List of film festivals
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| Film festivals |
This is a list of major film festivals, sorted by continent.
Africa
| Name | Est. | City | Country | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo International Film Festival | 1976 | Cairo | Egypt | International | The first film festival in the Middle East |
| Carthage Film Festival | 1966 | Carthage | Tunisia | Regional | In order to be eligible for competition, films in the festival must have a director of African or Middle Eastern nationality. |
| Dockanema | 2006 | Maputo | Mozambique | Special interest | First documentary film festival in the region. |
| Durban International Film Festival | 1979 | Durban | South Africa | Regional | Most of the screenings are African premieres. |
| Everglades Film Festival | 1990 | Durban | South Africa | International | International & local films |
| International Film Festival of Marrakech | 2000 | Marrakech | Morocco | International | |
| Out In Africa South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival | 1994 | Cape Town and Johannesburg | South Africa | International | Gay and Lesbian Film Festival |
| Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou | 1969 | Ouagadougou | Burkina Faso | Regional | The largest African film festival |
| Zanzibar International Film Festival | 1997 | Zanzibar City | Tanzania | International | |
| Zimbabwe International Film Festival | 1997 | Harare | Zimbabwe | International |
Asia
| Name | Est. | City | Country | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Film Festival Ahmedabad (IFFA) | 2009 | Ahmedabad | India | International | The festival, an annual feature of Ahmedabad started as FulMarxx Shorts Fest in 2007 and subsequently evolved into International Film Festival Ahmedabad showcasing Retrospectives, World Cinema, Indian Panorama, Cinema of Gujarat, Children Films and Shorts.http://www.ifilmfest.in/ |
| International Cinema Festival of India (ICFI) | 2009 | Jaipur | India | International | The International Cinema Festival of India is a film festival for cinema lovers around the world. There are 6 categories and it is scheduled to be held annually. |
| Abu Dhabi Film Festival | 2007 | Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | International | An annual film festival showcasing films from the Arab world alongside international works. |
| [1]Alpavirama South Asian Short Film Festival (Alpavirama) | 2011 | Ahmedabad | India | South Asian | Alpavirama 2011 - South Asian Short & Documentary Film Festival will be organised by the Film & Video Communication dept. at the National Institute of Design. |
| Animation Nation | 2004 | Singapore | Singapore | Animation | An annual film festival showcasing international and local animation works. |
| Asia Pacific Film Festival | 1954 | Rotating | Regionwide | Regional | First held in Tokyo, the annual festival is hosted by a country designated by the Board of Directors of the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific. |
| Asian Festival of First Films | 2005 | Singapore | Singapore | Special interest | An annual film and documentary festival devoted to the works of first-time filmmakers. |
| Bangkok International Film Festival | 2003 | Bangkok | Thailand | International | Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, a government agency. |
| Bring Your Own Film Festival | 2004 | Puri | India | Special interest | |
| CAMBOFEST | 2550 (2007) | Phnom Penh and provincial areas | Cambodia | International, independent, with a local Cambodian showcase. | Held annually. CamboFest strives to promote awareness of IP (Intellectual Property) practices in the Cambodian media and motion picture sector by securing public performance permissions for every movie screened as per international festival standards. |
| Changchun Film Festival | 1992 | Changchun | China | International, regional | Held biennially. |
| Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival | 2005 | Manila | Philippines | International | Showcasing indie film and shorts in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is held annually. |
| Cinemanila International Film Festival | 1999 | Manila | Philippines | International | Founded by Filipino maverick filmmaker Tikoy Aguiluz it is held annually. |
| Cochin International Film Festival | 2004 | Kochi | India | International | |
| CON-CAN Movie Festival | 2005 | Tokyo | Japan | International | CON-CAN Movie Festival is a hybrid platform for the film makers to exhibit their short films on the specific themes and issues concerning the globalization and life style from diverse artistic point of views and cultural interpretation. |
| Development Film Festival | 2005 | Chennai | India | International | The Development Film Festival is envisioned to be a creative platform for the film makers to showcase their works on the themes and issues concerning development of the poor and vulnerable communities. The Festival helps promote the public view, debate and meaningful action around the issues. |
| Didor International Film Festival | 2004 | Dushanbe | Tajikistan | International | |
| Dubai International Film Festival | 2004 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates | International | |
| Eilat International Film Festival | 2003 | Eilat | Israel | International | Founded by lead Israeli Publicist Chen Sadan Shelach -held annually. |
| Fajr International Film Festival | 1982 | Tehran | Iran | International | Under supervision of Iran Ministry of Culture in, it takes place every February in on the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. |
| FreedomFilmFest | 2003 | Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Sarawak | Malaysia | International | Human rights film festival held annually, organised by local human rights NGO, [[2]Pusat KOMAS]. |
| FulMarxx Shorts Fest | 2007 | Ahmedabad | India | Special interest | India's largest short film festival. |
| Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards | 1962 | Taipei | Taiwan | Regional | The annual month-long festival featuring Chinese-language and Asian films culminates in a prestigious awards ceremony. |
| Haifa International Film Festival | 1983 | Haifa | Israel | International | Israel's first film festival, it is held each year during the holiday of Sukkot on the ridge of Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Hiroshima International Animation Festival | 1985 | Hiroshima | Japan | International | ASIFA |
| Hong Kong International Film Festival | 1977 | Hong Kong | China | International | |
| Hyderabad International Film Festival | 2007 | Hyderabad | India | International | |
