round connection to the horror filmmaking community, which gives it the first line on the rarest, scariest, most daring and most unsettling films being created around the world.”
International Horror and SciFi Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 17
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $65 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 4-14, 2019
Phoenix, AZ
What They Say About Themselves: “Do you have a Horror or Sci-Fi film that you’re itching to get out there. A great way to “scratch that itch” is to submit to the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival. We’re back and ready to start programming the best genre films out there for our festival coming up in April. The International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival (IHSFF) comes from the producers behind the Phoenix Film Film Festival and is entering its 15th year of providing audiences with the best genre films. Filmmakers are the focus of this festival with a great bond created between audiences and the filmmakers.”
Horror Films in Hotlanta
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $25 for Short, $20 for Micro Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 29, 2018
Atlanta, GA
What They Say About Themselves: “This annual event showcases horror films from around the world. Atlanta has a great film scene in general, but also a dedicated horror film community that is eager to see new films. All flavors of horror are accepted including creatures, suspense, vampires, zombies, psycho killers, dark comedy, animation and other horrific situations that will make our audience jump. We’ve recruited 12 judges in the Atlanta area that are ready to watch every minute of every film submitted.”
Oregon Scream Week
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 19-27, 2018
Portland, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “Oregon Scream Week is a Horror genre independent international film festival for Horror Films and Horror Comedy Films in Portland, Oregon. The next Oregon Scream Week event will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 26-27, 2018. Film and Screenplay submissions are now open for this event. Our first festival event took place on Friday and Saturday night, February 16-17, 2018 at the Avalon Theatre near downtown Portland, Oregon. 54 Short Horror Films, Animated Horror Films, Scary Science Fiction Films as well as Psychological Thrillers were screened over three different 2-Hour Sessions. Films from twelve different countries were screened: United States, Canada, Poland, Australia, Belgium, Singapore, England, Spain, Israel, Hong Kong, Sweden and France.”
Atlanta Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 12
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 25-27, 2018
Atlanta, GA
What They Say About Themselves: “Atlanta Horror Film Festival is the top horror film festival in Atlanta. We are dedicated to showcasing films from the world’s most talented filmmakers. Our program is packed with award-winning films from every corner of the earth.”
Ax Wound Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 15
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 9-10, 2018
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Brattleboro, VT
What They Say About Themselves: “Women in Horror Month is thrilled to bring you the 4th annual Ax Wound Film Festival on November 9th & 10th, 2018 at the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery in Brattleboro, Vermont. Our event features one evening followed by a full day of horror films made by women, workshops, panels, and excellent networking opportunities.”
Other Worlds Austin
Final Deadline: Sept. 15
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Dec. 6-9, 2018
Austin, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “Other Worlds Austin is one of the premier SciFi film festivals in the USA, with four years running of sold out screenings, over a dozen World and North American Premieres, and filmmakers from all over the world in attendance. In 2016 we added Horror to the mix with Under Worlds Austin to great acclaim. Screening at Flix Brewhouse, America’s only cinema with its own microbrewery, our films play on DCP with 5.1 sound on giant 42+ foot screens, arguably the best in the Austin area. Indie at its heart, OWA is firmly committed to championing filmmakers and writers and bringing the best films to the Geek Capital of the World. With a diverse and approachable team of programmers, we are building a network of SciFi fans and filmmakers, leading a loyal community, and launching SciFi films into the wider world.”
LGBTQ Festivals
If you’re a filmmaker from the LGBTQ community there are several festivals coming up geared just for you. Get on top of these deadlines quick!
Q Fest
Final Deadline: Sept. 22
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 12-14, 2018
San Antonio, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “San Antonio Q Fest: The San Antonio LGBTQ International Film Festival is committed to showcasing and bringing awareness of the diverse culture and perspective of the LGBTQ Community to the greater San Antonio area. The festival will feature cinematic works recognizing and celebrating a multicultural world.”
