List of film festivals in the United States
 |
|---|
| Film festivals |
This is a list of film festivals that take place (or took place) in the United States.
Alabama
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Warrior Film Festival | 2013 | Tuscaloosa | Staged by The University of Alabama | [1] |
| Fairhope Film Festival | Fairhope | [2] | ||
| George Lindsey UNA Film Festival | Florence | Staged by the University of North Alabama | [3] | |
| Lanett City Film Festival | 2017 | Lanett | [4] | |
| Montgomery Film Festival | 2009 | Montgomery | [5] | |
| Sidewalk Film Festival | 1999 | Birmingham | [6] | |
| Troy International Film Festival | Troy | |||
| Yellowhammer Film Festival | multiple locations | High school and college student films | [7] |
Alaska
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage International Film Festival | 2001 | Anchorage | Largest film festival in the state of Alaska |
Arizona
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona International Film Festival | Tucson | |||
| Filmstock Film Festival | 2011 | multiple locations | ||
| International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival | 2005 | Tempe | ||
| Monument Valley Film Festival | 2007 | Kayenta | ||
| Phoenix Film Festival | 2000 | Phoenix | ||
| Rock the Canyon | 2009 | Shonto | ||
| Sedona International Film Festival | 1994 | Sedona | ||
| Scottsdale International Film Festival | 2010 | Scottsdale | Annual, international film festival held in November. Year-round Screenings and events supporting the Festival and international filmmakers. | |
| Tombstone Western Film Festival and Symposium | 2001 | Tombstone | ||
| Tucson Film & Music Festival | 2005 | Tucson |
Arkansas
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville Film Festival | 2015 | Bentonville | Held annually in May and focused on diversity in film, specifically women and under represented minority filmmakers. | |
| Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival | 1992 | Hot Springs | ||
| Little Rock Film Festival | 2006 | Little Rock | Held annually in the beginning of June. This southern film festival features narrative film, documentary films, short film, panels, and unforgettable events. |
California
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168 Film Festival | 2003 | Los Angeles | Speed filmmaking competition and festival. Entries accepted from anywhere in the world. Held annually in April. | |
| Action On Film International Film Festival | 2005 | Monrovia | Started as part of the World Martial Arts Trade Show and International Championships. | |
| Asian World Film Festival | 2015 | Los Angeles | International; held annually in October–November. | |
| Atheist Film Festival | 2009 | San Francisco | Annual event from 2009-2014; dedicated to films related to atheism. | |
| Bel Air Film Festival | 2008 | Los Angeles | An international festival held annually in November. | |
| Berlin & Beyond Film Festival | 1996 | San Francisco | German-language film festival outside of Europe, held annually in January. | |
| Big Bear Lake International Film Festival | 2000 | Big Bear Lake | Committed to presenting emerging talents of independent filmmakers and screenwriters, held annually in September. | |
| Burbank International Film Festival | 2009 | Burbank | ||
| CAAMFest | 2012 | San Francisco | The nation's largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films | |
| Coronado Island Film Festival | 2016 | Coronado Island | Held annually in November in the resort city across the bay from downtown San Diego. | |
| COLCOA French Film Festival | 1997 | Los Angeles, California | Held annually in November at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. | |
| Dances With Films | 1998 | Los Angeles | The festival of unknowns (i.e. no celebrities) | |
| DaVinci International Film Festival | 2017 | Los Angeles | Held annually in September. | |
| Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival | 2008 | Los Angeles | ||
| Frameline Film Festival | 1997 | San Francisco | Frameline Film Festival produces the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival which is the oldest ongoing film festival devoted to LGBT programming. | |
| Horrible Imaginings Film Festival | 2009 | San Diego and Santa Ana | Annually in September. | |
| Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema | 2009 | Idyllwild-Pine Cove | Held annually in January. An independent film festival | |
| International Black Women's Film Festival | 2001 | San Francisco | Exhibiting films by and/or featuring Black women from around the world in non-stereotypical roles. | |
| L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival | 2009 | Los Angeles | Held annually in the spring. Host of the L.A. Comedy Scripts screenplay competition. | |
| Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival | 1983 | Los Angeles | Premiere showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema in Los Angeles. Held annually in May. | |
| Los Angeles Film Festival | 1995 | Los Angeles | Held annually in June. Shows independent, feature, documentary and short films, as well as music videos. | |
| Mods & Rockers Film Festival | 1999 | Los Angeles | Celebration of rock music culture films. | |
| Nevada City Film Festival | Nevada City | |||
| New Media Film Festival | 2009 | Los Angeles | Annual film festival that brings together the work of established and emerging New Media Content Creators and video artists around the world. | |
| Newport Beach Film Festival | 1999 | Newport Beach | Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County. | |
| Noor Iranian Film Festival | 2007 | Los Angeles | Dedicated to the cinema of Iran | |
| Oceanside International Film Festival | 2009 | Oceanside, San Diego County | Held annually in August through 2020. Held annually in February since 2021. | |
| Palm Springs Festival of Festivals | 2001 | Palm Springs | ||
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | 1989 | Palm Springs | ||
| San Diego International Film Festival | 2001 | San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and La Jolla | Held in October, the festival showcases international narrative features, shorts and documentaries in various categories including Native American, social justice and military. | |
| San Diego Latino Film Festival | 1993 | San Diego | ||
| San Diego French Film Festival | 2021 | San Diego | Held in June, the festival presents francophone movies. It is organized by the Alliance Francaise San Diego | |
| San Diego Film Week | 2017 | San Diego’s Balboa Park | Held in February–March, the festival showcases local narrative features, short films, and documentaries for film. | |
| Sacramento French Film Festival | 2002 | Sacramento | For ten days in June the Main Event celebrates the artistic, cultural, social and historical values of French film. The Winter Shorts Fest (since 2008) presents the César Award-nominated short films. The Minifest (since 2014) is a one-day miniature festival held in the fall. The Virtual Cinema presents first-run films and our festival events. | |
| San Francisco Frozen Film Festival | 2006 | San Francisco | Special interest, Independent. | |
| San Francisco Green Film Festival | 2011 | San Francisco | ||
| San Francisco Independent Film Festival | 1998 | San Francisco | ||
| San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival | 1982 | San Francisco | Dedicated to Asian and Asian-American films. | |
| San Francisco International Film Festival | 1957 | San Francisco | ||
| San Francisco Jewish Film Festival | 1980 | San Francisco | SFJFF is a year-round media arts organization that promotes awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people. | |
| San Luis Obispo International Film Festival | 1993 | San Luis Obispo | Held annually in March. | |
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival | 1985 | Santa Barbara | ||
| Sonoma International Film Festival | 1996 | Sonoma | SIFF takes place every March in the United States’ Wine Country, 45 minutes north of San Francisco. | |
| WYSIWYG Film Festival | 1999 | San Francisco | Christian film festival (What You See Is What You Get)[8][9] | |
| Zero Film Festival | 2007 | Los Angeles | Film festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers. |
Colorado
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder International Film Festival | 2004 | Boulder | ||
| Crested Butte Film Festival | 2011 | Crested Butte | Held annually in the last week of September supporting action and change together. | |
| Denver Film Festival | 1978 | Denver | Held annually in November. | |
| Denver Underground Film Festival | 1997 | Denver | Held annually in May. | |
| Festivus Film Festival | 2006 | Denver | Ended in 2013 | |
| Mile High Horror Film Festival | 2010 | Denver | Independent horror films from around the world. | |
| Moondance International Film Festival | 2000 | Boulder | 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. | |
| Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival | 1987 | Colorado Springs | Held annually in early November showcasing films made by women. The festival features a mix of documentary, short and narrative films. | |
| Telluride Film Festival | 1974 | Telluride | Only 40 films are admitted each year. |
Connecticut
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinefest Fairfield | 2005 | Fairfield | ||
| Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival | 1988 | Hartford | ||