| Indonesian Film Festival | 1955 | Jakarta | Indonesia | National | Held intermittently, its purpose is to exhibit nominees for the Citra Award, the national film industry award. |
| International Film Festival of India | 1952 | Goa | India | International | Film festival organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The first IFFI was held in 1952, and since 1975 it has become an annual event. |
| International Film Festival of Kerala | 1996 | Thiruvananthapuram | India | International, Regional | Held annually in November or December. Competition program is restricted to films produced in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. |
| Jakarta International Film Festival | 1998 | Jakarta | Indonesia | International | Held annually in November or December. The Biggest festival film in Southeast Asia. |
| Japanese Film Festival (Singapore) | Before 1999 | Singapore | Singapore | Japanese | Annual film festival devoted to Japanese films. |
| Jeonju International Film Festival | 2000 | Jeonju | South Korea | International | Focuses on digital, independent, and art films. |
| Jerusalem Film Festival | 1984 | Jerusalem | Israel | International | Annual festival featuring films from all over the world; awards in numerous categories |
| Kara Film Festival | 2001 | Karachi | Pakistan | International | |
| Kolkata Film Festival | 1995 | Kolkata | India | International | International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (Paris) recognised film festival. Normally held in mid November, it shares a permanent place in the international film festival calendar, showcasing films from all over the world. |
| Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival | 2007 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | International | Successor to the Kuala Lumpur World Film Festival. |
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 1975 | Manila | Philippines | National | Held annually in December and January, the focus is on Filipino films. |
| Mumbai International Film Festival | 1990 | Mumbai | India | International | Organised by the Indian government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Film Division, and focuses on documentary, short, and animation films. |
| Mumbai Queer Film Festival | 2010 | Mumbai | India | International, Regional | Also known as Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is held annually in April. Showcases Indian & International Queer (LGBT) Films. Its purpose is to mainstream queer visibility through cinema. |
| Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema | 1999 | New Delhi | India | ||
| Patna Film Festival | 2006 | Patna | India | International | Jointly organised by of Union ministry of information and broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), directorate of film festival, National Film Archive of India, Federation of Film Societies of India, and the state government. |
| Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival | 1997 | Bucheon | South Korea | International | Held annually in July, the festival, also known as PiFan, focuses on Asian and international horror, thriller, mystery, and fantasy films. |
| Pusan International Film Festival | 1996 | Busan | South Korea | International | One of the largest film festivals in Asia.[3] |
| Pyongyang International Film Festival | 1987 | Pyongyang | North Korea | International | Biennial |
| Shanghai International Film Festival | 1993 | Shanghai | China | International | Mainland China's largest film festival. |
| Singapore International Film Festival | 1987 | Singapore | Singapore | International | Held annual around April or May. |
| Syne International Film Festival | 2001 | Cochin | India | International | Held annually in May. |
| Thai Short Film and Video Festival | 1997 | Bangkok | Thailand | Special interest | Annual showcase and competition of short films, primarily by Thai independent filmmakers. |
| Tokyo Filmex | 2000 | Tokyo | Japan | International | Organized annually by Office Kitano, Takeshi Kitano's film company. |
| Tokyo International Film Festival | 1985 | Tokyo | Japan | International | |
| Underneath the Radar Documentary Festival | 2006 | Singapore | Singapore | Special interest | Screens independent documentaries on social, economic, and environmental issues. |
| ViBGYOR International Short and Documentary Film Festival | 2006 | Thrissur | India | Special interest | Annual focus on short films and documentaries on issues and people's movements with an activist outlook. |
| Thrissur International Film Festival | 2006 | Thrissur | India | International | Second largest film festival in Kerala state. |
| World Film Festival of Bangkok | 2003 | Bangkok | Thailand | International | Organized by Nation Multimedia Group. |
| Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival | 1989 | Yamagata | Japan | Documentary | Asia's first and most important documentary festival. |
Europe
| Name | Est. | City | Country | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa in Motion | 2006 | Edinburgh | Scotland | African cinema | Held annually in Edinburgh, Africa in Motion is the biggest African film festival in the UK |
| Amsterdam Film eXperience | 2006 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | International | New Media, cross-over, animation, interaction, experimental, installations. |
| Anemic festival | 2010 | Prague | Czech Republic | Independent Film and New Media Art | Held annually in November, Screening, Exhibitions, AV Performances, New Media Art, http://www.anemicfestival.cz/ |
| Anifilm | 2010 | Trebon | Czech Republic | International | Held in Trebon, dedicated to animated films. |
| Belgrade International Film Festival | 1971 | Belgrade | Serbia | International | Also called "FEST", the festival is held annually in February or March. |
| Berlin International Film Festival | 1951 | Berlin | Germany | International | Also called the "Berlinale", the festival is held annually in February. |
| BeyondTV | 2000 | Swansea | Wales | International | Held annually in November. Emphasis on social reform movies. |
| Brazilian Film Festival of London | 2009 | London | England | Brazilian Cinema | Held annually in London. |
| British Urban Film Festival | 2005 | London | England | Independent film | Also called BUFF, the festival is held every year around September. |
| Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film | 1983 | Brussels | Belgium | Special interest | Annual venue for horror, thriller, and science fiction films. |
| Cambridge Film Festival | 1977 | Cambridge | England | International | Held annually, currently in September. |
| Camerimage | 1993 | Łódź | Poland | International | Dedicated to the art of cinematography, held annually in November. |