Tea Dance
Final Deadline: Aug. 25
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Sept. 29, 2018
Columbia, SC
What They Say About Themselves: “TeaDance showcases feature, documentary and short films from all over the world that are made by, about or of interest to the lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning community. Taking place in Columbia, South Carolina, TeaDance will feature the best in LGBT cinema from all around the globe. The fest will be in September, leading up to the South Carolina Pride event, the largest in the state.”
Rainbow Umbrella Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 23
Submission Fees: $24 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 10-13, 2019
London, UK
What They Say About Themselves: “Rainbow umbrella has been set up to encourage actors and filmmakers from the LGBT community to have a platform to express their hopes, fears, desires and experiences and share them with new audiences. We aim to allow anyone with a voice, an opinion, a vision, a calling, to be free to write, act, direct and be free to express themselves through the medium of film. From first time filmmakers with little or no budget to the films with more experience and financial clout, they are all welcome under our umbrella! We want to share films that show every emotion of someone experiencing life as an LGBT person.”
Women in Film Festivals
This group of festivals is just for the women. These festivals are looking for your films directed, produced, and/or centered on women.
High Falls Women’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $80 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 1-5, 2018
Rochester, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The High Falls Women’s Film Festival celebrates the achievements of women in all aspects of filmmaking; through programs that recognize the best work of female cinematic artists. Since its inception in 2001, the High Falls Women’s Film Festival has screened more than 600 films, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences. The Festival includes features, documentaries, shorts, and children’s programs, parties, meet & greets and educational panels/workshops.”
Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 15
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 21-24, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Celebrating the cinematic achievements of women from the around the world, The Los Angeles Women’s International Film festival produced by Alliance of Women Filmmakers will take place March 22-25 at LA Live Regal Cinemas.”
Vancouver International Women in Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 4
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 5-10, 2019
Vancouver, BC
What They Say About Themselves: “Now in its 14th year, the Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (VIWIFF) showcases an impressive line-up of short and feature-length films (narrative, documentary, experimental and animation) by established and emerging women filmmakers from around the world.”
California Women’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 18
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 18-20, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The California Women’s Film Festival is deeply honored to celebrate women filmmakers, artists and writers by providing a showcase and networking forum in the heart of Hollywood. The CWFF understands how important it is to hear and see the educated, entertaining and diverse stories of women from around the globe. We provide a platform so these voices can be heard and shared with audiences that want to be inspired. The California Women’s Film Festival accepts all projects that has at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Lead Actress, Etc……). Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.”
Through Women’s Eyes
Final Deadline: Dec. 7
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 6-17, 2019
Sarasota, FL
What They Say About Themselves: “Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival (TWE) is an international film festival offering films by women filmmakers, with a focus on international women’s issues, stories and lives. We seek film offerings from any and all nations.”
The Women’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 5
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 14-23, 2019
Philadelphia, PA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Women’s Film Festival is an annual festival during Women’s History Month in March that showcases work made by and/or about women. The Women’s Film Festival is the only event of its kind in Philadelphia that celebrates and elevates women in film and television.”
Nevada Women’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 31
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 21-24, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
What They Say About Themselves: “NWFFest is an annual event to celebrate and support the fair representation of women in film. We invite submissions from all genres, shorts and features, fiction, documentary and animation.”
Children’s Film Festivals
Someone has thought of the children! Here’s a quick list of festivals for films for the kids.
Boston International Kids Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 24
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 16-28, 2018
Somerville, MA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Boston International Kids Film Festival is a weekend-long event screening family-friendly films, both professionally and student-made, hailing from countries that span the globe.”
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 1 for Features, Nov. 5 for Shorts
Submission Fees: $125 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 27 – Mar. 17, 2019
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The flagship New York City Festival has, over its 22-year history, become the largest film festival for children and teens in North America. The Festival is an Academy Award® qualifying festival, one of only four film festivals in New York State – and only two children’s film festivals in the country – to hold that honor. Winners of the Festival’s juried prizes are eligible for consideration at the annual Academy Awards®. Audience awards are also presented in each film category, with audience members of all ages voting on the Festival-winning films. Presented over the course of four weeks at venues throughout New York City, the Festival program – narrowed down from roughly 2,500 international submissions – is comprised of approximately 100 short and feature films, filmmaker Q&As, retrospective programs, parties, and premieres.”
