![A Massive List of Film Festivals with Upcoming Deadlines [Updated April 2019]](https://blog.kitsplit.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/samuel-zeller-337825-unsplash.jpg "samuel-zeller-337825-unsplash")
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 150 film festivals with final deadlines coming up in 2019. 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. Finally, we listed even more festivals you can submit to this year.
Big Name Festivals
Spring 2019
HBO New York Latino Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 19
Submission Fees: $50
Festival Dates: August 14 – 18
New York, New York
What They Say About Themselves: “The New York Latino Film Festival is dedicated to producing culturally relevant and entertaining experiences that build audiences for Latino cinema, support the film community with professional development and foster relationships for Latino talent. The festival is committed to showing the best our rich and diverse community has to offer. Over the past 16 years, NYLFF has been the setting for many breakout indie and studio releases, serving as a marketing bridge to this targeted, cross-cultural and influential audience. The result is acquisition and box office success.”
LA Shorts International Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 7
Submission Fees: $70 – $95
Festival Dates: July 17 – 25
Academy Qualifying, BAFTA Qualifying,
Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals – FilmFreeway
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “LA Shorts International Film Festival ranks among the most prestigious and largest international short film festivals in the world. The festival is accredited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.”
The Urbanworld Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 7
Submission Fees: $35 – $105
Festival Dates: September 18 – 22
Academy Qualifying
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The Urbanworld Film Festival, founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes, is the largest internationally competitive festival of its kind, hosted in New York City. The five-day festival includes narrative features, documentaries, short films, web originals, music videos, spotlight screenings and conversations, live staged screenplay readings, the Urbanworld Digital track focused on digital and social media, and Urbanworld Music highlighting emerging talent in live performances during the festival.”
Chicago International FF
Final Deadline: June 17
Submission Fees: $50 – $100
Festival Dates: October 16 – 27, 2019
Academy Qualifying, BAFTA Qualifying
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “The Chicago International Film Festival celebrates the best that cinema has to offer. Showcasing films from established masters and emerging storytellers, the Festival welcomes films from around the world. Offering an impressive selection of competitive and non-competitive programming, the Chicago International Film Festival brings films both domestic and international to silver screens in Chicago.”
Winter 2019
Festival de Cannes
Final Deadline: Mar. 4th
Submission Fees: €50-€350 for Feature (depending on format), €0 for Short
Festival Dates: May 14-25, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Cannes, France
What They Say About Themselves: “In order to achieve this level of longevity, the Festival de Cannes has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and raise the profile of films, with the aim of contributing towards the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level. And to this day, this profession of faith constitutes the first article of the Festival regulations.”
Fall 2018
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
Spring 2019
Boston Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 27
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: July 8 – 12
Boston, Massachusetts
What They Say About Themselves: “BSFF believes in short films! Recognizing the important role shorts have in cinema, storytelling, and culture, BSFF wants to help empower the next generation of artists. The Boston Short Film Festival is an annual event showcasing shorts films with an edge. The BSFF focuses on the unconventional, the unusual, the underground, the intuitive, the innovative, the minimalistic and the true artists of our time. Based in Boston/Somerville (MA, US) the festival aims to screen up to 100 short films.”
FilmOneFest
Final Deadline: May 1
Submission Fees: Free
Festival Dates: July 20
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
What They Say About Themselves: “LESS IS MORE! The FilmOneFest is an annual short film festival challenges filmmakers of all kinds to tell their stories in UNDER 2 MINUTES. FOF presents the best short films from around the world against the backdrop of the Atlantic Highlands Marina overlooking majestic New York City.”
Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Final Deadline: May 5
Submission Fees: $85
Festival Dates: July 25 – 28
Academy Qualifying
Indianapolis, IN
What They Say About Themselves: “Nonprofit arts organization Heartland Film, Inc. will host the second annual Indy Shorts International Film Fest (Indy Shorts) to exclusively showcase short films (under 40 minutes in length) from July 25-28, 2019, at Newfields in Indianapolis. All winners will play encore screenings at the Heartland International Film Festival in the following October.”
BEST SHORT FEST
Final Deadline: June 17
Submission Fees: $15 – $43
Festival Dates: October 4 – 5
Ontario, Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “BEST SHORT FEST is seeking the world’s best short films (under 45 minutes) and super-short films (under 5 minutes) to be shown on the big screen at a historic community theatre in Lanark County, Ontario, Canada.”
Milwaukee Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 30
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: September 6 – 7
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What They Say About Themselves: “The Milwaukee Independent Film Society was founded in 1996 by Dan Wilson. Its mission and goals were to provide a grass roots community where local filmmakers can share their ideas, projects, and collaborate on local efforts.”
Winter 2019
Literally Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $65
Festival Dates: June 5-9, 2019
Houston, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “Literally Short is an event initiated by our drive to bridge all cultures onto one collaborative stage that stimulates international artistic expression. Our mission is to promote innovative approaches to social change through the arts and cultural influences. Our passion for film lies in its exquisite capacity to merge a multitude of arts into one vision; thus, Literally Short Film Festival seeks to dissolve all geographical boundaries into one platform that equally voices all cultures.”
Short Circuit
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $60
Festival Dates: May 3-4, 2019
Victoria, BC Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “Short Circuit, the only Pacific Rim film festival in the world, screens work from over 30 countries and is presented annually on Lekwungen Territory in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada by CineVic Society of Independent Filmmakers.”
Briefs Erotic Short Film Competition
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: Free
Festival Dates: Feb. 21, 2019
Oakland, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “BRIEFS is the East Bay Express’ annual Erotic Short Film Competition showcasing works by amateur and professional filmmakers from around the world. In its 8th year, the one night screening will continue to explore the limits of erotic filmmaking in a liberating and entertaining format ideal for sex-positive film lovers of every gender and orientation.”
BlueCat Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 17, 2019
Submission Fees: $65
Festival Dates: Apr. 30, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “BlueCat is now accepting short films for the second annual BlueCat Short Film Festival! 5-10 finalists will have their films screened at the Landmark Theatre in Los Angeles on April 30th, 2019. The BSFF was created by filmmaker and founder of BlueCat Screenplay Competition, Gordy Hoffman.”
Short Shorts Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 8, 2019
Submission Fees: $15
Festival Dates: Feb. 16, 2019
Duluth, MN
What They Say About Themselves: “The Duluth Playhouse presents the 14th annual Short Shorts Film Festival at The Underground theater in Duluth, Minnesota on February 16, 2019. It is Northern Minnesota’s only Short Film Festival . The Festival is open to professional and amateur filmmakers from all over the world, and in all genres.”
Hang on to Your Shorts!
Final Deadline: Feb. 18, 2019
Submission Fees: $60
Festival Dates: May 4-5, 2019
Film Freeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Asbury Park, NJ
What They Say About Themselves: “There have been festivals in the area in the past that have closed down or moved away. There are many other film festivals in the state of New Jersey but they are not close to the shore area in Central New Jersey. There have been past festivals that focuses mostly on feature films but what about that filmmaker who hasn’t been able to make one yet. The artist who created a short film but is unable to show it or showcase their work. This is where we come in to the picture. We encourage the filmmakers who have short films of any length from 1 minute all the way up to 40 minute shorts to enter our festival.”
15 Minutes of Fame
Final Deadline: Jan. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $28
Festival Dates: Feb. 23-24, 2019
Cocoa Beach, FL
What They Say About Themselves: “Our festival is for short films that are 15 minutes or less, produced anywhere in the United States. We welcome narratives, documentaries, PSAs, web series, trailers, and animation. (Sorry, no music videos or foreign films). Equal and fair consideration is given to ALL filmmakers, regardless of where you live, or the size of your budget.”
VIS Vienna Shorts
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $29
Festival Dates: May 28 – June 2, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Vienna, Austria
What They Say About Themselves: “VIS Vienna Shorts is an international short film festival organized by the association Independent Cinema in Vienna. The festival presents about 300 films under 30 minutes in several sections every year. The competition is divided into four categories, the other sections consist of retrospectives and thematically curated programs.”
Short Shorts Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: June 3-23, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Tokyo, Japan
What They Say About Themselves: “The Short Shorts Film Festival (SSFF) started in 1999 and became an Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences accredited festival in 2004, where the winner of the Short Shorts Grand Prix is eligible to receive an Academy Awards® nomination. SSFF has now become one of the largest short film festivals in Asia. In 2004, SSFF received a request from the Governor of Tokyo to develop film programs showcasing Asian short films. This led to the establishment of the Short Shorts Film Festival Asia. Now, these two festivals take place in Harajuku and Omotesando, Tokyo simultaneously in June as the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia.“
Georgia Shorts Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: June 15, 2019
Atlanta, GA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Georgia Shorts Film Festival is a theatrical screening event in Atlanta for independent films of all genres. The Georgia Shorts Film Festival also recognizes exceptional filmmaking and screenwriting with awards and nominations by our judging panel. All films are screened at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, with an awards show immediately after.”