| Cannes Film Festival | 1939 | Cannes | France | International | One of the world's oldest, most influential, and prestigious festivals, it is held annually (usually in May) at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. |
| CPH:PIX | 2003 | Copenhagen | Denmark | International | Held annually in April. |
| Cyprus International Film Festival | 2006 | Nicosia | Cyprus | International | |
| Cyprus International Short Film Festival | 2008 | Nicosia | Cyprus | International | |
| Douro Film Harvest | 2009 | Douro | Portugal | International | Douro Film Harvest is the first totally decentralized summit of cinema that takes place in Alto Douro Wine Region, homeland of Porto Wine. http://www.dourofilmharvest.com/ |
| Edinburgh International Film Festival | 1947 | Edinburgh | Scotland | International | The longest continuously running film festival, it is part of the Edinburgh International Festival, which takes place annually in August. |
| Falstaff International Film Festival | 2009 | Stratford-upon-Avon | England | International | Held annually in November, with a selected program and awards. |
| Fantasporto | 1982 | Oporto | Portugal | Special interest | International fantasy, horror, action and science-fiction festival. |
| Festival del Cinema all'Aperto "Accordi @ DISACCORDI" | 2000 | Naples | Italy | Regional International |
Annual three months outdoor Film Festival http://www.accordiedisaccordi.com |
| Festival du Film Merveilleux | 2010 | Paris | France | International. | http://www.Festival-film-merveilleux.com/ |
| Festróia - Tróia International Film Festival | 1985 | Setúbal | Portugal | Special interest | Held annually in June, the competition section is open to films from countries that produce fewer than 30 films per year. |
| Film Festival ContraVision | 1992 | Berlin | Germany | Special interest | Annual independent film festival held at the Cinema "Blow Up". |
| FreeNetWorld International Film Fest | 2008 | Niš | Serbia | International | Annual film festival which aims to support and promote the creativity of film and authors from all over the world, primarily through the Internet that we think is the basic kind of communication in the future. FNW believes that the film speaks the universal language and therefore we do not want any prejudices or any thematic framework. The aim of this festival is to present the important and innovative films of high artistic value from the whole world. |
| Fresh Film Festival | 2004 | Karlovy Vary | Czech Republic | International | Student film, feature, documentary, animation, experimental. |
| Galway African Film Festival | 2008 | Galway | Ireland | African Cinema | Films by African directors, covering all genres. |
| Giffoni Film Festival | 1971 | Giffoni Valle Piana | Italy | International | One of the largest film festivals for kids, held annually in July, with short films and features from around the world. |
| Gijón International Film Festival | 1963 | Gijón | Spain | International | |
| Golden Apricot - Yerevan International Film Festival | 2004 | Yerevan | Armenia | International | Annual festival, largest in Caucasus. |
| Golden Beggar | 1995 | Košice | Slovakia | International | Annual festival and awards for local television programs |
| Göteborg International Film Festival | 1979 | Gothenburg | Sweden | International | The largest film festival in Scandinavia. Held annually in January to February. |
| Insight Film Festival | 2007 | Manchester | England | International | International short film festival focused on Faith as a genre and subject matter. |
| International Eurasia Film Festival | 2005 | Antalya | Turkey | International | Held annually in autumn |
| International Film Festival Landau | 2001 | Landau | Germany | International | Held annually in November |
| International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg | 1952 | Mannheim, Heidelberg | Germany | International | Held annually in November |
| International Film Festival Rotterdam | 1972 | Rotterdam | Netherlands | International | Held annually in January or February. |
| International Thessaloniki Film Festival | 1992 | Thessaloniki | Greece | International | Held annually in November |
| IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival | 2003 | Balchik | Bulgaria | International | Held annually in June |
| Istanbul International Film Festival | 1982 | Istanbul | Turkey | International | Held annually around the end of April. |
| Jameson Dublin International Film Festival | 2002 | Dublin | Ireland | International | Succeeded Dublin Film Festival, which ran from 1985 to 2001. Held annually in February or March. |
| Karlovy Vary International Film Festival | 1946 | Karlovy Vary | Czech Republic | International | Category A since 1956, organised yearly. |
| Kaunas International Film Festival | 2007 | Kaunas | Lithuania | International | Held annually in October. |
| Leeds International Film Festival | 1986 | Leeds | England | International | Largest festival in England outside London |
| Lisbon Gay & Lesbian Film Festival | 1996 | Lisbon | Portugal | Special interest | One of the most important European forums of international LGBT film/video. |
| Locarno International Film Festival | 1946 | Locarno | Switzerland | International | Held annually in August. |
| London Film Festival | 1956 | London | England | International | Held annually by the British Film Institute and sponsored by The Times newspaper. |
| London International Documentary Festival | 2007 | London | England | International | Also known as LIDF. Held annually in March/April, with extra screenings all year around. |
| Moscow International Film Festival | 1959 | Moscow | Russia | International | First held in 1959, from 1959 to 1995 it was held every second year in July, and since 1995 has been held annually. |
| International Film Festival Message to Man | 1989 | Saint-Petersburg | Russia | International | The only FIAPF accredited International Documentary, Short and Animation Film Festival held in Russia. |
| New Horizons International Film Festival | 2001 | Wrocław | Poland | International | Held annually in the end of July. |
| Norwegian International Film Festival | 1973 | Haugesund | Norway | International | Held annually in August. |
| Norwich Film Festival | 2009 | Norwich | England | International | Predominantly a short film festival, with additional awards for documentaries, animated films and student films. www.norwichfilmfestival.co.uk |
| Raindance Film Festival | 1993 | London | England | Special interest | A festival for independent films, the festival is also the founder of the British Independent Film Awards. |
| International Random Film Festival | 2009 | Bór Zapilski | Poland | International | The festival is held annually in a randomly selected location. Selection process is random as well. |