Providence Childrens’ Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 15
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 15-28, 2019
Providence, RI
What They Say About Themselves: “The Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF) seeks films that inspire, delight, educate, and connect a diverse community of youth and families by curating, presenting, and exploring the best of independent and international cinema.”
Academy Qualifying Festivals
Atlanta Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 15
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 4-14, 2019
Academy Qualifying, Moviemaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Atlanta, GA
What They Say About Themselves: “Now approaching its 43rd year, the Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is the Southeast’s preeminent celebration of cinema and the flagship production of the Atlanta Film Society. One of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country, ATLFF showcases both emerging and established artists’ works. In addition, the Atlanta Film Festival is one of less than twenty US film festivals that is Academy Award®-qualifying in all three categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. Recent festivals have seen audiences of over 27,000 film-lovers joining over 300 attending filmmakers in support of moving images that push the boundaries of independent cinema.”
Cinequest
Final Deadline: Nov. 16
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $65 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 5-17, 2019
Academy Qualifying
San Jose, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The story and legacy of Cinequest is bringing together the Silicon Valley’s technologies and spirit of innovation with the arts to empower great creations—and connecting audiences, youth, artists, and innovators with these creations and with each other, improving our lives and our future. Cinequest’s uniqueness and impact result from being ahead of the curve in the powerful integration of creativity and innovation. Cinequest does this through the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival and Picture The Possibilities by Cinequest.”
RiverRun International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 1
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 4-14, 2019
Academy Qualifying, Moviemaker Magazine’s Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Winston-Salem, NC
What They Say About Themselves: “Named one of Moviemaker Magazine’s “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” in 2018, the RiverRun International Film Festival is a regional festival based in Winston-Salem, NC and is principally known as a filmmaker-friendly event dedicated to showcasing the year’s best new international cinema. Each spring, RiverRun screens new narrative, documentary, student and animated films of all lengths from established and emerging filmmakers around the world. In addition to the Festival’s annual short and feature-length juried competitions, RiverRun also presents a broad range of special events, regional premieres of significant films, celebrity tributes, family programs, retrospectives, panel discussions and parties. RiverRun is also an Academy Award qualifying festival in the Documentary Short and Animated Short categories!”
Athens International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 1
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 8-14, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Athens, OH
What They Say About Themselves: “Founded in 1974, the AIFVF has been presenting the best in international film for 45 years. Known globally as a festival that supports cinema from underground and marginalized populations, the AIFVF represents the values that we share as a community. It is a champion of justice and provides a voice for underrepresented artists and viewpoints on a global level. For four decades, Athens International has embraced experimental, narrative, short-form, feature length, and documentary films from every corner of the globe, offering filmmakers a stellar platform for public exposure and an environment that values artistry above marquee names and industry relationships. AIFVF is recognized by the Academy® of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.”
Cleveland International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 16
Submission Fees: $110 for Feature, $90 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 27 – Apr. 7, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Cleveland, OH
What They Say About Themselves: “The 43rd Cleveland International Film Festival will be held March 27 – April 7, 2019 at Tower City Cinemas in Cleveland, Ohio.
In April 2018 at the 42nd CIFF, Ohio’s premier film event featured 469 films originating from 72 countries and an attendance of 105,656 film-lovers – making CIFF one of the largest and longest running regional film festivals in the US. CIFF is one of the few Academy Award® qualifying festivals in the world for all three categories of short films – live action, animated, and documentary. CIFF is also one of the only festivals that continues to provide written feedback from our selection committee for every film that is officially submitted. This past year, CIFF gave cash awards totaling nearly $130,000 to the winning filmmakers of 30 different competitions.”
From MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 50 Fests Worth the Entry Fee
New Hampshire Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept.1
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 11-14, 2018
Moviemaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Portsmouth, NH
What They Say About Themselves: “The New Hampshire Film Festival made its debut in 2001 in Derry, NH, but moved to its permanent home of Portsmouth, NH in 2004. Portsmouth was settled in 1623 and the layout of the downtown district could not be better suited for a film festival with everything: screening venues, party venues, headquarters, galleries, conference centers, shops, waterfront dining, hotels, and inns, all within walking distance. The event takes place in the autumn when the foliage is at its peak.”
Big Apple Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 4
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 1-3, 2018
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Big Apple Film Festival takes place in the heart of the greatest city in the world. BAFF, named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s top “25 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee”, top “25 Coolest Film Festivals”, and CBS New York’s “5 Best Events in New York”, is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the highest quality films from the independent film community. Our goal is to celebrate the great city of New York through the exhibition of innovative and purposeful filmmaking. The festival offers a variety of film screenings and special New York City premieres.”
Crossroads Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 10
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 11-13, 2018
Moviemaker Magazine’s Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Madison, MS
What They Say About Themselves: “If you think you know Mississippi … think again! Jackson, Mississippi is the cultural crossroads of the south (hence the name – Crossroads Film Festival) and is the place where all the good stuff gets thrown together. This is where the music of delta Bluesman Robert Johnson runs straight into the home of the International Ballet Competition. We are home to Tennessee Williams, Willie Morris, Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, James Earl Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, and some of the world’s greatest historians, photographers, and musicians.”
Oxford Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 5
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 6-10, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine’s Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Oxford, MS
What They Say About Themselves: “Home to the University of Mississippi, past haunts of William Faulkner, Larry Brown, Barry Hannah and John Grisham, current home of Ace Atkins, Jack Pendarvis, and listed as one of John Vilani’s “100 best small arts towns in America”, Oxford offers a unique blend of literary and artistic appreciation within the setting of a vibrant college town.”
Omaha Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 2
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 5-10, 2019
Moviemaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Omaha, NE
What They Say About Themselves: “The Omaha Film Festival celebrates the artistic, educational, and historical importance of motion pictures. It gives independent film artists a platform for sharing their work and creating a dialogue with the community. It promotes the discussion and study of filmmaking.”
San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 3
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $65 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 12-17, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
San Luis Obispo, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLO Film Fest) will once again attract stars, great films and film enthusiasts to the Central Coast of California, when it celebrates its 25th Silver Screen Anniversary festival from March 12th to 17th, 2019. Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, San Luis Obispo’s laid-back vibe and serene natural beauty is the perfect setting for this highly regarded annual film celebration. Filmmakers rave about the warmth and attentiveness that is so much a part of the SLO Film Fest experience, as does the swelling tide of industry pros and film critics who are fast discovering the Festival’s thoughtful audiences and unique programming sensibility. At the SLO Film Fest, “Movies Matter!””
Phoenix Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 17
Submission Fees: $85 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 4-14, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Phoenix, AZ
What They Say About Themselves: “The Phoenix Film Festival has been named one of The 25 Coolest Film Festivals and a Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee by MovieMaker Magazine and has been called the most filmmaker-friendly festival out there. The Phoenix Film Festival is a program of the 501c(3) non-profit Phoenix Film Foundation, started in 2000, and it has quickly become Arizona’s Largest Film Festival.”
Sarasota Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 21
Submission Fees: $80 for Feature, $70 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 5-14, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Phoenix, AZ
What They Say About Themselves: “Independent and International narratives, docs and shorts are programmed into a schedule of over 100 features, themed shorts packages and additional programming sidebars that change each year to reflect the strengths of submitted films. Festival events include socially-driven parties and private receptions to honor guest filmmakers, community-wide street festivals and the black-tie Filmmakers Tribute Dinner. SFF patrons have enjoyed intimate performances from Aerosmith and The B52’s as well as a host of special appearances from local and international musicians.”
FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals
South Carolina Underground Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 5
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 9-11, 2018
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
North Charleston, SC
What They Say About Themselves: “The South Carolina Underground Film Festival celebrates all genres of independent film in one festival. Taking place in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, SCUFF is truly an international film festival as we are seeking films from all over the globe. The SCUFF will be three packed days of indie films where fans and filmmakers can meet and mingle and celebrate obscure and independent film.”
