| Name
|
Est.
|
City
|
State/Prov.
|
Notes
|
Website
|
| 100 Words Film Festival |
2014 |
Charlotte |
North Carolina |
Celebrating concise storytelling, each film must contain exactly 100 spoken words. Held annually in November. |
100wordsfilmfestival.com
|
| 168 Film Festival |
2003 |
Los Angeles |
California |
Speed filmmaking competition and festival. Entries accepted from anywhere in the world. Held annually in April. |
168project.com
|
| Action On Film International Film Festival |
2005 |
Monrovia |
California |
Started as part of the World Martial Arts Trade Show and International Championships. |
actiononfilmfest.com
|
| Anchorage International Film Festival |
2001 |
Anchorage |
Alaska |
Largest film festival in the state of Alaska |
anchoragefilmfestival.org
|
| Ann Arbor Film Festival |
1961 |
Ann Arbor |
Michigan |
Film festival showcasing experimental and independent film in North America. Held annually in late March. |
aafilmfest.org
|
| Arlington International Film Festival |
2010 |
Arlington |
Massachusetts |
The festival focuses on Multicultural awareness and stresses also the importance of the artistic and educational value of films from all around the world. |
aiffest.org
|
| Asian World Film Festival |
2015 |
Los Angeles |
California |
International; held annually in October–November. |
asianworldfilmfest.org
|
| Bel Air Film Festival |
2008 |
Los Angeles |
California |
An international festival held annually in November. |
belairfilmfestival.com
|
| Beloit International Film Festival |
2006 |
Beloit |
Wisconsin |
Annual 10-day film festival in late February. Feature length narrative & documentary films and shorts. |
beloitfilmfestival.org
|
| Bentonville Film Festival
|
2015
|
Bentonville
|
Arkansas
|
Held annually in May and focused on diversity in film, specifically women and under represented minority filmmakers.
|
bentonvillefilmfestival.com
|
| Berlin & Beyond Film Festival |
1996 |
San Francisco |
California |
German-language film festival outside of Europe, held annually in January. |
berlinbeyond.com
|
| Big Bear Lake International Film Festival |
2000 |
Big Bear Lake |
California |
Committed to presenting emerging talents of independent filmmakers and screenwriters, held annually in September. |
bigbearlakefilmfestival.com
|
| Boston Film Festival |
1984 |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Annually showcasing feature films, documentaries and shorts in September. |
bostonfilmfestival.org
|
| Boulder International Film Festival |
2004 |
Boulder |
Colorado |
|
biff1.com
|
| BronzeLens Film Festival |
2009 |
Atlanta |
Georgia |
Annual film festival in late August designed to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of color, to showcase films and to provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers. |
bronzelens.com
|
| Burbank International Film Festival |
2009 |
Burbank |
California |
|
burbankfilmfest.org/
|
| CAAMFest |
2012 |
San Francisco |
California |
The nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films |
caamedia.org
|
| Cape Cod International Film Festival |
2014 |
Chatham |
Massachusetts |
Annual high-curation-standard global boutique festival, early-mid October on Cape Cod. |
cciff.org
|
| Capital City Film Festival |
2011 |
Lansing |
Michigan |
Celebrates and promotes filmmakers with an emphasis on Michigan-made, homegrown talent. A four-day festival taking place in venues across Lansing. |
capitalcityfilmfest.com
|
| The Capitol Hill Film Classic
|
2018
|
Washington
|
District of Columbia
|
The only bracket style knockout competition for short film in the USA.
|
www.capitolhillfilm.com
|
| Chicago International Children's Film Festival |
1983 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
Festival of films for kids and youth in North America. Held annually in late October for 10 days. |
cicff.org
|
| Chicago International Film Festival |
1965 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
Held annually in October. |
chicagofilmfestival.org
|
| Cine Las Americas International Film Festival |
1997 |
Austin |
Texas |
Held annually in the spring showcasing Latin American, Latino and Indigenous films. |
cinelasamericas.org
|
| CinErotic FilmFest |
2010 |
Atlanta |
Georgia |
Debuted February 12–14, 2010; celebrates sex-positive, diverse and empowering erotic cinema and performance by amateurs, independent artists and the avant-garde. |
cineroticfest.com
|
| Cleveland International Film Festival |
1977 |
Cleveland |
Ohio |
A 12-day event held annually in spring; includes feature and short subject films. |
clevelandfilm.org
|
| Columbus International Film & Video Festival |
1953 |
Columbus |
Ohio |
North American film festival, held annually in November. As a competition festival, it is also known as The Chris Awards. |
chrisawards.org
|
| Coronado Island Film Festival
|
2016
|
Coronado Island
|
California
|
Held annually in November in the resort city across the bay from downtown San Diego.