| Reykjavík International Film Festival | 2004 | Reykjavík | Iceland | International | Held annually in end of September, the festival offers a wide panorama of independent and alternative cinema from today. |
| San Sebastián International Film Festival | 1953 | San Sebastián | Spain | International | Supervised by the FIAPF, the annual A category festival is one of the most important for Spanish-language cinema. |
| Sarajevo Film Festival | 1995 | Sarajevo | Bosnia and Herzegovina | International | Held annually in August. |
| Sitges Film Festival | 1967 | Sitges | Spain | Genre (fantasy) | Held annually in October. |
| Sofia International Film Festival | 1997 | Sofia | Bulgaria | International | Also known as Sofia Film Fest. Held annually in March. Competitive specialized festival for first and second feature films. |
| Spectre Film Festival | 2005 | Strasbourg | France | European | Held annually in September. |
| Stockholm International Film Festival | 1990 | Stockholm | Sweden | International | Held annually in November. |
| Strawberry Shorts (film festival) | 2004 | Cambridge | England | Independent Film | Held annually in June. |
| Swansea Bay Film Festival | 2006 | Swansea | Wales | International | Held annually in May/June. The largest film festival in the UK by number of screenings. "Honours the individual voice." |
| Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 1997 | Tallinn | Estonia | Special interest | . |
| Three Continents Festival | 1979 | Nantes | France | Special interest | Annual festival is devoted to the cinemas of Asia, and Africa and Latin America. |
| Transilvania International Film Festival | 2001 | Cluj-Napoca | Romania | International | Held annually in June. |
| Venice Film Festival | 1932 | Venice | Italy | International | The world's oldest film festival, it is held annually in late August or early September on the island of the Lido. |
| Viennale | 1960 | Vienna | Austria | International | Held annually in October. |
| Warsaw International Film Festival | 1985 | Warsaw | Poland | International | Supervised by the FIAPF, this category "A" film festival is held annually in the Polish capital every October. |
| Zero Film Festival | 2007 | London | England | Self-financed cinema | Held annually in London, Zero Film Festival is the first and only festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers. |
North America - Central America- Caribbean
| Name | Est. | City | Province/State | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action On Film International Film Festival | 2005 | Pasadena | California | International | Held annually in July. One of the biggest and fastest growing festivals for filmmakers, writers, producers and fans of independent and studio films. Named one of the Top 25 Festivals Worth the Fees by MovieMaker Magazine. |
| Ann Arbor Film Festival | 1961 | Ann Arbor | Michigan | International | Longest-running film festival showcasing experimental and independent film in North America. Held annually in late March. |
| Atlanta Film Festival | 1977 | Atlanta | Georgia | International | Held annually in April. An Academy Award qualifying festival committed to discovering new filmmakers and representing the myriad of genres independent film covers, from drama to horror and everything in between. |
| Austin Film Festival | 1994 | Austin | Texas | National accepting international film entries | 'The Writers' Festival' - for Filmmakers with emphasis on showcasing screenwriters in North America. Held annually in October. |
| Berlin & Beyond Film Festival | 1996 | San Francisco | California | Special Interest | New films from Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland - held at the historic 1,400-seat Castro Theatre |
| The Boston Jewish Film Festival | 1989 | Boston | Massachusetts | Jewish | A non-competitive annual festival that screens the best contemporary films on Jewish themes from around the world. The festival presents features, shorts, documentaries, and conversations with visiting artists in order to explore the Jewish identity, the current Jewish experience and the richness of Jewish culture in relation to a diverse modern world. The festival is held annually in November throughout Boston and Greater Boston. |
| Buffalo Niagara Film Festival | 2007 | Buffalo | New York | International | 3 day festival held annually in the spring. www.buffaloniagarafilmfestival.com |
| Bahamas International Film Festival | 2004 | Paradise Island | The Bahamas | International | |
| Calgary International Film Festival | 2000 | Calgary | Alberta | International | Held annually for 10 days in late September or early October. |
| Calgary Underground Film Festival | 2003 | Calgary | Alberta | International | Held annually for 7 days in April. |
| Castle Rock Film Festival | 2009 | Castle Rock | Colorado | Rocky Mountain Regional states | Held annually in late September or early October accepting films and scripts. |
| Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival | 2001 | Cedar Rapids | Iowa | Regional accepting international entries | Held annually the first full non-Easter weekend in April. |
| Chechnya Film Festival | 2003 | Washington | D.C. | International | |
| Chicago International Children's Film Festival | 1983 | Chicago | Illinois | International | Largest fest of films for kids & youth in North America programming over 200 films from 40 countries annually. Held annually in late October for 10 days. |
| Chicago International REEL Shorts Festival | 2003 | Chicago | Illinois | International | One of the Nations Largest All Short films film festivals. |
| Chicago International Film Festival | 1965 | Chicago | Illinois | International | |
| Cinequest Film Festival | 1990 | San Jose | California | International | The 13-day festival focuses on narrative films and includes shorts and student film programs. http://www.cinequest.org/ |
| Cincinnati Film Festival | 2010 | Cincinnati | Ohio | International | http://www.cincyfilmfest.com |
| City University Film Festival | 2009 | New York City | New York | Regional, Special Interest | Official festival of CUNY featuring films by student filmmakers. |
| Cleveland International Film Festival | 1977 | Cleveland | Ohio | International | |
| Columbus International Film & Video Festival | 1953 | Columbus | Ohio | International | North America's oldest film festival, held annually in November. As a competition festival, it is also known as The Chris Awards. |
| Denver Film Festival | 1978 | Denver | Colorado | International | Held annually in November. |
| Denver Underground Film Festival | 1997 | Denver | Colorado | International |
A showcase for independent filmmakers and avant-garde cinema since 1997. Held yearly in October at the Starz Film Center. |