Garden State Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 1
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 28-31, 2019
Film Freeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Asbury Park, NJ
What They Say About Themselves: “The Garden State Film Festival was founded to promote the art of film making on all levels by showcasing a wide variety of film, video and animated works, as well as to provide educational programs in the creative arts to the public by industry leaders. Our goal is to present films of the highest quality in both production value and content.”
More Festivals You Can Submit to Before 2019!
San Francisco Veterans Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 25
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 3-4, 2018
San Francisco, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “San Francisco Veterans Film Festival is a robust forum for Veterans to express their creativity and to share their stories, which in turn helps further healing and brings greater awareness to the public on the challenges our nation’s Veterans face. The festival spotlights both Veteran and civilian filmmakers addressing issues about Veterans and military-related topics. SFVFF’s sponsor organization, OneVet OneVoice has a larger mission to assist the Bay Area Veterans community with a range of services. SFVFF is one of the critical programs supporting that mission.”
Green Bay Film Festival
Final Deadline: Aug. 31
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 16 – Mar. 3, 2019
Green Bay, WI
What They Say About Themselves: “GBFF festival takes place over several weeks starting mid-January and wrapping up March of 2018. Specially selected films have an opportunity to be played in the festival segment called “Films Around Town” (playing in various venues around town) leading up to a weekend event March 1-3, 2019 at St. Norbert College.”
Ohio Independent Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 1
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $70 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 3
Cleveland, OH
What They Say About Themselves: “The OIFF was founded in 1993 by filmmakers looking for venues for independent work, particularly independent work from filmmakers who are not YET commercially successful. Originally called the Off-Hollywood Flick Fest, the event gained followers by offering audiences truly independent films they wouldn’t ordinarily see: films that have not been picked up for theatrical distribution. The OIFF is dedicated to freedom of expression through independent media. The OIFF is programmed 100% from submissions.”
Stockholm International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 7
Submission Fees: $105 for Feature, $95 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 7-18, 2018
Stockholm, Sweden
What They Say About Themselves: “With 28 years of experience, Stockholm International Film Festival continues to explore and promote the great directors of tomorrow and is established as one of the leading film festival in Europe. With a passion for visionary filmmaking the festival keeps on pushing forward the boundaries of cinema.”
Twin Falls SANDWICHES Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 10
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 2-3, 2018
Twin Falls, ID
What They Say About Themselves: “We love films. And we love sandwiches. Making films is a lot like making sandwiches. And when all the right ingredients come together, the result is delicious. The Twin Falls SANDWICHES Film Festival was created by filmmakers to celebrate independent filmmaking and showcase unique films.”
Red Rock Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 12
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 2-10, 2018
Cedar City, UT
What They Say About Themselves: “The International Red Rock Film Festival. The Red Rock Film Festival was formed in 2007 in Southern Utah, and quickly became a internationally recognized festival with 6,000 attendees in 2008. It made MovieMaker Magazine’s list of “Top Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” in both 2009 and 2013.”
Anchorage International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 15
Submission Fees: $135 for Feature, $115 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 30 – Dec. 9, 2018
Anchorage, AK
What They Say About Themselves: “The Anchorage International Film Festival (AIFF) was founded in 2001 in order to bring independent and international films to Anchorage, and to showcase the quality independent films made in Alaska. Our mission is to develop, promote, and sustain a film festival that supports new media and independent filmmaking in Alaska and around the world, while enriching cultural and entertainment opportunities for Alaskans.”
Miami Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 28
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: March 1-10, 2019
Miami, FL
What They Say About Themselves: “MIAMI DADE COLLEGE’S Miami Film Festival is a world-class platform for International and Ibero-American film. Presenting its 36th edition in March 2019, the Festival showcases the work of the world’s best emerging and established filmmakers to the diverse cosmopolitan community of Miami. With its special focus on Ibero-American cinema, Miami Film Festival has become the natural gateway for the discovery of Ibero-American talent. Cash awards totaling more than $70,000 are given in competition categories.“
Cape Cod International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 30
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Oct. 25-28, 2018
Chatham, MA
What They Say About Themselves: “Welcome to the Cape Cod International Film Festival! Now heading into our fourth season, we are happy to open the Fest for submissions. Special thanks to the Chatham Orpheum Theater for hosting screenings the week of Columbus Day weekend!”