|
coronadoislandfilmfest.com
|
| Crested Butte Film Festival |
2011 |
Crested Butte |
Colorado |
Held annually in the last week of September supporting action and change together. |
cbfilmfest.org
|
| Dances With Films |
1998 |
Los Angeles |
California |
The festival of unknowns (i.e. no celebrities) |
|
| Dallas International Film Festival |
2006 |
Dallas |
Texas |
|
dallasfilm.org
|
| DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival |
2000 |
Washington |
DC |
Held annually in October. |
apafilm.org
|
| Denver Film Festival |
1978 |
Denver |
Colorado |
Held annually in November. |
denverfilm.org
|
| Denver Underground Film Festival |
1997 |
Denver |
Colorado |
Held annually in May. |
duffcinema.com
|
| Detroit Windsor International Film Festival |
2008 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
Held annually in June, and hosts the annual DWIFF Challenge |
dwiff.org
|
| Expresión en Corto International Film Festival |
1997 |
San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato |
Guanajuato |
Mexico's largest competitive film festival. |
expresionencorto.com
|
| Festivus Film Festival |
2006 |
Denver |
Colorado |
Ended in 2013 |
|
| Film @ Downtown Urban Arts Festival |
2015 |
New York City |
New York |
Showcases new short film from new and emerging independent filmmakers from United States and around the world. |
filmduaf.com
|
| Florida Film Festival |
1992 |
Maitland |
Florida |
Includes narrative and documentary features and shorts, animation, midnight movies, and a full array of educational forums, glamorous parties, and other special events. |
floridafilmfestival.com
|
| FotoFilm Tijuana |
2017 |
Tijuana |
Mexico |
Includes narrative and documentary features and shorts, music program, educational forums, and other special events. |
fftj.mx
|
| Frameline Film Festival |
1997 |
San Francisco |
California |
Frameline Film Festival produces the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival which is the oldest ongoing film festival devoted to LGBT programming. |
frameline.org
|
| French Film Festival - Richmond, Virginia |
1993 |
Richmond |
Virginia |
The largest French film festival in the USA, it takes place every year during the last week-end of March, featuring world and American premieres of French features and shorts. |
frenchfilmfestival.us
|
| Garden State Film Festival |
2015 |
Atlantic City |
New Jersey |
The Garden State Film Festival was founded to promote the art of filmmaking on all levels by showcasing a wide variety of film, video and animated works as well as provide educational programs in the creative arts to the public by industry leaders. |
gsff.org
|
| Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest |
2007 |
New York City |
New York |
Showcase of new American and international cinema, with a competitive screenplay contest. |
gothamscreen.com
|
| Golden Door Film Festival |
2011 |
Jersey City |
New Jersey |
Held annually in October |
goldendoorfilmfestival.org
|
| Green Bay Film Festival |
2010 |
De Pere |
Wisconsin |
Celebrating independent filmmakers in Wisconsin and around the world. |
[1]
|
| Guadalajara International Film Festival |
1988 |
Guadalajara |
Jalisco |
Mexico and Latin American film festival |
guadalajaracinemafest.com
|
| Hamptons International Film Festival |
1993 |
East Hampton |
New York |
|
hamptonsfilmfest.org
|
| Hawaii International Film Festival |
1981 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
Held annually in the fall for two weeks. HIFF states that it "is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film." |
hiff.org
|
| Heartland Film Festival |
1991 |
Indianapolis |
Indiana |
The annual Heartland Film Festival introduces audiences to transformative independent films from around the world. Heartland awards more than $135,000 in prize money every year at the festival. |
heartlandfilmfestival.org
|
| High Falls Film Festival |
2001 |
Rochester |
New York |
High Falls Film Festival celebrates the work of women filmmakers. It includes features, documentaries, shorts, children’s and young adult programs, programs in film education and student film making competitions. |
highfallsfilmfestival.com
|
| Highway 61 Film Festival |
2011 |
Pine City |
Minnesota |
Held annually in mid-October, its purpose is to recognize and honor filmmakers in East Central Minnesota and other American cities up and down Old US Highway 61. |