| Disposable Film Festival | 2007 | San Francisco | California | International | Held annually in January. |
| DOXA Documentary Film Festival | 2000 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Documentary Film & Video festival. Held annually in May. |
| Edmonton International Film Festival | 1986 | Edmonton | Alberta | International | |
| Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival | 1997 | Champaign | Illinois | Special interest | Founded by film critic. |
| Expresión en Corto International Film Festival | 1997 | San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato | Mexico | International | Mexico's largest competitive film festival. |
| Fantasia Festival | 1996 | Montreal | Quebec | Special interest | Devoted to fantasy, horror, martial arts, and science fiction genres. |
| Fantastic Fest | 2005 | Austin | Texas | ||
| Festival du Nouveau Cinéma | 1971 | Montreal | Quebec | International | |
| Festivus film festival | 2006 | Denver | Colorado | National | |
| Florida Film Festival | 1992 | Maitland | Florida | International | The Festival includes narrative and documentary features and shorts, animation, midnight movies, and a full array of educational forums, glamorous parties, and other special events. |
| Frameline Film Festival | 1976 | San Francisco | California | Special Interest, International | The longest-running,
largest and most widely recognized LGBT film exhibition event in the world.| |
| Full Frame Documentary Film Festival | 1998 | Durham | North Carolina | International | Full Frame is an annual international event dedicated to the theatrical exhibition of non-fiction cinema. |
| Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest | 2007 | New York City | New York | International | Showcase of new American and international cinema, with a competitive screenplay contest |
| Guadalajara International Film Festival | 1988 | Guadalajara | Jalisco | International | |
| Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival | 1999 | Seabrook | Texas | International | The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival was created to showcase the discovery of new and emerging artists. Our Goals is to encourage the work of the Independent Filmmaker, and to promote the concept of film as an art, offering awards as a means of educational outreach and expanded awareness of independent film |
| Hamptons International Film Festival | 1993 | East Hampton | New York | International | |
| Havana Film Festival | 1979 | Havana | Cuba | Regional | Held annually, focuses on Latin American films. |
| Hawaii International Film Festival | 1981 | Honolulu | Hawaii | International | Held annually in the fall for two weeks. |
| Heartland Film Festival | 1991 | Indianapolis | Indiana | International | Held annually, its purpose is to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. $200,000 is awarded to independent filmmakers each year. |
| Hollywood East Film Festival | 2008 | Brookfield | Connecticut | International | With the growth of the film industry in the Northeast / New England, we wanted to provide fellow independent film makers in the region and beyond with a venue to display their creative work and share their creative ideas. |
| Hollywood Film Festival | 1997 | Los Angeles | California | International | Held annually, its purpose
is to make a connection between established Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and the global creative community, as well as to honor excellence in the art of filmmaking. |
| Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival | 1993 | Toronto | Ontario | International | The world's largest film festival (as well as conference and market) dedicated entirely to documentaries. Typically runs from the last Thursday of April for 10 days. Most commonly known as Hot Docs. |
| Independent Film Festival of Boston | 2003 | Boston | Massachusetts | International | Independent films. Also known as also known as IFFBoston or IFFB. Held annually in April. The largest film festival in New England. |
| Indianapolis International Film Festival | 2004 | Indianapolis | Indiana | International | |
| Inside Out Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival | 1991 | Toronto | Ontario | International | Canada’s largest queer film and video festival, held over 11 days in May |
| Ivy Film Festival | 2001 | Providence | Rhode Island | Student | |
| Jacksonville Film Festival | 2003 | Jacksonville | Florida | International | Held annually for 4 days in mid-May. |
| KahBang Film Festival | 2009 | Bangor | Maine | International | Held annually August, part of the 9 day KahBang Music-Art-Film Festival. Known for their focus on Emerging Filmmakers, Narrative and Documentary Features, Music Docs, Short Films, and the "Kevin Norwood Bacon Award for Achievement in Cinema". |
| L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival | 2007 | Los Angeles | California | International | Held annually in the spring. Largest dedicated comedy short film festival in the United States, and host of the L.A. Comedy Scripts screenplay competition. |
| Little Rock Film Festival | 2006 | Little Rock | Arkansas | International | Arkansas's premier independent film festival showcasing the top regional, national and international filmmaking talents. Held annually in early June. |
| Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival | 2009 | Seattle | Washington | Special interest | Devoted to action, animation, fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema. |
| Magnolia Independent Film Festival | 1997 | Starkville | Mississippi | International and Regional | Mississippi's first and oldest independent film festival. Held annually in February for one weekend. Short films, experimental films, and many special events in which filmmakers participate. |
| Marfa Film Festival | 2008 | Marfa | Texas | Regional | Born out of reception of There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men, both of which were filmed in the area |
| Miami Short Film Festival | 2002 | Miami | Florida | International | Held annually for 10 days in mid November. |
| Midwest Ski Film Festival | 2008 | Milwaukee | Wisconsin | Regional | Takes place each October. MWSFF |
| Mill Valley Film Festival | 1978 | Mill Valley | California | International | Takes place each October, hosted by California Film Institute. |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival | 1983 | Minneapolis-St. Paul | Minnesota | International | Held annually in the spring. |
| Mods & Rockers Film Festival | 1999 | Los Angeles | California | Special interest | Celebration of rock music culture films. |
| Montreal World Film Festival | 1977 | Montreal | Quebec | International | |