The Scottish Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $41
Festival Dates: July 20, 2019
Livingston, Scotland
What They Say About Themselves: “The Scottish Short Film Festival is to promote and encourage filmmaking in and about Scotland, give credit where it’s due and encourage young and upcoming talent in the field. We wholeheartedly welcome submissions from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and from filmmakers of any gender, religion or orientation. Each entry must be 20 minutes or less and have some relation to Scotland – be it Scottish actors, Scottish story, Scottish director, Scottish music etc.”
Alexandria Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $5
Festival Dates: June 27-30, 2019
Alexandria, Greece
What They Say About Themselves: “The Alexandria short film festival is now entering it’s 5th year. Organised for the first time in the summer of 2015, it had the best critics both by the film makers and the audience. Organised by the Team of Action and Solidarity of Alexandria, it is commited to bring the best short films from Greece and abroad to the Greek audience.”
Boston Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 27, 2019
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: July 8-12, 2019
Boston, MA
What They Say About Themselves: “BSFF believes in short films! Recognizing the important role shorts have in cinema, storytelling, and culture, BSFF wants to help empower the next generation of artists. The Boston Short Film Festival is an annual event showcasing shorts films with an edge. The BSFF focuses on the unconventional, the unusual, the underground, the intuitive, the innovative, the minimalistic and the true artists of our time. Based in Boston/Somerville (MA, US) the festival aims to screen up to 100 short films. All screenings (in association with Somerville IFF) will take place in the MicroCinema theatre at the Somerville Theatre.“
Los Angeles Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 20, 2019
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: Mar. 9, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “This is an International Film Festival. Everybody can submit. Film festivals are still the best place to screen independent work and get it noticed. With YouTube and Vimeo so overcrowded, good shorts often drown in a sea of bad. Showing the best of the best is a priority at Los Angeles Short Film Festival. We provide filmmakers an opportunity to share their shorts with an enthusiastic and responsive audience that’s eager to see new films, new faces, and new art. Los Angeles Short Film Festival – where emerging talent finds a place to shine!”
Athens Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 26, 2019
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: June 14, 2019
Athens, Greece
What They Say About Themselves: “Athens Short Film Festival invites filmmakers from around the world to a night of independent short films, in the cultural heart of The Aegean.
Short films take a special place in the cinema universe. They are harder to access, and have difficulties reaching larger audiences, but their position outside of mainstream cinema and their length allows the filmmakers more experimentation and artistic freedom.”
Kyiv International Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $10
Festival Dates: Apr. 24-28, 2019
Kyiv, Ukraine
What They Say About Themselves: “KYIV INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (#KISFF) is largest short film festival in Ukraine.
The widest panorama of contemporary short films, classical and latest achievements of Ukrainian cinema, special events and world premieres, educational and professional sections — all in our five-day marathon in the city center.”
Courts d’un soir – Montreal International Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 3, 2019
Submission Fees: $20
Festival Dates: Apr. 3-6, 2019
Montreal, Quebec Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “Montreal is a cultural city, where short film is still under-represented. Courts d’un soir establish itself in answer to this lack and wish to restore its title of nobility in the biggest city of Quebec, offering at last the Montreal International Short Film Festival.”
Kino Short Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 21, 2019
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: May 3-4, 2019
Moscow, ID
What They Say About Themselves: “The Kino Short Film Festival celebrates the art of short filmmaking by independent and student filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest each spring in Moscow, Idaho. The festival is supported by the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, the University of Idaho and local sponsors. We only accept work created by filmmakers from Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington. The Kino Short Film Festival supplies a venue for independent and student filmmakers to share their work with an audience. Films ten minutes or less in any genre are accepted: narrative, documentary, animation, music videos, experimental.
We ONLY accept films made by filmmakers from IDAHO, MONTANA, OREGON and WASHINGTON and that are ten minutes of less in length. PLEASE, NO INTERNATIONAL OR UNQUALIFIED SUBMISSIONS.”
Fall 2018
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
Spring 2019
Margaret Mead FF
Final Deadline: May 1
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: October 17 – 20, 2019
NYC, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The American Museum of Natural History’s Margaret Mead Film Festival, occurring October 17–20, 2019, screens documentaries that increase our understanding of the complexity and diversity of the peoples and cultures that populate our planet. The festival has evolved with the times while maintaining its important history and has grown steadily to reflect the ever-evolving incarnations of storytelling, technology and growing access to communities near and far. The Mead presents the best in documentary, experimental films, animation, hybrid works, and more.”
New York Indie Doc Fest
Final Deadline: May 12
Submission Fees: $15 – $25
Festival Dates: May 26
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “New York IDF is an affordable alternative for independent documentary filmmakers looking to reach audiences in three of the world’s largest film cities. NYIDF accepts short and mid-length documentary and mockumentary films from all over the world.”
Experimental Forum
Final Deadline: June 13
Submission Fees: $33
Festival Dates: August 18
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Experimental Forum is an international film and video art festival showcasing experimental film and artists’ moving image from auteur filmmakers and innovative video artists from around the globe. Our aim is to provide a supportive platform for the exciting and challenging work that is outside the scope of mainstream film festivals and art galleries.”
Blackbird Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 14
Submission Fees: $18
Festival Dates: April 24 – 26
Cortland, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “At the Blackbird Film Festival, we strive to curate an inclusive festival atmosphere – an environment where experienced professionals and first time filmmakers can strike up conversation and perhaps take something away from one another. Blackbird was originally founded as a festival for student filmmakers but quickly opened its doors to all types of filmmakers in the spirit of collaboration and the sharing of ideas.”
Angeles Documentaries
Final Deadline: June 18
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: October 30
Los Angeles, California
What They Say About Themselves: “Angeles Documentaries is an international festival that celebrates one of the most difficult genre to produce : documentaries. We are accepting documentaries any length from any country and we screen the winners in Los Angeles. Documentaries request high level quality writing, an exceptional production coordination, and a smart budget management. And we didn’t start talking about talent yet…”
Atlanta Docufest
Final Deadline: June 30
Submission Fees: $35 – $50
Festival Dates: November 7 – 10
Atlanta, Georgia
What They Say About Themselves: “Atlanta Docufest is held during the annual Atlanta Film Series, a four-part celebratioin of independent film packed with four unique film festivals designed to spotlight every genre of cinema imaginable.”
Winter 2019
Wales International Documentary Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $45 for Feature, $23 for Short
Festival Dates: May 7-10, 2019
Cardiff, Wales
What They Say About Themselves: “Over four days in May 7th-10th, Wales International Documentary Festival will draw independent filmmakers, industry experts and international audiences to Cardiff from all over the world. This year we are working in partnership with national broadcaster S4C to bring more opportunities than ever before to meet with decision makers from all the UK, Europe and rest of the world. Based in Wales’ capital city, Cardiff, for the first time ever we will be showing our featured films in one of the UK’s biggest arts centres, Chapter, and organising workshops, screenings and networking events across the city.”
DocLands Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 18, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: May 2-5, 2019
San Rafael, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Presented by the California Film Institute, DOCLANDS Documentary Film Festival brings compelling stories and the provocative insight behind them to Marin County, CA, May 2 – 5, 2019. Expanding upon the exchange of ideas and inspiration through public screenings, engaged conversations, pitching and grassroots networking events, DocLands aims to build an active, involved, fully supportive community around documentary film dedicated to initiating connections and partnerships that will illuminate and invigorate the business and art of non-fiction filmmaking.”
Georgia Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: June 16, 2019
Atlanta, GA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Georgia Documentary Film Festival is a theatrical screening event in Atlanta, Georgia. Our mission is to screen independently produced documentary films from around the world at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema every year.”
San Francisco Documentary Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 23, 2019
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $55 for Short
Festival Dates: May 30 – Jun. 13, 2019
San Francisco, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “We screen the best documentaries from around the world for two weeks at the Roxie Cinema, the oldest art house theater west of the Mississippi. Many of our titles end up with calendered runs at the Roxie later in the year. We get great coverage in SF, the second largest film market in the country, plus Variety reviews. The festival was attended by over 8000 doc lovers last year. A 10% increase in attendance over the year before! San Francisco is a very receptive town for documentaries and our fest has built a passionate following over the past 17 years.“
Viewpoint Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 27, 2019
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 24-28, 2019
Gent, Belgium
What They Say About Themselves: “During its original nine year run, the festival has become a respected international festival and is renowned for its strong, qualitative and independent film selection. Highlights were Frederic Wiseman’s Domestic Violence, which had it’s World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and the Focus dedicated to the work of American documentary filmmaker Alan Berliner, who presented his latest film personally. In association with SMAK it also hosted Harmony Korine photo series ‘Milk Chicken Review’ and ‘Coke Head Swingers’ and the video installation ‘The Diary of Anna Frank. Part II’. The festival has hosted many noteworthy filmmakers: Kim Longinotto, Michael Glawogger, Hans Van den Broeck, Monteith McCollum, Gabriel Noble, Deborah Hoffmann, Frances Reid, Thom Vander Beken. Unfortunately, in its original incarnation, the festival came to an end in 2003.”