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Final Deadline: Sept. 30
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 26-31, 2019
Ann Arbor, MI
What They Say About Themselves: “The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest experimental film festival in North America. Internationally renowned as forum for artist made moving image art, the AAFF screens works across a broad range of genres including: experimental, animation, documentary, narrative and hybrid works. The AAFF is steeped in a rich tradition of ground-breaking cinema as thousands of filmmakers screened early work at the AAFF, including luminaries such as: Kenneth Anger, Agnes Varda, Andy Warhol, Yoko Ono, Gus Van Sant, Barbara Hammer, James Benning, Bruce Conner, Chick Strand, Les Blank, Suzan Pitt, and George Lucas.”
Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival
Tampa, FL
Final Deadline: Oct. 3
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2018
What They Say About Themselves: “The Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival was founded by award-winning Bay Area filmmakers, actors, critics, artists and cinephiles to catch the independent films that fall through the cracks and end up… underground. In 5 years it has evolved into one of the biggest (if not the biggest) underground film festivals in the world by volume, with over 200 official feature and short film selections in 2017. Not too many film fests make it to year 5, so we plan on celebrating our milestone anniversary in style in 2018!”
Boulder International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 12
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2019
Boulder, CO
What They Say About Themselves: “The critically-acclaimed Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) has gained a reputation as one of the most influential and innovative film festivals in the U.S., with a large number of new-but-unknown feature films, documentaries, and shorts that have gone from early screenings at BIFF to significant box-office success and multiple Oscar nominations. With over 25,000 attendees, A-list filmmaker and celebrity guests, countless opportunities for widespread exposure, and some of the best films and filmmakers working today, it’s clear why BIFF was named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “25 Coolest Film Festivals.””
The Williamsburg Independent Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 15
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Nov. 15-18, 2018
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The Williamsburg Independent Film Festival welcomes filmmakers with unique stories to tell and aims to deliver their works to the most diverse, sophisticated community of cinephiles in the world: the people of New York City – with Williamsburg, Brooklyn as one of its most energetic centers. The Williamsburg Independent Film Festival serves as a destination for audiences to be enlightened, enriched and inspired by new film art.”
Silk Road International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 15
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 5-9, 2019
Dublin, Ireland
What They Say About Themselves: “Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF) is held annually during the month of March in Dublin, Ireland.
Founded in 2012, the Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF) is fast becoming an international acclaimed film festival which is held annually during the month of March in Dublin, Ireland. The festival also holds year-round screenings, talks & events.
SRIFF celebrates world cinema where we discover new films and voices from around the world.”
San Francisco Indie Fest
Final Deadline: Oct. 16
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 31 – Feb. 14, 2019
San Francisco, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “We are looking for the best features, shorts, docs and animation we can find to present in San Francisco. For 20 years SF IndieFest has developed a great reputation for filling theaters, getting press and throwing great parties. Films at our fest regularly get Variety reviews, picked up at other fests and find rabid groupies following the makers around town demanded autographs and buying them drinks. We’re consistently listed as a “best” fest in Chris Gore’s book (last time I checked anyway). And now we have cash prizes funded by one of our loyal fans! Last year’s prizes amounted to $1000 each for best feature doc and best feature narrative and $500 for best short chosen by our loyal Season Pass holders.”
Glasgow Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 29
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature
Festival Dates: Feb. 20 – Mar. 3, 2019
Glasgow, Scotland
What They Say About Themselves: “Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) is one of the top film festivals in the UK with a focus on audiences and renowned for an international programme of the world’s best films alongside a dynamic fusion of cross-sector events and artistic commissions. The last editions of the festival have all welcomed audiences in excess of 40,000.”