| Monument Valley Film Festival | 2007 | Kayenta | Arizona | International | Held annually in the summer, it is the only film festival on the Navajo Nation. |
| Moondance International Film Festival | 2000 | Boulder | Colorado | International | 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. |
| Nashville Film Festival | 1969 | Nashville | Tennessee | International. | Founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Takes place in April and is an Academy Award qualifier for Best Short Film and Best Animated Short Film. Features feature-length and short films from around the world. |
| Nantucket Film Festival | 1996 | Nantucket | Massachusetts | International | 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. Ben Stiller and Brian Williams are on the Board of Directors. |
| National Film Festival for Talented Youth - NFFTY | 2007 | Seattle | Washington | International | The largest youth film festival in the world. Held each spring in Seattle, NFFTY showcases films made by young directors 22 and under from around the world and draws audiences of more than 10,000. |
| Naperville Independent Film Festival | 2008 | Naperville | Illinois | International | Annual film festival featuring the work of independent filmmakers. |
| Native American Film and Video Festival | 1979 | New York | New York | Indigenous Cinema | Bi-annual film festival held at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian feature indigenous works from throughout the Americas. |
| New England Festival of Ibero American Cinema | 2010 | Providence | Rhode Island | Latin American | Annual competitive film festival dedicated to promote Latin American filmmakers and films from Spain and Portugal. Features New England premieres and a selection of internationally acclaimed Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American films. |
| New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest | 2007 | New Brunswick | New Jersey | International | Only film festival in tri-state area dedicated to South Asian independent films. Features North American premieres and a select list of fresh and brilliant independent films by debut as well as established South Asian filmmakers or films on South Asian themes from all over the world |
| New York Asian Film Festival | 2002 | New York City | New York | Special interest | Features North American premieres and classic titles from Asian cinemas, especially horror, action, and martial arts genres. |
| New York Film Festival | 1962 | New York City | New York | International | One of North America's oldest film festivals. |
| New York International Children's Film Festival | 1997 | New York City | New York | International | One of the largest film festivals for kids in North America, held annually from late-February to mid-March, with short films and features from around the world. |
| Newport Beach Film Festival | 1999 | Newport Beach | California | International | Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a prestigious multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County. |
| Northwest Film & Video Festival | 1973 | Portland | Oregon | Regional | The oldest film festival in Oregon; an annual juried survey of new moving image arts by independent Northwest film and video makers, judged by a prominent filmmaker, curator or critic. |
| Oaxaca International Independent Film and Video Festival | 2010 | Oaxaca City | Oaxaca | International | An official cultural event of the long and storied city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The festival is the newest recognized member of the dynamic and energized cinematic community that has emerged within the area over the last decade. |
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | 1989 | Palm Springs | California | International | |
| Philadelphia Film Festival | 1991 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | International | |
| Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival | 2008 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Special Interest | |
| Portland International Film Festival | 1977 | Portland | Oregon | International | The biggest film event in Oregon, premiering over 100 international shorts and feature films each February. |
| Portland Jewish Film Festival | 1992 | Portland | Oregon | International | Annual festival exploring themes of spirituality and Jewish identity throughout all parts of the world. |
| Project Twenty1 Film Festival | 2006 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | International | Screenings include The 21-Day Filmmaking Competition and The Philadelphia Filmathon. Held annually in autumn. |
| Red Rock Film Festival | 2004 | Zion Canyon, St. George, Springdale, Ivins | Utah | International | Held annually by the majestic red mountains of Zion National Park in November, Red Rock's mission is to show films that portray the human race in a positive light. |
| Reel Music Film Festival | 1983 | Portland | Oregon | International | Annual festival exploring the interplay between sound and image, music and culture. |
| Rhode Island International Film Festival | 1997 | Providence | Rhode Island | International | Held annually for 6 days during the second week of August |
| RiverRun International Film Festival | 1998 | Winston-Salem | North Carolina | International | Held annually each Spring, devoted to the role of cinema as a conduit of powerful ideas and diverse viewpoints. |
| Rooftop Films | 1997 | New York, NY | New York | International | A summer-long outdoor film festival that screens new independent films on rooftops and in other scenic outdoor spots. |
| San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival | 2004 | San Antonio | Texas | International | Founded by Vision Forum. |
| Sacramento Film and Music Festival | 2000 | Sacramento | California | International | Juried, all genre, includes student section, 10 days, late July. |
| San Diego Black Film Festival | 2002 | San Diego | California | International | To celebrate the art & power of film by creating unique, interactive, memorable film-going experiences. |
| San Diego Latin Film Festival | 2001 | San Diego | California | International | Held annually during the month of March. Several prizes awarded each year. |
| San Francisco Frozen Film Festival | 2006 | San Francisco | California | Special interest, Independent. | |
| San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival | 1982 | San Francisco | California | Special interest, International | Dedicated to Asian and Asian American films. |
| San Francisco International Film Festival | 1957 | San Francisco | California | International | |
| San Francisco Jewish Film Festival | 1980 | San Francisco | California | Special Interest, International | |