highway61filmfestival.org
|
| Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema |
2009 |
Idyllwild-Pine Cove |
California |
Held annually in January. An independent film festival |
idyllwildcinemafest.com
|
| India International Film Festival (IIFF) of Tampa Bay |
2010 |
Tampa |
Florida |
Held annually. Feature films, short films, and documentaries that are produced by Indians, films with Indian actors or actresses, or films with Indian themes. |
iifftampa.com
|
| Indianapolis International Film Festival |
2004 |
Indianapolis |
Indiana |
|
indyfilmfest.org/
|
| International Black Women's Film Festival |
2001 |
San Francisco |
California |
Exhibiting films by and/or featuring Black women from around the world in non-stereotypical roles. |
festival.ibwff.com/
|
| Jacksonville Film Festival |
2003 |
Jacksonville |
Florida |
Held annually for 4 days in mid-May. |
jacksonvillefilmfestival.com
|
| JAPAN CUTS: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema |
2007 |
New York City |
New York |
North America's biggest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema. Held annually in July. |
japansociety.org/japancuts
|
| KahBang Film Festival |
2009 |
Bangor |
Maine |
Part of the KahBang music-art-film festival, built on discovering the best emerging filmmakers, narrative and documentary features, comedy films, short films, and music docs, and awarding one notable filmmaker with the "Kevin Norwood Bacon Award for Achievement in Cinema". Held annually in August. |
kahbang.com
|
| L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival |
2009 |
Los Angeles |
California |
Held annually in the spring. Host of the L.A. Comedy Scripts screenplay competition. |
lacomedyshorts.com
|
| Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
|
1983
|
Los Angeles
|
California
|
Premiere showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema in Los Angeles. Held annually in May.
|
https://festival.vcmedia.org/
|
| Los Angeles Film Festival |
1995 |
Los Angeles |
California |
Held annually in June. Shows independent, feature, documentary and short films, as well as music videos. |
lafilmfest.com
|
| Little Rock Film Festival |
2006 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
Held annually in the beginning of June. This southern film festival features narrative film, documentary films, short film, panels, and unforgettable events |
littlerockfilmfestival.org
|
| Love Your Shorts Film Festival |
2011 |
Sanford |
Florida |
Held around Valentine's Day. The festival screens only short films under 30 minutes in length. |
loveyourshorts.com
|
| Margaret Mead Film Festival |
1976 |
New York City |
New York |
Showcase for international documentaries in the United States. Held annually in November at the American Museum of Natural History in the New York City. |
amnh.org/programs/mead
|
| Martha's Vineyard Film Festival |
2001 |
Chilmark |
Massachusetts |
Held annually in March, but also includes summer and winter film series, and special events at other times of the year. Community-oriented, featuring action/activism-inspiring films. Filmmakers/film subjects regularly speak after screenings. |
tmvff.org
|
| Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival |
2006 |
Martha's Vineyard |
Massachusetts |
Held annually in early September. Festival is hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Film Society |
mvfilmfest.com
|
| Maryland Film Festival |
1999 |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
Held annually for 4 days each May. Includes 40+ new features and 50+ new shorts, as well as a favorite film selected and hosted by MFF board member John Waters. |
mdfilmfest.com
|
| Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival |
2004 |
Mexico City |
Mexico |
Also known as FICCO (Festival Internacional de Cine Contemporáneo), it is hosted by Cinemex. |
ficco.com.mx
|
| Miami Short Film Festival |
2002 |
Miami |
Florida |
Short film festival held annually in mid-November. |
miamishortfilmfestival.com
|
| Mile High Horror Film Festival |
2010 |
Denver |
Colorado |
The Mile High Horror Film Festival is held in the metro Denver area of Colorado. Its mission is to showcase the very best independent horror films from around the world. |
mhhff.com.com
|
| Milwaukee Film Festival
|
2009
|
Milwaukee
|
Wisconsin
|
Held annually in September and October. Presented by Milwaukee Film.