San Diego Arab Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 30
Submission Fees: $25 for Feature, $20 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 5-14
San Diego, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The San Diego Arab Film Festival (San Diego AFF) invites submissions for its upcoming festival scheduled for April 5-6 and April 13-14, 2019. San Diego AFF is seeking narrative, documentary, experimental and animated films, both features and shorts.”
Malibu International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Oct. 31
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 12-13, 2019
Malibu, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL is an exclusive boutique film festival that takes place each award season in Malibu, CA. The 19th annual festival is scheduled for January 12-13, 2019.
The 2018 MALIBU FILM FESTIVAL presented by LITTLE BEACH HOUSE MALIBU | SOHO HOUSE was held at Malibu Civic Theater and Soho House Malibu. In addition to screening numerous films over the years, including countless US and World Premieres, Malibu is known for programs such as the prestigious Tribute Honor which counts James Cameron, John Frankenheimer, Seymour Cassell, Malcolm McDowell, Michael Madsen, Stan Winston, Stacey Keach, Loyd Bridges, Charles Bronson, Arthur Hiller, Pierce Brosnan, Shirley MacLaine and Nick Nolte among recipients, and the acclaimed year round film production program, where the festival produces film and television projects with awards winning festival filmmakers, which make the festival a key stop in the award season race.”
San Diego Black Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 1
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, 2019
San Diego, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The San Diego Black Film Festival was established in 2003 and is held each January in San Diego, California. The event is one of the largest black film festivals in the country and feature the best in African American and African Diaspora films.”
Santa Fe Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 5
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 13-17, 2019
Santa Fe, NM
What They Say About Themselves: “The Santa Fe Film Festival celebrates all facets of cinematic arts, locally, regionally, and globally. Our annual event honors those working both behind the scenes & on screen to bring the best of film creation, production, & showings to the public.
The Festival will continue to grow as the leading exhibition and educational portal for all things cinematic in New Mexico.”
New Jersey Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 5
Submission Fees: $90 Feature, $60 Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 25 – Mar. 8, 2019
New Brunswick, NJ
What They Say About Themselves: “The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center proudly announces the 37th Bi-Annual Spring 2019 New Jersey Film Festival. The festival will be held between January 25 and March 8 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey and will showcase the best in independent film by featuring premiere screenings, filmmaking workshops, and special guest appearances by film directors, screenwriters, cast and crew.”
Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 9
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Dec. 1-2, 2018
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The LAIUFF is a true independent festival in every sense. Aiming to inspire, motivate and award the true innovative and artistic geniuses of our time. Every independent artist hopes to one day emerge from the underground scene and share their talents with the masses. Hopefully the showcase platform we provide will help facilitate that dream. We’re excited to display a wide range of works from all genres that will have industry pros, filmmakers and filmgoers buzzing. Over 15 awards will be granted this season within our 10 exciting categories of competition. We look forward to seeing you at the 2018 Winter Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival.”
Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 16
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 23-30, 2019
Lafayette, LA
What They Say About Themselves: “Located in the heart of Cajun country, the annual Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival is dedicated to presenting narrative, documentary and animated films and filmmakers with truly original voices in one of the friendliest, most unique cultures in the world. COTB is also committed to promoting both established and emerging filmmakers and the relationship-building that is crucial to their continued work.”
Portland International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 16
Submission Fees: $85 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 7-21, 2019
Portland, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “The Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) is an annual showcase of the very best in new world cinema. Established in 1977 and drawing an audience of over 40,000, PIFF is the largest film event in Oregon, premiering more than 140 international shorts and feature films to Portland audiences each February. Audiences can experience a variety of parties, visiting artists, and plenty of festival adventure taking in this feast of cinematic fare.”
London International Filmmaker Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 25
Submission Fees: $80 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 9-16, 2019
London, England
What They Say About Themselves: “LONDON International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema is a global industry event Held in London in our 11th year.. that will reach out to the many filmmakers who always place film at the centre of our acts as a truly international film industry event, a great place for business on your movie or script.”