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival | 1985 | Santa Barbara | California | International | |
| Seattle International Film Festival | 1976 | Seattle | Washington | International | The largest film festival in the United States. |
| Science Fiction Fantasy Short Film Festival | 2006 | Seattle | Washington | Special interest | Devoted to action, animation, fantasy, and science fiction cinema. |
| Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival | 1999 | Birmingham | Alabama | International | Held annually the last weekend in September at a number of places in downtown Birmingham. |
| Sundance | 1995 | Park City | Utah | International | Year-round organization supporting emerging filmmakers. |
| Sonoma Valley Film Festival | 1996 | Sonoma | California | International | Set in the heart of California wine country, one of the most prestigious of the smaller "destination" film festivals in the United States. |
| South by Southwest | 1987 | Austin | Texas | Special interest | SXSW Film was added to the annual music festival in 1994, focusing on new directing talent. |
| Springfield and the Ozarks 48-Hour Film Festival | 2006 | Springfield | Missouri | Special interest | SATO48 challenges filmmakers to create a short film entirely from scratch over the course of 48 hours. |
| Southern Utah International Documentary Film Festival (DOCUTAH) | 2009 | St. George | Utah | International | Held annually for one week in September. |
| Staten Island Film Festival | 2006 | Staten Island | New York | International | Held annually in June, SIFF is a competitive international film festival. It accepts independent short, documentary and feature submissions from around the world, and provides filmmakers access to industry leading professionals and celebrities. |
| Sundance Film Festival | 1978 | Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sundance | Utah | International | Held annually in January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States. |
| Tallgrass Film Festival | 2003 | Wichita | Kansas | International | This four day festival, held in October, accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world. |
| Tampa International Film Festival | 2003 | Tampa | Florida | International | |
| Telluride Film Festival | 1974 | Telluride | Colorado | International | Considered to be one of the best and most influential film festivals in the world, it is also one of the most exclusive and expensive film festivals out there. |
| Titular Head (film festival) | unknown | Grinnell | Iowa | Special Interest | Considered by many to be the best student film festival ever. |
| The Shortie Awards | 2001 | Washington | D.C. | International | Recognizes original digital media productions created by student filmmakers, ages 7–18, and their teachers. |
| Toronto After Dark Film Festival | 2006 | Toronto | Ontario | Special interest | Annual showcase of horror, sci-fi, action, and cult cinema from around the world. |
| Toronto International Film Festival | 1976 | Toronto | Ontario | International | The world's largest film festival open to the general public, as well as North America's most prestigious and major. It is held annually in September. The city itself also contains the world's largest number of film festivals, ranging from cultural to independent. |
| Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival | 1997 | Toronto | Ontario | Special Interest | One of North America's largest Asian film festivals. |
| Traverse City Film Festival | 2005 | Traverse City | Michigan | International | Annual festival co-founded by filmmaker Michael Moore. |
| Tribeca Film Festival | 2002 | New York City | New York | International | Founded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. |
| True/False Film Festival | 2004 | Columbia | Missouri | Documentary | Founded by Paul Sturtz and David Wilson. |
| Vancouver Asian Film Festival | 1995 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Largest Asian film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for 4–5 days in November. |
| Vancouver International Film Festival | 1982 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Held annually for two weeks in late September and early October. |
| Vancouver Queer Film Festival | 1988 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Largest queer film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for eleven days in late August. |
| Vermont International Film Festival | 1988 | Burlington | Vermont | International | World’s oldest environmental and human rights film festival. |
| Virginia Film Festival | 1987 | Charlottesville | Virginia | International | General topic film festival held annually in November; part of the University of Virginia. |
| Waterfront Film Festival | 1999 | Saugatuck | Michigan | International | The Midwest's premier independent film festival showcasing the top regional, national and international filmmaking talents. Held annually in early June. |
| Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema | 2001 | Kitchener-Waterloo | Ontario | International | Only public festival in the world dedicated to feature animation. Held annually in November. |
| Whistler Film Festival | 2001 | Whistler | British Columbia | International | Held annually over the first weekend of December, the Whistler Film Festival features six juried competitive sections and one audience award combined with a concentrated industry conference organized to address filmmaking in the digital age. |
| WILDsound Film Festival | 2003 | Toronto | Ontario | International | World's only Monthly Feedback Film Festival; held at the National Film Board of Canada three days each month. |
| WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival | 1961 | Houston | Texas | Special interest | Dedicated to the independent features and short films. |
| Young People's Film Festival | 1976 | Portland | Oregon | Youth, regional | Annual festival dedicated to the works of filmmakers grades K-12 living in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. |
| Zero Film Festival | 2007 | New York, Los Angeles, Miami Beach | New York, California, Florida | Self-financed cinema | Annual Zero Film Festival is the first and only festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers. |
| $100 Film Festival | 1992 | Calgary | Alberta | International | Annual festival dedicated to screening short films on Super 8mm and 16mm film. |
Oceania
| Name | Est. | City | Country | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Underground Film Festival | 2007 | Sydney | Australia | International | An annual film festival held in Sydney (and soon to start touring nationally) that celebrates quality, independent, arthouse, experimental, provocative and daring films from around the world. www.suff.com.au |