Africa World Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 3, 2019
Submission Fees: $45 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 28 – Aug. 28, 2019
San Diego, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Africa World Documentary Film Festival (AWDFF) is sponsored by the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University, San Diego, California. The AWDFF has as its objective the promotion of knowledge and culture of the people of Africa, in a Pan-African context.”
Oregon Documentary Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 23, 2019
Portland, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “The creators of the Oregon Short Film Festival launched this festival in 2017 to specifically target the Portland Documentary Film audience. The Oregon Short Film Festival screens all genres of films, but we noticed through our research and attendee feedback, that the documentary films that we screened were the most popular. After the success of our 2017 and 2018 screenings, we feel like 2019 will be our most popular event ever. The event takes place at 5th Avenue Cinemas on the campus of Portland State University downtown.”
Fall 2018
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.
Year-Round Festivals
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
Final Deadline: Oct. 31, 2019 (Fall); Dec. 31, 2019 (Winter)
Submission Fees: $40 for Short, $45 for Feature
Festival Dates: Monthly Screenings
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves:
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) is a non-profit organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world, providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film goers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. NFMLA provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition and representation.
Horror Festivals
Spring 2019
Portland Horror Festival
Final Deadline: April 8
Submission Fees: $25-45
Festival Dates: June 5-8, 2019
Portland, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “Portland Horror Film Festival™ is a 4-day international festival of terror, bringing horror from around the world to creepy Portland, OR, a tree-filled land with a deep and dark history. We’re looking for innovative films in all horror genres, from independent filmmakers, small studios, and students anywhere in the world.”
The Indie Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 19
Submission Fees: $65
Festival Dates: June 13
DeKalb, Illinois
What They Say About Themselves: “The Indie Horror Film Festival is an independent film festival. We strive to support independent film, and work to get the filmmakers more notice, and to get independent films seen. The Indie Horror Film Festival started in 2005 (known then as “Indy Horror Film Festival”) by Gatlin Pictures (Jason Davis – Horror Author / Festival Founder). The festival gain some size but then disappeared for a couple years. In 2010 Breaking Fate Entertainment (Willy Adkins – Producer) joined Davis in an effort to bring the Indy “Back from the Dead”. Since the new effort, Breaking Fate Entertainment has continued to bring the event back annually ever since welcoming visitors and filmmakers from all over the world!”
HOLLYWOOD HORRORFEST
Final Deadline: May 20
Submission Fees: $
Festival Dates: June 7 – 9
Los Angeles, California
What They Say About Themselves: “The inaugural HHF was an amazing success at Quentin Tranatino’s NEW BEVERY CINEMA in Los Angeles. We had 2 cast & crew reunions (The Howling & Return of the Living Dead), a free panel on “How to Finance, Produce and Sell Your Work” (with 11 panelists from the following disciplines – producer, director, agent, financier, sales agent), free screenings of shorts and features, more free giveaways than virtually anywhere, awards and networking events.”
Horrible Imaginings Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 1
Submission Fees: $50 – $60
Festival Dates: August 30 – September 1
Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals – FilmFreeway
San Diego, California
What They Say About Themselves: “Our mission is to spotlight genre cinema, amplify artistic voices, and foster a community of acceptance. We sincerely believe in the sharing and exploring of our deepest fears, desires, and anxieties in a community setting. This festival provides the opportunity to not only explore these emotions but also exorcise them.”
Winter 2019
Windy City Horrorama
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 26-28, 2019
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “The second year WINDY CITY HORRORAMA is once again dedicated to celebrating the DIY spirit of independent genre films, from the hard working hands that make them to the enthusiastic audiences that come out in droves to see them. Chicago has such a robust film and genre fan community, those involved with this event can’t wait to be a part of its rich tradition while presenting some kickass horror!”
Crypticon Seattle Horror FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $45 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: May 3-5, 2019
Bellevue, WA
What They Say About Themselves: “We’re looking for dark, scary, creepy, bloody, haunting, nasty, indie, underground, eerie, violent, strange, unusual, horror, horrific, weird, and macabre!
The festival is part of a large community of horror and film lovers. The festival is about the love of horror and all things dark, weird, and unusual. We screen for a truly appreciative audience that is full of enthusiasm and look forward to watching what we do every year.”
The International Horror Hotel
Final Deadline: Mar. 8, 2019
Submission Fees: $45 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: June 6-9, 2019
Film Freeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Northeast Ohio
What They Say About Themselves: “The International Horror Hotel Film Festival and Convention is held every June in Northeast Ohio (near Cleveland). We have open competitions for films, scripts and music videos in the following genres: documentary (film only), experimental (film only), fantasy, horror, horror-comedy, slasher, sci-fi and suspense-thriller. Competitions also open for our horror film scoring competition (submissions through our website). At the event, we also have scream king/scream queen and FX makeup competitions.”
Etheria Film Night
Final Deadline: Mar. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Short
Festival Dates: June 29, 2019
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Etheria is the world’s most respected competition showcase of new sci-fi, fantasy, action, thriller and horror films directed by women. Our audience includes producers, managers, show runners, distributors, and genre fans. Our festival’s goal is to highlight women directors making fantastic genre films and to connect these filmmakers to industry professionals.”
Pittsburgh Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 13, 2019
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 19-21, 2019
Pittsburgh, PA
What They Say About Themselves: “The festival will take place in April 2019, from 2:00 PM Friday 19 April to 4:00 PM Sunday 21 April. The Pittsburgh Horror Film Festival intends to provide a stage for all film makers to display their work.”
Portland Horror Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 8, 2019
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: June 5-8, 2019
Portland, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “Portland Horror Film Festival™ is a 4-day international festival of terror, bringing horror from around the world to creepy Portland, OR, a tree-filled land with a deep and dark history. We’re looking for innovative films in all horror genres, from independent filmmakers, small studios, and students anywhere in the world.”
Mad Monster Party Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 8, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Feb. 22-24, 2019
Charlotte, NC
What They Say About Themselves: “Created in 2012, the Mad Monster Party Film Festival is a competition festival which programs brand-new genre feature and short films from around the world. The festival seeks submissions for horror, science fiction, and fantasy.”
Cinepocalypse
Final Deadline: Apr. 26, 2019
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature, $24 for Short
Festival Dates: June 13-20, 2019
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “Since 2014, Cinepocalypse (previously Bruce Campbell’s Horror Film Festival), has terrorized audiences with an annual slate of premiere films, guests, and bloodcurdling entertainment. Named a top genre festival in the world by MovieMaker Magazine, the festival has recently played host to the likes of: John Carpenter, Lana Wachowski, Fede Alvarez, Eli Roth, Christopher Lloyd, Scott Derrickson, Ernest Dickerson, Fred Dekker, Tom Holland, Larry Cohen, Barbara Crampton, Stephen Hopkins, William Sadler, Stephen Lang, Eric Roberts, comedian Doug Benson, and many more talented filmmakers from around the globe.”
Birmingham International Horrorshow
Final Deadline: Jan. 26, 2019
Submission Fees: $4.75 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 10, 2019
Birmingham, UK
What They Say About Themselves: “The Birmingham Horror Group will be hosting its third annual film showcase on Sunday, 27 January, at the historic Victoria public house, in the heart of the Second City’s bustling theatre district. Launched in 2015, the group’s honorary president is the acclaimed author and film critic Ramsey Campbell.”
Fall 2018
‘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
Spring 2019
OUT HERE NOW: The Kansas City LGBT Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 20
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: June 20 – 27
Kansas City, MO
What They Say About Themselves: “OUT HERE NOW: The Kansas City LGBT Film Festival is one of the Midwest’s most visible and highly-regarded LGBT film festivals and the city’s oldest and best-attended community film program. Our festival spans eight days and, in 2018, we screened 61 films from around the world with record attendance.”
QFest:The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 30
Submission Fees: Free
Festival Dates: July 25 – 29
Houston, Texas
What They Say About Themselves: “QFest is dedicated to promoting the arts as a powerful tool for communication and cooperation among diverse communities by presenting programs by, about, and of interest to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community.”