|
https://mkefilm.org/about-milwaukee-film
|
| Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival |
1983 |
Minneapolis-St. Paul |
Minnesota |
Held annually in the spring. Showcases more than 200 films from around the world. Presented by The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul. |
mspfilm.org
|
| Montclair Film Festival |
2012 |
Montclair |
New Jersey |
An annual, community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from a variety of countries while creating a cultural focal point for the Township of Montclair, surrounding communities and the region. |
montclairfilmfest.org
|
| Moondance International Film Festival |
2000 |
Boulder |
Colorado |
Film writers, filmmakers and film score composers who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences. |
moondancefilmfestival.com
|
| Morelia International Film Festival |
2003 |
Morelia |
Michoacan |
The Festival's goals is to establish a forum to promote up-and-coming Mexican cinema talents, to create incentives and cultural opportunities for the Mexican and international public, and to display the cultural richness of the state of Michoacán |
moreliafilmfest.com
|
| Naperville Independent Film Festival |
2008 |
Naperville |
Illinois |
Annual film festival featuring the work of independent filmmakers. |
naperfilmfest.org
|
| Nashville Film Festival |
1969 |
Nashville |
Tennessee |
Founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Takes place in April and is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for Best Short Film and Best Animated Short Film. Features feature-length and short films from around the world. |
nashvillefilmfestival.org
|
| Nantucket Film Festival |
1996 |
Nantucket |
Massachusetts |
Held annually in June. Dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and appreciation of the art of screenwriting in the world of cinema. Has both film and screenplay competitions. |
nantucketfilmfestival.org
|
| Native American Film and Video Festival |
1979 |
New York City |
New York |
Biannual festival held at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian featuring indigenous works from across the Americas |
nativenetworks.si.edu
|
| National Film Festival for Talented Youth |
2007 |
Seattle |
Washington |
Youth film festival, showcasing the work of filmmakers from around the globe (aged 22 or under) |
nffty.org
|
| Newport Beach Film Festival |
1999 |
Newport Beach |
California |
Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County. |
newportbeachfilmfest.com
|
| New Orleans Film Festival |
1989 |
New Orleans |
Louisiana |
Frequently referred to as Cannes on the Mississippi.[citation needed] |
neworleansfilmsociety.org
|
| New York Film Festival |
1962 |
New York City |
New York |
One of North America's oldest film festivals.[citation needed] |
filmlinc.com
|
| New York City Independent Film Festival |
2009 |
New York City |
New York |
|
nycindieff.com
|
| New York International Children's Film Festival |
1997 |
New York City |
New York |
Film festival for kids in North America, held annually from late-February to mid-March. |
gkids.com
|
| Northeast Film Festival |
2013 |
Teaneck |
New Jersey |
Features both US and international films with competition in feature length and short fiction as well as documentaries and student films. The Northeast Film Festival is run by founder and festival director Larry Rosen. Held annually in September. |
nefilmfestival.com
|
| Oil Valley Film Festival |
2016 |
Oil City, Pennsylvania |
Pennsylvania |
First film festival of its kind in the "Oil Region" of Pennsylvania. Features films, in competition, from around the globe. The Oil Valley Film Festival is run by founder and festival director Matt Croyle. It is held annually in Oil City each September. |
[2]
|
| Orlando Film Festival |
2006 |
Orlando |
Florida |
The Orlando Film Festival seeks to inspire student, future and current filmmakers in the art of filmmaking, and to enhance the movie viewing experience in Downtown Orlando through creative, unique and entertaining events. Held annually in October/November. |
orlandofilmfest.com
|
| Palm Springs Festival of Festivals |
2001 |
Palm Springs |
California |
|
|
| Palm Springs International Film Festival |
1989 |
Palm Springs |
California |
|
psfilmfest.org
|
| Philadelphia Film Festival |
1991 |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
Presented by the Philadelphia Film Society, held annually in the fall. |
filmadelphia.org
|
| Project Twenty1 Film Festival |
2006 |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
Screenings include the Philadelphia Filmathon and the annual 21-Day Filmmaking Competition. |
projecttwenty1.com
|
| QFest |
1995 |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
Founded as the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the name was changed to QFest in 2009. Presented by the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance. |
phillycinema.org
|
| Portland International Film Festival |
1977 |
Portland |
Oregon |
|
[3]
|
| Port Townsend Film Festival |
1999 |
Port Townsend |
Washington |
An international festival held annually the third weekend in September. |
ptfilmfest.com
|
| Red Rock Film Festival |
2007 |
St. George |
Utah |
Located beneath the red mountains of Southern Utah this international festival is held annually each November. |
redrockfilmfestival.com
|
| ReelAbilities |
2007 |
New York City |
New York |
Film festival in the U.S. dedicated to films by and about people with disabilities. Founded in New York City and tours throughout the United States. |
reelabilities.org
|
| Regina International Film Festival
|
2015
|
Regina, Saskatchewan
|
Saskatchewan
|
The largest international film festival of Saskatchewan held annually (in the month of August ) in the capital city. Founded by John Thimothy in 2014.