| A Night of Horror International Film Festival | 2006 | Sydney | Australia | International | An annual genre specific film festival held in Sydney over ten days in March/April, followed by national and international tour. |
| Adelaide Film Festival | 2002 | Adelaide | Australia | International | A biennial, non-competitive film festival held on alternating years to the Adelaide Festival of Arts over two weeks in late February. |
| Australian International Film Festival | 2006 | Melbourne | Australia | International | Held in October 2006. An unrelated festival with the same name was renamed the Canberra International Film Festival. |
| Brisbane International Film Festival | 1992 | Brisbane | Australia | International | Focuses on films from the Pacific Rim. |
| Byron Bay Film Festival | 2006 | Byron Bay | Australia | International | An annual 9 day festival held in March with a focus on human interest, surf, environmental, animation, experimental and short films . |
| Canberra International Film Festival | 1996 | Canberra | Australia | International | First known as the Australian International Film Festival, it is held annually in October. www.silversunpictures.com.au/csff |
| Clare Valley Film Festival | 2009 | Clare Valley | Australia | International | A biennial, showcasing works by Australian and international independent filmmakers with the focus of inspiring and educating young people from South Australia’s regional areas in the art of filmmaking. |
| Dungog Film Festival | 2007 | Dungog | Australia | Australian | Dungog Film Festival, world’s biggest celebration of Australian film, is a 4 day event set in a picturesque country town that showcases the best of new and classic Australian cinema. DFF has become a key national event and the ultimate mini-break with a culture hit. |
| Human Rights Arts and Film Festival | 2007 | Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth | Australia | Special interest | Features films that focus on various human rights issues. |
| Melbourne International Film Festival | 1951 | National | Australia | International | Held annually in July or August. |
| New Zealand International Film Festivals | 1970 | Major cities nationwide | New Zealand | International | Held in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Christchurch, the traveling festival offers a smaller program in 10 other cities. |
| Sydney Film Festival | 1954 | Sydney | Australia | International | Held annually for two weeks in June. |
| Tropfest | 1993 | Sydney | Australia | International | Annual short film festival. |
South America
| Name | Est. | City | Country | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anima Mundi | 1992 | Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo | Brazil | Special interest | Competitive Brazilian video and film festival devoted exclusively to animation. |
| Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema | 1999 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | International | Held annually in April. |
| Cartagena Film Festival | 1960 | Cartagena | Colombia | Regional | Showcases Ibero-American feature films, shorts, and videos, as well as a national television competition. |
| Córdoba International Animation Festival - ANIMA | 2001 | Córdoba | Argentina | International, special interest | Biennial, odd years. Held in September. |
| Gramado Brazilian and Latin American Film Festival | 1973 | Gramado | Brazil | Latin American | Held annually in August. Its awards are named the Kikitos. |
| Mar del Plata Film Festival | 1954 | Mar del Plata | Argentina | International | Held annually in March. |
| Recife Cinema Festival | 1997 | Recife | Brazil | Brazilian | Competitive Brazilian film and audiovisual. Its awards are named Calunga. Held annually in end April/May. |
| São Paulo International Film Festival | 1976 | São Paulo | Brazil | International | |
| Valdivia International Film Festival | 1993 | Valdivia | Chile | International |
Traveling, online festivals
| Name | Est. | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 Hour Film Project | 2001 | Special interest | A traveling contest in which teams of filmmakers are assigned a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialog, and have 48 hours to create a short film containing those elements. The films are then shown in cities across the United States. |
| Ann Arbor Film Festival | 1963 | International | One of the pioneers of the travelling film festival, the AAFF annually visits more than 16 cities with highlights of cutting-edge, experimental, and artistically-inspired films from that year's full festival program. |
| Bitfilm Festival | 2000 | International, online | Emphasizes digital media. |
| Campus MovieFest | 2001 | Special interest | The world's largest student film festival, CMF is held annually at over 30 colleges and universities worldwide. Participation is free and participants are provided an Apple Computer, a video camera, and software to create 5-minute films. |
| CON-CAN Movie Festival | 2005 | International, Online | Annual movie festival that showcases content from around the globe. The first borderless movie festival, CON-CAN has been presenting 20 selected movies a month on its website where viewers can watch for free and "Choose the World's Best Short Movie" for the Audience Award. |
| Dawn Breakers International Film Festival | 2007 | International | Baha'i-inspired film festival accepts films in many genres and lengths. No entry fee film festival. |
| Filminute | 2006 | International | Filminute is the international one-minute film festival that showcases, awards and promotes the best one-minute films from around the world. |
| Gadabout Traveling Film Festival | 2002 | Special interest | Touring festival that screens a program of around 20 international independent short films. |
| Nicktoons Film Festival | 2004 | Special interest | An annual animation short film contest in which the winners have their works broadcast on Nickelodeon. |
| Zero Film Festival | 2008 | Special interest | A touring program of audience choice award winning films from the New York, Los Angeles and London festival events. The films are presented in select cities throughout North America and Europe. |
| International Random Film Festival | 2009 | International | IRFF is celebrating randomness in cinema. 25 films are selected randomly to the International Competition every year from all the submissions. The Festival is organized annually in a randomly selected location, on a random opening date. Awards are given out randomly. |
See also
References
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Film festivals.