Damn These Heels LGBTQ Film Festival
Final Deadline: May 13
Submission Fees: $15 – $25
Festival Dates: July 12 – 14
Salt Lake City, UT
What They Say About Themselves: “Utah Film Center presents the 16th annual Damn These Heels LGBTQ Film Festival July 12-14, 2019 at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in downtown Salt Lake City. Highlighted in The Advocate in 2015 as one of the reasons Salt Lake City is one of the top ten “Queerest Cities in America” and named one of Indiewire’s “10 LGBT Film Festivals To Head To This July” in 2014, Utah’s premier LGBTQ film festival features the best independent, documentary, and foreign feature-length films from around the world that explore LGBTQ issues, ideas, and art.”
FLIQ: Films Lavished In Queerdom
Final Deadline: May 24
Submission Fees: $10
Festival Dates: June 12
Portland, Maine
What They Say About Themselves: “FLIQ: Films Lavished In Queerdom is set to premiere in Portland, Maine the summer of 2019 and travel throughout the state. FLIQ seeks submissions containing LGBTQ+ characters and storylines with the goal of providing a platform for queer filmmakers and allies to celebrate our community and their stories.”
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 6
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: September 19 – 29
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year.”
NewFest: New York’s LGBTQ Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 7
Submission Fees: $50
Festival Dates: October 23 – 29
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Founded in 1988, NewFest: New York’s LGBTQ Film Festival is an annual celebration of the year’s best queer films from the U.S. and abroad, as well as parties, panels and events bringing together filmmakers, movie lovers, and the LGBTQ community.”
Winter 2019
Outfest Los Angeles
Final Deadline: March 22, 2019
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: July 18-28, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Los Angeles, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival is 11 days of not to be missed world-class films, panels, and parties celebrating the queer experience.
More than 200 feature and short films, state-of-the-art venues, and attendance of over 40,000 people make Outfest Los Angeles the largest film festival of any kind in LA. Since our founding in 1982, Outfest has screened more than 6500 international films for audiences of well over half a million people. Great opportunities await filmmakers at Outfest.”
Final Deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature or Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 28 – Apr. 7, 2019
Cambridge, MA
What They Say About Themselves: “WICKED QUEER: The Boston LGBT Film Festival is the fourth oldest LGBT film festival in North America and it is largest LGBT media event in New England. Founded in 1984 by film programmer George Mansour, the festival has been hosted by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston since the early nineties. In 2009 the festival expanded to include screenings at the Brattle Theatre in iconic Harvard Square, Cambridge, the Fenway Health Center on Boylston Street in Boston, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. In 2018 the festival screened over 150 films in 52 programs across 11 days throughout Boston and Cambridge.”
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $45 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 25-31, 2019
Philadelphia, PA
What They Say About Themselves: “qFLIX Philadelphia (March 25-31, 2019) is produced by qFLIX USA, the producers of qFLIX Worcester, and is rooted in 25 years of LGBTQ+ film festival leadership and tradition. We believe that experiencing our voices, stories and visions on film from around the globe, from birth to death, from the loved to the loveless, from youth to maturity, helps lift us forward as individuals and as a community. Film as an international language allows qFLIX Philadelphia to foster, support, and give access to independent filmmakers and to encourage and nurture younger ones in the art of filmmaking.”
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $15
Festival Dates: Aug. 15-25, 2019
Vancouver, BC
What They Say About Themselves: “Each August, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival proudly showcases films that illuminate the transformative moments in the lives of queer people – telling stories of the journeys we have taken to find ourselves, each other and our place in the world. We host 11 days and nights of outstanding cinema, performances, networking events and parties, all in the backdrop of beautiful mountain and ocean views.”
Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $20
Festival Dates: May 2-5, 2019
Seattle, WA
What They Say About Themselves: “Translations: Seattle Transgender Film Festival is a groundbreaking film festival that provides the Pacific Northwest with a venue for films by, for, and about transgender people and the issues facing the transgender community. Launched in 2006, Translations is one of only a few transgender film festivals in the world, and places emphasis on visibility and positive representations.”
TLVFest: Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 17, 2019
Submission Fees: $10 for Feature, $8 for Short
Festival Dates: June 6-15, 2019
Tel Aviv, Israel
What They Say About Themselves: “Freedom, justice and tolerance should be the pillars of any society. We believe Israel must guarantee full social and political equality to all, regardless of religion, race, sex or sexual orientation. As committed members of the Israeli LGBT community, we struggle for equality and respect by creating a serious, often controversial discourse through the medium of queer cinema. The Tel Aviv International LGBT film festival is the manifestation of this struggle.”
OUT HERE NOW: The Kansas City LGBT Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 20, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature, $20 for Short
Festival Dates: June 20-27, 2019
Kansas City, MO
What They Say About Themselves: “OUT HERE NOW: The Kansas City LGBT Film Festival is one of the Midwest’s most visible and highly-regarded LGBT film festivals and the city’s oldest and best-attended community film program. Our festival spans eight days and, in 2018, we screened 61 films from around the world with record attendance”
Reel Affirmations
Final Deadline: April 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $50
Festival Dates: Oct. 17-20, 2019
Washington, DC
What They Say About Themselves: “Founded 1991, Reel Affirmations Film Festival was ranked one of the top 3 LGBTQ film festival in the country. Over the years Reel Affirmations has been a vigorous champion of ground breaking LGBTQ cinema introducing exemplary filmmakers and presenting Academy Award Winning/Nominated films such as Gods and Monsters and Boys Dont Cry and locally co-presenting timely films such as The Happy Prince, Moonlight, Tangerine, The Danish Girl, A Fantastic Woman and Love is Strange.”
Korea Queer Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 10, 2019
Submission Fees: Freee
Festival Dates: June 20-23, 2019
Seoul, Korea
What They Say About Themselves: “KQFF was founded with the Korea Queer Culture Festival(KQCF) which has been held since 2001. The Korea Queer Culture Festival has played an important role as a festival for LGBT in South Korea, where the general awareness of LGBT remains low. Together with KQCF, KQFF has striven to offer the general a recognition of diversity based on sexual preferences through screening various LGBT films in the world.”
Out & Loud Pune International Queer Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $3
Festival Dates: Apr. 19-20, 2019
Pune, India
What They Say About Themselves: “The Out & Loud Pune International Queer Film Festival, powered by MIST, is an annual event showcasing handpicked queer films from all over the world. What’s more!? The festival promises an amazing line-up of performances and thought provoking panel discussions. Besides coming together for the love of art and cinema, the festival will also be an open platform for the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer) to voice their concerns in a social-friendly environment. The first Out & Loud – PIQFF was held in Pune in the April of 2017 to an overwhelming response.”
FIRE!! Barcelona LGBT FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 22, 2019
Submission Fees: $2
Festival Dates: June 6-16, 2019
Barcelona, Spain
What They Say About Themselves: “The FIRE!! Mostra is the first LGBT film festival in Spain: established in 1995 by Casal Lambda, in Barcelona, it addresses affective diversity in its broadest sense through a careful selection of feature films, documentaries and short films. A selection of art-house cinema and an educational approach are its main characteristics.”
Fall 2018
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
Spring 2019
Women Behind Television & Film
Final Deadline: May 31
Submission Fees: $45 – $55
Festival Dates: October 3 – 5
Cincinnati, Ohio
What They Say About Themselves: “Women Behind Television & Film (WBTF Fest) believes that media in our society can be reshaped to have a stronger positive impact if we empower more women to work in the medium, take part in ownership of the industry, and educate the consumer on these issues. WBTF Fest wants to shine a light on women being overlooked for jobs with the lack of equal opportunity that is given in the Film and TV industry and create conversations and opportunities for women to develop an industry that has equal opportunity.”
Women Texas Film Festival
Final Deadline: May 31
Submission Fees: $25 – 45
Festival Dates: August 15 – 18
Dallas, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “In Women Texas Film Festival’s four-day August event, we showcase the range and depth of female driven visual stories. Established and emerging female filmmakers will show that girls aren’t just made of sugar and spice. They got some grit and gasoline, too.”
Women Sports Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 3
Submission Fees: $25 – $30
Festival Dates: September 26 – 28
San Francisco, California
What They Say About Themselves: “The Women Sports Film Festival uses the power of film to celebrate female athletes and the filmmakers who bring their stories to the screen. From legendary champions to girls on the local playing field, we promote films and conversations that explore how sport shapes the lives of women and girls around the world.”