|
http://riffa.ca
|
| Rhode Island International Film Festival |
1997 |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
Held annually for 6 days during the second week of August |
RIFilmFest.org
|
| Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival |
1987 |
Colorado Springs |
Colorado |
Held annually in early November showcasing films made by Women. The festival features a mix of documentary, short and narrative films. |
rmwfilmfest.org
|
| San Diego International Film Festival |
2001 |
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and La Jolla |
California |
Held in October, the festival showcases international narrative features, shorts and documentaries in various categories including Native American, social justice and military. |
sdfilmfest.com/
|
| San Diego Film Week |
2017 |
San Diego’s Balboa Park |
California |
Held in February-March, the festival showcases local narrative features, short films, and documentaries for film. |
sdfilmweek.com
|
| San Francisco Frozen Film Festival |
2006 |
San Francisco |
California |
Special interest, Independent. |
frozenfilmfestival.com
|
| San Francisco Green Film Festival |
2011 |
San Francisco |
California |
|
sfgreenfilmfest.org
|
| San Francisco International Film Festival |
1957 |
San Francisco |
California |
|
sffs.org
|
| San Francisco Jewish Film Festival |
1980 |
San Francisco |
California |
SFJFF is a year-round media arts organization that promotes awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people. |
sfjff.org
|
| San Luis Obispo International Film Festival |
1993 |
San Luis Obispo |
California |
Held annually in March. |
slofilmfest.org
|
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival |
1985 |
Santa Barbara |
California |
|
sbiff.org
|
| Sarasota Film Festival
|
1998
|
Sarasota
|
Florida
|
Annual, international celebration of film and filmmaking held in April. Year-round arts nonprofit hosting education programs and filmmaking academies.
|
sarasotafilmfestival.com
|
| Scottsdale International Film Festival
|
2010
|
Scottsdale
|
Arizona
|
Annual, international film festival held in November. Year-round Screenings and events supporting the Festival and international filmmakers.
|
[4]
|
| Seattle International Film Festival |
1976 |
Seattle |
Washington |
One of the largest film festivals in the United States. |
siff.net
|
| Sedona International Film Festival |
1994 |
Sedona |
Arizona |
Film festival in Arizona. |
sedonafilm.org
|
| Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival |
1999 |
Birmingham |
Alabama |
|
almovingimage.org/sidewalk-fest.html
|
| Sonoma Valley Film Festival |
1996 |
Sonoma |
California |
Set in the heart of California wine country, one of the smaller "destination" film festivals in the United States. |
sonomafilmfest.org
|
| St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
|
1989
|
St. John's
|
Newfoundland and Labrador
|
Showcase and celebration of women working in the global film, television and interactive industry.
|
womensfilmfestival.com/
|
| Sundance Film Festival |
1978 |
Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sundance |
Utah |
Held annually in January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States.
|
institute.sundance.org
|
| Tallgrass Film Festival |
2003 |
Wichita |
Kansas |
This four-day festival, held in October, accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world. |
tallgrassfilmfest.com
|
| Telluride Film Festival |
1974 |
Telluride |
Colorado |
Only 40 films are admitted each year. |
telluridefilmfestival.com
|
| Three Rivers Film Festival |
1982 |
Pittsburgh |
Pennsylvania |
A program of Pittsburgh Filmmakers, emphasizing independent film. |
3RFF.com
|
| Tribeca Film Festival |
2002 |
New York City |
New York |
Founded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. |
tribecafilmfestival.org
|
| Traverse City Film Festival |
2005 |
Traverse City |
Michigan |
Annual festival co-founded by filmmaker Michael Moore. |
traversecityfilmfestival.org
|
| True/False Film Fest |
2003 |
Columbia |
Missouri |
Championing films that breathe new life into the nonfiction format, the festival features the finest new movies redefining the now-exploding form. |
truefalse.org
|
| Washington West Film Festival |
2011 |
Reston |
Virginia |
Washington West gives away 100% of their annual box office net proceeds to aiding communities in various ways. Runs for five days in late October. |
wwfilmfest.com/
|
| Wisconsin Film Festival |
1999 |
Madison |
Wisconsin |
Annual showcase of independent and international documentary, narrative, experimental, student and animated films. Runs for four days in early April. |
wifilmfest.org
|
| Zero Film Festival |
2007 |
Los Angeles |
California |
Film festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers. |
zerofilmfestival.com
|