Irvine International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 30
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 7-13, 2019
Irvine, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Offering more than simply a film competition, IIFF is a thrilling place to swap perspectives, merge ideas, engage in eye-opening debates, forge new friendships, and uncover unknown talents. It all unfolds in sun-dappled Irvine, California, not far from the entertainment capital of the world. Recent Academy favorites, including The Act of Killing and The Lady in Number Six: Music Changed My Life established early momentum at this festival.”
Beloit International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Nov. 30
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 22 – Mar. 3, 2019
Beloit, WI
What They Say About Themselves: “The Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) will be celebrating its 14th year in 2019. One of the key principles the festival was founded on was a respect for, and celebration of, the filmmakers who share their art with us. With upward of 250 filmmakers attending each year, we are pleased that they have found value in the Capra-esque surroundings of the 10 day festival and the intimate relations with our engaged audiences. Featuring upwards of 100 independent and international films and special events all are free for visiting filmmakers (4 all-access passes per film for actors and crew too).”
Manchester Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 11
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $65 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 7-10, 2019
Manchester, England
What They Say About Themselves: “Manchester Film Festival is a truly independent film festival, committed and dedicated to sharing great stories from both new and established international and domestic filmmakers from the world of independent cinema. The organisation is proud of its honest and transparent roots and will continue with the original ethos of selecting films purely from open submissions.”
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 14
Submission Fees: $90 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 4-20, 2019
Minneapolis, MN
What They Say About Themselves: “The Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF), marking its 38th year in 2019, is the largest film festival in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. Operated by the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul, a non-profit organization, this highly anticipated celebration of international cinema annually debuts more than 250 films to an audience of 45,000+, and welcomes the attendance of more than 150 filmmakers from around the world.”
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 14
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Jan. 30 – Feb. 9, 2019
Santa Barbara, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is an eleven day event held in the seaside city of Santa Barbara, California (90 minutes north of Los Angeles). SBIFF is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 90,000 film enthusiasts. Our audience is a unique combination of film industry professionals, local, regional and International attendees, and a large student population.”
Berlin Independent Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 17
Submission Fees: $130 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 13-19, 2019
Berlin, Germany
What They Say About Themselves: “The Berlin Independent Film Festival is at the epicentre for low-budget filmmaking in Europe. While the Berlin Independent Film Festival is not connected with the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale), BIFF runs at the same time, and not far from the European Film Market and draws on all the film industry power gathered in Berlin for those events.”
Red Dirt Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 22
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2019
Stillwater, Oklahoma
What They Say About Themselves: “When you walk through the doors of the Wes Watkins Center on Oklahoma State University campus in March of 2019 you will feel the excitement in the air. The halls will be filled with filmmakers, screenwriters, volunteers, and festival staff that all have one thing in common – a passion for filmmaking. This passion will drive the next few days as you meet new people, see films until your butt is numb, attend workshops and panels with industry awesomeness, interact with audience members and filmmakers, PARTY HARD at nightly parties, enjoy free beer, live music, and being alive. It. Is. A. Blast.”
New Rennaissance Film Festival
Final Deadline: Dec. 28
Submission Fees: $59 for Feature, $54 for Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 28 – Mar. 3, 2019
Amsterdam, Netherlands
What They Say About Themselves: “Inspired by the idea of a cultural revival, we recognize that the digital revolution creates the conditions for a New Renaissance, opening a door for a different set of stories to be told. Film is a unique medium, and the New Renaissance Film Festival’s mission is TO SUPPORT AND CHAMPION INDIE FILMMAKERS AND SCREENWRITERS in this new era, to fulfill their dream in telling their stories.”
Some other useful links:
- Search for more festivals and submit your film via Withoutabox
- Search for more festivals and submit your film via FilmFreeway
- MovieMaker’s Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee
- List of Academy Qualifying Festivals for Documentary Features
- List of Academy Qualifying Festivals for Documentary Shorts
- List of Academy Qualifying Festivals for Short Films
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new opportunities and resources.