WIFTA Short Film Showcase
Final Deadline: June 14
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: July 29
Atlanta, GeorgiaWhat They Say About Themselves: “Each year Women In Film & Television Atlanta (WIFTA), often in conjunction with Women In Film & Television International (WIFTI), hosts a short film showcase that highlights the work of talented filmmakers throughout the Southeast and beyond. There is a focus, of course, on uplifting the works of strong Women filmmakers, crews, and leads. We accept entries from independent filmmakers from all genres – drama, comedy, action, sci-fi animation, spiritual / gospel, documentary and experimental.”
Winter 2019
Film&Her
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: April 5 – Sept. 7, 2019
Tour
What They Say About Themselves: “Film & Her is committed to showcasing emerging female talent within the filmmaking community and creating an atmosphere of unity.
To be eligible at least one of the following key creative roles must have been filled by a woman: Writer, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Animator or Editor.”
Equinox Women’s Short FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $15
Festival Dates: Mar. 20, 2019
Palmer, AK
What They Say About Themselves: “Equinox Women’s Short Film Festival is a collection of films showcasing women. Our first year festival was an overwhelming success and we are excited for our 5th festival! We are hoping to achieve even greater success this year!”
Women’s Film Festival San Diego
Final Deadline: Mar. 4, 2019
Submission Fees: $80
Festival Dates: Apr. 19-21, 2019
San Diego, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Women’s Film Festival San Diego strives to educate and inspire future generations about the experiences and contributions of women through the art of film. The festival is a multi-day event that is entertaining, informative and provides audiences with the opportunity to learn about the important topics that affect and inspire women. WFFSD is dedicated to supporting women filmmakers and giving them n opportunity to showcase their work.”
Cine-Sister
Final Deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $1
Festival Dates: Mar. 14, 2019
Petersborough, England
What They Say About Themselves: “Cine-Sister is a film programming organisation focused on promoting films made with female-identifying filmmakers in a leadership role.”
Cinema Systers Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: May 24-26, 2019
Paducah, KY
What They Say About Themselves: “The mission of this festival is to strengthen and connect this diverse community of women/womyn, and provide a public outlet for their art. We intend to build bridges among audiences, filmmakers and the community at large through the exhibition of Lesbian produced films and other events planned throughout the weekend.”
Cinema Sisters International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: $20
Festival Dates: Mar. 1-2, 2019
Wilmington, NC
What They Say About Themselves: “Wilmington Female Filmmakers Collective is holding its third annual Film Festival. In our third year not only have we changed our festival name, but we have also opened our submissions to all of the US as well as international filmmakers. Although our name has changed, we have continued with our tradition of showcasing the works of female filmmakers in an effort to encourage and support our sister filmmakers. We are asking our sister filmmakers to share their films – narratives, docs, experimental, animation – we want to see it all. We want to show your films – we want to celebrate the power of female filmmakers!! This two-day laid back festival is all about films made by women.”
Barcelona Women Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: Free
Festival Dates: June 13 – July 20, 2019
Barcelona, Spain
What They Say About Themselves: “Since 1993 Barcelona Women International Film Festival has as its objective the promotion of cinema directed by women, making women’s audiovisual culture visible thus proving the importance of women’s contribution to the development in audiovisual creation.”
Imagine This Women’s Girl Power Film + Media Summit
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: Mar. 23, 2019
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Join #GirlPowerSummit for a day of screenings, workshops, talks, lunch + mixer, and many more. #GirlPowerSummit promises to inspire and empower women in film and media by providing a unique opportunity for local women filmmakers and storytellers to learn and meet from women industry leaders and change makers with insightful conversations, motivating workshops, and networking.”
Female Eye Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $75
Festival Dates: June 24-30, 2019
Woodbridge, Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “The Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) is a competitive international women director’s film festival established in 2001, as a not-for-profit organization. Films must be directed by women. FeFF can opt to present a short co directed by a female/male team. The FeFF showcases high caliber independent films that illuminate the best of debut, emerging, and established women directors from around the globe, and presents awards for Best Films and Best Screenplays at the Closing Awards Ceremony.”
Fall 2018
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
Spring 2019
Kids With S.T.E.A.M. Film Fest
Final Deadline: June 1
Submission Fees: $8 – $30
Festival Dates: June 24
Atlanta, Georgia
What They Say About Themselves: “This festival of short films will be part of local school and community center programs for S.T.E.M Education. We’re looking for films that target the following categories: Elementary School ages 5 – 10, and Middle School ages 11-13. All films, must be rated G – General Audiences, all ages admitted. Nothing that would offend parents or cause concern. NO Nudity, Sex, Violence or Profanity will be permitted in this festival! The main character(s) should be someone who is underrepresented in the field of S.T.E.A.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. (ie, girls and people of color).”
Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival
Final Deadline: June 1
Submission Fees: $20 – $60
Festival Dates: October 30 – November 3
Claremore, OK
What They Say About Themselves: “The Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival will celebrate motion pictures from a number of different genres and age groups and will be held in the historic town of Claremore, Oklahoma on Route 66.”
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 8
Submission Fees: $55
Festival Dates: July 13, 2019 – March 27
Santa Fe, New Mexico
What They Say About Themselves: “The KIDS FIRST! Film Festival showcases new and classic children’s films, TV programs and DVDs from studios, independent producers and youth producers. KIDS FIRST! partners with more than 50 venues that showcase its selections for their kids and family programming.”
Boston International Kids Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 14
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: November 15 – 17
Melrose, MAWhat 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.”
Winter 2019
Coastline Children’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: Free
Festival Dates: Mar. 8-17, 2019
Bridgman, MI
What They Say About Themselves: “The 9TH ANNUAL COASTLINE CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL invites you to submit your short film (5 minutes or less) to the 2019 YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMPETITION. Entry is FREE and open to anyone 18 and under from Michigan, Indiana and the Chicago area.“
Reel Expressions Teen Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $5
Festival Dates: Apr. 6, 2019
Poughkeepsie, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The Art Effect’s (formerly Spark Media Project + Mill Street Loft) annual Reel Expressions International Teen Film Festival in Poughkeepsie, NY is open for submissions! Grand prize winner receives $500; the two runners up receive a trophy and recognition.”
Luminescence Teen Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $1
Festival Dates: May 4, 2019
Palo Alto, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “As filmmakers and artists ourselves, we recognize that there’s no better feeling than seeing your hard work on display on the big screen, in front of a supportive audience. Our festival aims to provide that experience for teens in and around the Bay Area.”
Leeds Young Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $20 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 7-22, 2019
Leeds, England
What They Say About Themselves: “Leeds Young Film Festival takes place every Easter and welcomes young people and their families to the largest film event of its kind in the north of England.”
Fall 2018
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.”internatio
Music Video Festivals
Spring 2019
Apex Short Film + Music Festival
Final Deadline: May 22
Submission Fees: $7 – $9
Festival Dates: February 22, 2020
Tucson, AZ
What They Say About Themselves: “The 6th annual Apex Short Film + Music Festival will be hosted in sunny downtown Tucson, Arizona in February 2020. An $8 day pass will get you unlimited access to exclusive short films and music videos from around the world, Q&A panels with filmmakers, and live performances from local musicians.”
Brooklyn Music Week 3rd Annual
Final Deadline: May 30
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: August 30
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Get ready for Brooklyn Music Week 3rd Annual, 5 days of amazing music experiences from August 30 – September 3, all going down in the best city in the World! Spread love it’s the Brooklyn way!”
Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival
Final Deadline: June 1
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: September 26 – 29
Jerome, AZWhat They Say About Themselves: “Welcome to the 7th Annual Jerome Indie Film & Music Festival. Our fest takes place in America’s largest ghost town that was once coined as one of the Wickedest Towns in the West. We are not afraid to say that we think we host one of the coolest, most unique and original film festivals in the world.”
Academy Qualifying Festivals
Winter 2019
Seattle International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $115 for Feature, $85 for Short
Festival Dates: May 16 – June 9, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Seattle, WA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Seattle International Film Festival is presented each year from mid-May to mid-June. It is the largest film festival in the United States, presenting more than 400 features, documentaries, and short films to an audience of 140,000 each year. SIFF is consistently ranked as one of the top festivals in North America, and is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for short films.”
St. Kilda’s Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 22, 2019
Submission Fees: $29
Festival Dates: June 21 – 30, 2019
Academy Qualifying
St. Kilda, Australia
What They Say About Themselves: “Proudly presented and produced by the City of Port Phillip, the St Kilda Film Festival supports the Australian film industry by turning the spotlight on a wide range of fascinating works that may not otherwise see the light of day. Exceptional short films by both emerging talent and accomplished industry professionals are shown on the big screen, where they look their shiny best.”
In the Palace International Short FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $23
Festival Dates: Jun. 29 – Jul. 6, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Sofia, Bulgaria
What They Say About Themselves: “The main purpose of the Festival is to present and promote the contemporary film art from Bulgaria, Europe, and the world. In 2017 IN THE PALACE received an EFFE Festival Label from The European Festivals Association and also holds the honor of being approved by the OSCAR® Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to choose a number of eligible films for their consideration in the categories of Best Animation, Best Fiction and Best National Film of the Academy Awards®.”
Odense International FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $22
Festival Dates: Aug. 26 – Sept. 1, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Odense, Denmark
What They Say About Themselves: “OFF is Denmark’s most courageous and most adventurous short film festival. We always offer a varied and experimenting film programme garnered with thought-provoking off-screen experiences, debates, workshops, concerts and much more.”
Palm Springs International Short Fest
Final Deadline: Feb. 11, 2019
Submission Fees: $60
Festival Dates: June 18 – 24, 2019
Academy Qualifying, FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Palm Springs, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Palm Springs International ShortFest is one of the largest showcases of short films in North America. The seven-day competitive festival is Academy Award, BAFTA and Goya-qualifying and screens approximately 330 short films from 60 countries in a series of 90-minute programs.”
Guanajuato International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $25
Festival Dates: Jul. 19-28, 2019
Academy Qualifying
Guanajuato, Mexico
What They Say About Themselves: “The Guanajuato International Film Festival has placed itself as the most important platform for young filmmakers in Latin America. Beginning in 1998 in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, GIFF offers an extensive selection of screenings, workshops, conferences and concerts that are free of charge for the audience. It’s also an essential destination for international film industry professionals for a wide variety of networking opportunities.”
Fall 2018
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
Winter 2019
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 23, 2019
Submission Fees: $125 for Feature, $95 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 24-28, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed, MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Dubuque, IA
What They Say About Themselves: “Known for it’s quaint location, friendly staff/volunteers, inquisitive audience, consistent communication, multiple screening opportunities, workshops, panels and other amazing networking opportunities and parties; it’s no wonder JDIFF was voted one of the coolest film festivals and one of the top 50 worth the submission fee by MovieMaker Magazine (2016 & 2017). JDIFF also ranks as one of the top 100 reviewed festivals by FilmFreeway. JDIFF is ALL about the independent filmmaker!”
Mammoth Lakes Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 5, 2019
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: May 22-26, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Mammoth Lakes, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “We are dedicated to discovering and supporting the next generation of filmmakers. There’s a reason MovieMaker magazine has named Mammoth Lakes Film Festival as one of the “Top 50 Film Festival’s Worth Your Entry Fee” for the last three years in a row¬: We put our filmmakers first!”
Newport Beach Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: $85 for Feature, $75 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 25 – May 2, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Newport Beach, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Join us April 25th – May 2nd, 2019 for the Newport Beach Film Festival’s (NBFF) 20th-anniversary milestone! Internationally recognized as one of Southern California’s leading film events, we host eight days of 350+ film screenings, 55,000+ attendees, engaging networking opportunities, industry seminars, incredible nightly galas, private receptions, entertainment, and more!”
SENE Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $65 for Short
Festival Dates: May 14-28, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Chepachet, RI
What They Say About Themselves: “As one of the longest-running film, music and arts festivals in the country, the Southeast New England Film, Music & Arts Festival has established itself as one of the premier festivals in New England dedicated to giving life to independent cinema, music and art.”
Brooklyn Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 11, 209
Submission Fees: $95
Festival Dates: May 31 – Jun. 9, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF), is an International, competitive festival. BFF’s mission is to provide a public forum in Brooklyn in order to advance public interest in films and the independent production of films. To draw worldwide attention to Brooklyn as a center for cinema. To encourage the rights of all Brooklyn residents to access and experience the power of independent filmmaking, and to promote artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure. BFF, inc. is a not-for-profit organization.”
Maryland International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $55 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 29-31, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Hagerstown, MD
What They Say About Themselves: “Welcome, filmmakers, to the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. We are excited about our 8th year coming up on March 29th-31st, 2019. We are Movie Magazine’s top 50 festival worth their entry fee. For 8 years, we’ve been bringing in the finest films from around the world. The film festival became a 501(c)3 and launched in 2009 and now screens more than 90 films each year! Hollywood Director Joe Carnahan is our creative director, and has been a powerful partner with our festival! He has brought us such films as “The Grey” and “The A-Team” with Liam Neeson and just released Wheelman to Netflix which is getting RAVE reviews. He now has his own production company with Frank Grillo, and has recently signed a deal with Sony Entertainment to work on their Adaptation of ‘UNCHARTED’. So join us! We look forward to having you screen at our 8th anniversary!”
Sidewalk Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 13, 2019
Submission Fees: $70 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Aug. 19-25, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100, MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Birmingham, AL
What They Say About Themselves: “Established in 1999 as the flagship program of the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Sidewalk Film Festival has perfected its own personal trifecta of quality film programming, filmmaker networking, and pure fun. Repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World and by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us, Sidewalk annually brings over 200 films to The Magic City. Low-priced passes, a concentrated footprint, and Southern Hospitality encourage filmmakers and attendees alike to connect during the festival week.”
Oak Cliff Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $55 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 6-9, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Dallas, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “The Oak Cliff Film Festival was established in 2011 as a regional film festival in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas. The festival has received national acclaim from prominent sources including The New York Times, Filmmaker Magazine, and Moviemaker Magazine, as a festival that aims to showcase brave and independent filmmaking of all stripes in an atmosphere that encourages and fosters filmmaking in Dallas and beyond.”
Filmfestival Kitzbuehel
Final Deadline: Apr. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $78 for Feature, $69 for Short
Festival Dates: Aug. 19-25, 2019
MovieMaker Magazine Top 50 Worth the Entry Fee
Kitzbuhel, Austria
What They Say About Themselves: “Set in the heart of the alps FFKB is aiming to address industry professionals and people interested in film. It will focus on making a connection between the contemporary art of film and the existing traditions of the region. Through this agreement of both contrasts we bring a new creative and inspiring surrounding. Being among the Film Festivals of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) since 2016, FFKB has proven it’s young, but strong standing in the landscape of international festivals. FFKB was accredited by FIAPF as a competitive feature film festival, specialized in young directors films.”
Fall 2018
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
Winter 2019
Pasadena Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: $80 for Feature, $70 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 13-21, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Pasadena, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Our Films go from PIFF to CANNES! And some even win! Such as the films: “Tuesday”, “Our Father” and “Til Then/Bis Gleich”! Or perhaps your film will be acquired by the SHORTS TV Channel! Who’s it going to be for 2019?!”
Hell’s Half Mile FIlm & Music Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 21, 2019
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: Sept. 26-29, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Bay City, MI
What They Say About Themselves: “The Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival (HHM) is the perfect mix of independent film and live indie music. We’re finally on the radar of filmmakers and have been making an impact with our guests. Sort of.”
Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Aug. 22-25, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
West Hollywood, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “To provide filmmakers, actors, and stories of diverse backgrounds with a place to showcase their voice without judgment or insincere reflection: Free of stereotypes and degradation. Our goal is to establish a true multicultural experience represented by the world’s independent film community.”
SOHO International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $85 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 20-27, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “SOHO Film Fest celebrates the cutting-edge of digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling, encourages new and seasoned filmmakers from here in New York City and around the world to create and send in their fresh and innovative cinematic pieces.”
San Antonio Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 29, 2019
Submission Fees: $90
Festival Dates: July 31 – Aug. 4, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
San Antonio, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “Since 1994 SAFILM attracts film lovers, and our audiences include press, filmmakers, industry leaders and die-hard fans. The San Antonio Film Festival sets up an amazing, creative innovative environment for just a few days every year where opportunities for one-on-one networking abound, connections are forged and filmmakers have a slew of unique opportunities to share ideas and advance their careers. As an accessible and inclusive platform for cinema artists, the San Antonio Film Festival also brings together scores of new and original films from across the country and around the world to delight, elevate and edify cinema lovers as well.”
deadCenter Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 19, 2019
Submission Fees: $65 for Feature, $45 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 6-9, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Oklahoma City, OK
What They Say About Themselves: “Named as one of the “20 Coolest Film Festivals” and “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine, deadCenter screens over 100 films, hosts legendary special events, provides one-one-one opportunities between filmmakers and distribution professionals, and provides a window into independent film with our Icon panel series- featuring luminaries such as Carol Littleton, Judd Nelson, Bob Berney, Elvis Mitchell, and two time Oscar winner Albert S. Ruddy.“
Dances with Films
Final Deadline: Mar. 27, 2019
Submission Fees: $105 for Feature, $85 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 13-23, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
West Hollywood, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Now in its 22nd year, Dances With Films is an original on the festival circuit, hailed by Indiewire as “widely recognized as the premiere showcase of innovative independent cinema, presenting amazing undiscovered talent to an industry audience in Hollywood,” “the future of Independent Film,” by Huffington Post and as “An innovator and leader in positioning raw and new talented directors,” by CNN and voted one of Moviemaker Magazine’s Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals on the planet (and the only one in Los Angeles to make the list in the only year it was actually voted on by filmmakers across the globe), Dances With Films presents more than 200 films each year to the LA Filmmaking and Film-going community.”
Twister Alley Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $35 for Short
Festival Dates: May 2-4, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Woodward, OK
What They Say About Themselves: “Once a year an amazing collection of creative and inspiring filmmakers and actors venture off the beaten path and flock to the quiet small town of Woodward in remote Northwest Oklahoma, and fill the beautiful and historic Woodward Arts Theater for an action packed weekend of networking, movie watching and partying. Twister Alley provides the perfect setting for filmmakers and movie fans alike to congregate and celebrate the world of independent film. All selected films screen on the big screen at the Woodward Arts Theater & we host a staged reading for our screenplay contest finalist.”
Portland Comedy Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: May 17-19, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Wilsonville, OR
What They Say About Themselves: “The Portland Comedy Film Festival, ranked in the Top 100 on FilmFreeway, is a unique forum for international independent comedy filmmakers to showcase their comedy films in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, the Portland Comedy Film Festival became a bi-annual event, which means that we have a spring and fall session. Did you know that the Portland Comedy Film Festival screened 350 comedy films in 2018 alone? Check out the pictures for yourself, it was a blast! Did you know that we post on social media about every single screenplay and film accepted to our event? This is a great marketing opportunity for your creative work. The Portland Comedy Film Festival is searching for funny and engaging films to entertain a comedy loving audience in 2019, please send us your film or screenplay and come have a great time with us in Oregon.”
Snake Alley Festival of Film
Final Deadline: Apr. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: Jun. 20-23, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Burlington, IA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Snake Alley Festival of Film is dedicated to showcasing the best short films from around the world. Films will screen at the beautifully restored Capitol Theater in the heart of downtown Burlington, Iowa. The theater boasts state of the art equipment and can comfortably seat more than 400 people.”
The Roxbury International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 13, 2019
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: Jun. 19-29, 2019
FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed
Boston, MA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Roxbury International Film Festival (ROXFILM) is the largest festival in New England dedicated to celebrating the work of filmmakers creating films celebrating people of color.
ROXFILM showcases feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and animation. We are particularly committed to screening works by filmmakers with a connection to the New England area, however we also screen works by filmmakers from around the world as well.”
Fall 2018
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!
Spring 2019
South Texas International Film Festival
Final Deadline: April 28
Submission Fees: $
Festival Dates: September 4 – 7
Edinburg, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “The STXIFF is an annual event that strives to showcase the work of visionary filmmakers from all over the world. Based in Edinburg, Texas, STXIFF showcases local, regional, and international films that have a unique voice and style. We strive to bring together local filmmakers and artists to help connect the South Texas Film industry with the world.”
Grand Budapest FF
Final Deadline: April 30
Submission Fees: $10-30
Festival Dates: January 20-21, 2020
Budapest, Hungary
What They Say About Themselves: “Welcome to The Grand Budapest Film Festival, a 2-day annual event dedicated to independent filmmakers from all over the world. Every year, we are celebrating independent cinema in the heart of lively Budapest. Puskin Mozi, one of the city’s oldest art cinemas provides a perfect venue for our event, created for the culture-loving, cinephile, international crowd of the city. The festival’s aim is to provide a platform for filmmakers who don’t necessarily have a large budget, but a vision and an important story to tell. Through our careful selection process our goal is to showcase a wide variety of genres and styles to cinema fans and fellow international filmmakers.”
Williamsburg International Film Festival
Final Deadline: June 16
Submission Fees: $40 – $45
Festival Dates: September 14
Online EventWhat They Say About Themselves: “Many of the award-winning films in WILLiFEST have gone on to have theatrical releases, broadcasts on PBS and other media outlets, and to be nominated and awarded at the American Academy Awards.”
Nevada City FF
Final Deadline: May 1
Submission Fees: $30 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: August 23 – 30, 2019
Nevada City, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Since 2001, the Nevada City Film Festival (NCFF) has brought top independent film, music and comedy, along with attracting thousands of attendees, international filmmakers, and industry guests to the historic town of Nevada City, California. Nevada City is known for its sophisticated and supportive arts and cultural scene, and makes screening a film here a positive, encouraging and exciting experience.”
Tallgrass FF
Final Deadline: July 8
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $15 for Short
Festival Dates: October 16 – 20, 2019
Witchita, KS
What They Say About Themselves: “Flavorwire calls Tallgrass “one of the foremost regional festivals in the country, showcasing exciting new movies and festival hits that otherwise probably wouldn’t make their way to the heartland…a wonderful festival, and a reminder that New York and L.A. don’t have the market cornered on vibrant film culture.”
Winter 2019
Rooftop Films
Final Deadline: Feb. 22, 2019
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: May 17 – Aug. 24, 2019
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Rooftop Films is a New York based film non-profit whose mission is to engage diverse communities by showing independent movies in outdoor locations, producing new films, coordinating youth media education, and renting equipment at low cost to artists.”
The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 21, 2019
Submission Fees: $95 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 1-9, 2019
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “Founded in 2011, AoBFF is the ONLY international, independent festival in the world exclusively devoted to Brooklyn’s vibrant film and media scene. We accept films and screenplays from all over, as long as they are connected to the borough in some way (e.g. cast/crew, production, content, theme, setting, etc.)”
Sunny Side Up Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 23-24, 2019
Harrah, OK
What They Say About Themselves: “SUNNY SIDE UP FILM FESTIVAL is an international film festival. Join us for another family fun weekend, and experience a film festival competition in Ardmore, Oklahoma. It’ll be filled with great indie films and fun that will be legendary!”
Lyons Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 26, 2019
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: Apr. 5-6, 2019
Lyons, Colorado
What They Say About Themselves: “he 2019 Lyons Film Festival is the gateway to Colorado’s film makers, musicians and artistic talent. Set in idyllic Lyons Colorado, its now a must stop on your way to the Rocky Mountain National Park just north of Denver and Boulder. The 5th year of the Lyons Film Festival will showcase many well known films, that of the many local Colorado independent film to films from abroad in categories ranging from, Environmental Documentaries, Music documentaries to the Out Door Recreational Films . If your curious about this creative art and you’d like to get a better understanding of how such a task as creating a film from conception, to story boarding, directing talent, directing a cohesive efficient film crew, costume design on a small to budget, editing or to getting distribution and getting it on the big screen is possible. This festival schedule, like the town, will be easy to navigate as all the films are based at Rogers Hall on High street.”
Rome Independent Cinema Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 7, 2019
Submission Fees: $30
Festival Dates: Aug. 24, 2019
Rome, Italy
What They Say About Themselves: “Italian cinema has been highly influential in film history, with countless masters of the artform serving as inspiration for independent artists. Rome still remains the heart of Italian film, with a large community of industry people and cultured cinema fans alike, which makes it the perfect setting to celebrate the diversity of independent cinema, at Rome Independent Cinema Festival.”
Yorkton Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $75
Festival Dates: May 23-26, 2019
Yorkton, Saskatchewan Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “In its current form the festival continues to be dedicated to the promotion of the best screen based media content, through our annual film festival and Golden Sheaf Awards competition. In addition to the annual event, the festival is dedicated to the promotion of short video content through our year round screening and tour outreach programs.”
Manhattan Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 29, 2019
Submission Fees: $60
Festival Dates: Apr. 24 – May 5, 2019
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The 13th annual Manhattan Film Festival is hosted at the famed Cinema Village and takes place when the entire industry ascends upon New York City. All selected filmmakers will be honored with a coveted commercial screening and will receive four filmmaker passes. These passes include access to the 2019 MFF Industry Expo which was established to help filmmakers obtain talent and legal representation, leverage the JOBS Act to raise investment dollars, hire established talent, plan a marketing strategy for completed films and obtain distribution.”
5Point Adventure Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $60 for Feature, $50 for Short
Festival Dates: Apr. 25-28, 2019
Carbondale, CO
What They Say About Themselves: “We are shorts adventure film festival rooted in sharing stories of the human experience while spending time in the outdoors. Each program is designed to take our audience to places all over the world, learn, cry, laugh and inspire our audience to live their best adventures and become better stewards of the environment.”
Rejected Reels Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $50 for Feature, $40 for Short
Festival Dates: June 8, 2019
Chamblee, Georgia
What They Say About Themselves: “We are a film festival that takes the films other festivals rejected and showcase them. Our team is made up of filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts. We want to show your film. One festival’s trash is our treasure. Every film submitted must have a rejection letter from a different festival within the past year.”
New York EURASIAN Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 25, 2019
Submission Fees: $64 for Feature, $47 for Short
Festival Dates: May 17-19, 2019
Brooklyn, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “NEW YORK EURASIAN FILM FESTIVAL intends to discover contemporary Eurasian cinema, to restore and to create a new cinematic culture in response to the rapid changes in media seen in the 21st century.
NYEFF present: the international competition section to find potential cinema artist and discover new films to be classic in the future.”
Hong Kong Arthouse Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 18, 2019
Submission Fees: $40
Festival Dates: June 18-20, 2019
Hong Kong
What They Say About Themselves: “At its heart, art is about celebrating the unique voice and message that we each possess. Sometimes loud, often quiet, occasionally bold and brash, and perhaps even shy, that singular voice should speak to others and by doing so, help them to better see themselves.”
Pittsburgh Independent FIlm Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 23, 2019
Submission Fees: $100 for Feature, $80 for Short
Festival Dates: June 21-23, 2019
Pittsburgh, PA
What They Say About Themselves: “The Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival is Pittsburgh’s own film festival for truly independent films, and a headline event for micro-budget and no-budget films from around the world. PIIF offers a fantastic opportunity for undiscovered filmmakers to showcase their achievements, filmmakers who posses an independent vision and operate to create innovative work outside the studio system. We screen more films than all comparable festivals, screening 12 hours a day on both Saturday and Sunday, while still having relevant industry discussions between filmmakers in our filmmakers lounge. The 2016 and 2018 Best Feature Film secured a distribution deal as a result of our recommendation, upon winning our festival. PIFF uses the strength of the independent film making community to put on a fantastic festival. PIFF is an indie film festival by and for indie filmmakers.”
Las Vegas Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: Apr. 28 – May 5, 2019
Las Vegas, NV
What They Say About Themselves: “The Las Vegas Film Festival is a community of filmmakers and film-lovers drawn to the unique, curious and cultivating environment that is Las Vegas. The LVFF pushes the boundaries of cinema, annually presenting work by passionate, rebellious, and wild storytellers to an audience of local and national filmmakers, film lovers, journalists, and film industry representatives.”
Lovesick Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 5, 2019
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: Mar. 27, 2019
Jersey City, NJ
What They Say About Themselves: “Lovesick Film Festival focuses on films that deal with relationships: whether romantic or platonic. Buddy comedy or intense family drama. Make us laugh, make us cry, make us feel something for your characters.”
Cinema Spectacular
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $17
Festival Dates: Mar. 24, 2019
Vancouver, BC Canada
What They Say About Themselves: “Cinema Spectacular is an all-Canadian, local cinema celebration of filmmakers working on those low- to no-budget passion projects that make the landscape of independent film so unique, inspiring, and effervescent. We are a friendly, non-competitive platform where filmmakers have the opportunity to showcase their work, rub elbows with the locals, and talk film!”
The Lower East Side Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 6-12, 2019
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “The Lower East Side Film Festival aims to create a special experience for both filmmaker and audience through amazing events, neighborhood engagement, free industry panels, awesome screenings, and the best and brightest up and coming filmmaking talent.”
San Francisco Black Film Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $75 for Feature, $60 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 13-16, 2019
San Francisco, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “SAN FRANCISCO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL’s MISSION is to celebrate African American cinema and the African cultural Diaspora and to showcase a diverse collection of films – from emerging and established filmmakers. This is accomplished by presenting films, which reinforce positive images and dispel negative stereotypes, and providing film artists from the bay area in particular and around the world in general, a forum for their work to be viewed and discussed. SFBFF believes film can lead to a better understanding of and communication between, peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while simultaneously serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.”
Reel Minds: Miami Mental Health Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 14, 2019
Submission Fees: $10
Festival Dates: May 19, 2019
Miami, FL
What They Say About Themselves: “Films are a compelling storytelling form that connects with our deepest sensibilities. That’s why for the fourth consecutive year, NAMI Miami-Dade is showcasing a curated list of short films inspired by the lives of those who have been affected by mental illness. These narratives will share a range of life experiences meant to inspire, heal, and empower.”
“Too Drunk To Watch” Punkfilmfest Berlin
Final Deadline: Feb. 10, 2019
Submission Fees: $10
Festival Dates: May 2-5, 2019
Berlin, Germany
What They Say About Themselves: “On 4 days we screen more than 16 movies from, about and of punk, chaos, anarchy and gentrification.”
Riverside International Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 15, 2019
Submission Fees: $45
Festival Dates: Apr. 24-28, 2019
Riverside, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “Annually since 2002, RIFF has brought the best in contemporary international and independent film to the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the fastest growing area in America. In this, our 16th year, RIFF seeks diverse and challenging films of social upheaval, human conflict, and the boldness of the human spirit. We also enjoy the best of comedy, mystery, science fiction. and horror. We particularly appreciate subtitled films, student films, and animation. A very high percentage of filmmakers and actors attend to present their films and to participate in workshops and forums.”
Bad Film Fest
Final Deadline: Feb. 28, 2019
Submission Fees: $7.99
Festival Dates: Apr. 25-28, 2019
New York, NY
What They Say About Themselves: “To be GREAT, you first have to be unafraid that you might be BAD. We’re looking for WEIRD, WILD, RIDICULOUS and OUTRAGEOUS films.“
JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 30, 2019
Submission Fees: $20
Festival Dates: Mar. 1-17, 2019
Chicago, IL
What They Say About Themselves: “The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival will be back for its 6th year, March 1-17, 2019 with a brand-new selection of culturally-diverse, Jewish-inspired films that will entertain, educate and inspire audiences of all ages. In theaters across the suburbs and city, moviegoers will enjoy wide ranging cinematic works including documentaries, short and feature length films, that will include stories of love, loss, learning and survival.”
Cine Soul, The Sacramento Black Film Festival
Final Deadline: Jan. 27, 2019
Submission Fees: $35
Festival Dates: Feb. 24, 2019
Sacramento, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “The program serves the African diaspora of film by exhibiting local and international works, building the local film making community through events like our annual URBAN FILM SUMMIT and educating Sacramento audiences about African American film history.”
Arab Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 10, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature, $30 for Short
Festival Dates: Jun. 7-16, 2019
Dearborn, MI
What They Say About Themselves: “The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum dedicated to telling the story of Arab Americans and their impact on the United States. Opened on May 5, 2005, in the heart of Dearborn – amid the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the nation – AANM’s mission is to document, present and preserve the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.”
Asian Film Festival of Dallas
Final Deadline: Mar. 31, 2019
Submission Fees: $40 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: Jul. 18-25, 2019
Dallas, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “The Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting emerging and established Asian and Asian-American filmmakers and sharing the rich diversity of Asian culture through the medium of cinema. Since its creation in 2002, the annual film festival has grown to become the South’s largest showcase of Asian and Asian American cinema. Over the last ten years, the festival has provided opportunities for nearly 400 Asian and Asian American filmmakers and doumentarians to share their vision, often providing the only venue for their films to be shown in Dallas. The films have also allowed festival goers a chance to experience other lives and cultures without leaving their seats.”
San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival
Final Deadline: Apr. 26, 2019
Submission Fees: $20
Festival Dates: May 23-27, 2019
San Francisco, CA
What They Say About Themselves: “For those who don’t know, our beloved curator and close friend, Laure McElroy, passed away in August 2018. Director Erica Fabulous and founder Carol Leigh look forward to working with local sex worker artists to support the Sex Worker Festival on it’s 20th Anniversary (launched in 1999). Through the last several years, Carol Leigh has been managing cancer, so that our organizers needed to step back, although we did want to hold a festival this spring season.”
U.S. Drone Film Festival
Final Deadline: Mar. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $15
Festival Dates: Mar. 23, 2019
Houston, TX
What They Say About Themselves: “The U.S. Drone Film Festival is a platform where cinematographers, builders, flyers, academia and interested individuals will have networking opportunities and have a chance to hear the latest developments from industry experts.”
Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival
Final Deadline: Feb. 1, 2019
Submission Fees: $35 for Feature, $25 for Short
Festival Dates: Mar. 8-9, 2019
Oklahoma City, OK
What They Say About Themselves: “The Oklahoma Cine Latino Film Festival promotes the Latino Cultural impact on Cinema in the United States focusing on a unique mix of filmmakers, artists, film lovers and history at the heart of the Hispanic Community at Historic Capitol Hill.”
Fall 2018
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.”
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