| Greenwich International Film Festival | 2015 | Greenwich | ||
| Litchfield Hills Film Festival | 2006 | Kent, New Milford, Torrington | ||
| New England Festival of Ibero American Cinema | 2010 | New Haven | ||
| Film Fest New Haven | 1995 | New Haven | ||
| New Haven Documentary Film Festival | 2014 | New Haven | ||
| New Haven Underground Film Festival | multiple locations |
Delaware
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First State Film Festival | 2019 | Wilmington | [10] | |
| Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival | 1998 | Rehoboth Beach | [11] |
Florida
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Black Film Festival | 2005 | South Beach | ||
| BizarroLand Film Festival | 2016 | Orlando | Showcasing "the most aggressively bizarre midnight, underground, outsider, and weirdo cinema of all genres." (Until January 2022 it was known as Sick 'n' Wrong Film Festival) | |
| Borscht Film Festival | 2003 | Miami | ||
| Florida Film Festival | 1992 | Maitland | Includes narrative and documentary features and shorts, animation, midnight movies, educational forums, and special events. | |
| Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival | 1986 | Fort Lauderdale | Held annually in November, presented by the Broward County Film Society. | |
| Gasparilla International Film Festival | 2007 | Tampa Bay | ||
| Human Rights Watch Film Festival | 1989 | Miami | ||
| India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay | 2010 | Tampa | Held annually. Feature films, short films, and documentaries that are produced by Indians, films with Indian actors or actresses, or films with Indian themes. | |
| Israel Film Festival | 1982 | Miami | ||
| Jacksonville Film Festival | 2003 | Jacksonville | Held annually in February. International Film Festival | |
| Love Your Shorts Film Festival | 2011 | Sanford | Held around Valentine's Day. The festival screens only short films under 30 minutes in length. | |
| L-DUB Film Festival | Lake Worth | |||
| Miami 48-Hour Film Project | 2005 | Miami | ||
| Miami International Film Festival | 1983 | Miami | ||
| Miami Short Film Festival | 2002 | Miami | Short film festival held annually in mid-November. | |
| Orlando Film Festival | 2006 | Orlando | Held annually in October/November. | |
| OutLove International Film Festival | 2020 | Fort Myers | ||
| Palm Beach International Film Festival | 1996 | Palm Beach | ||
| Sarasota Film Festival | 1998 | Sarasota | Annual, international celebration of film and filmmaking held in April. Year-round arts nonprofit hosting education programs and filmmaking academies. | |
| Sicilian Film Festival | 2006 | Miami | ||
| Sunscreen Film Festival | 2006 | St. Petersburg | Organized and presented by the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society.[12][13] | |
| Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival | 2006 | Tampa | ||
| Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival | 1990 | Tampa | ||
| Through Women's Eyes International Film Festival | 1999 | Sarasota | Films by and about women. Proceeds from TWE go to the UN Women's Gulf Coast Chapter, which provides education and awareness for gender equity and women's issues worldwide.[citation needed] |
Georgia
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Film Festival | 1976 | Atlanta | Occurring every spring, the festival shows a diverse range of independent films, with special attention paid to women-directed films, LGBTQ films, Latin American films, Black films and films from the American Southeast. | |
| Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival | Atlanta | |||
| Atlanta International Film Festival | 1968 | Atlanta | Defunct | |
| Atlanta Jewish Film Festival | 2000 | Atlanta | ||
| BronzeLens Film Festival | 2009 | Atlanta | 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. | |
| Campus MovieFest | 2000 | Atlanta | ||
| CinErotic FilmFest | 2010 | Atlanta | Debuted February 12–14, 2010; celebrates sex-positive, diverse and empowering erotic cinema and performance by amateurs, independent artists and the avant-garde. | |
| Out on Film | 1987 | Atlanta |
Hawaii
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Island Film Festival | 2006 | Kohala | ||
| Hawaii International Film Festival | 1981 | Honolulu | 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." | |
| Maui Film Festival | 2000 | Maui | ||
| Rainbow Film Festival | 1989 | Honolulu |
Idaho
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakedance International Film Festival | 2006 | Sandpoint | Defunct | |
| SpudFest | 2004 | Driggs | Defunct |
Illinois
[edit]Indiana
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heartland International Film Festival | 1991 | Indianapolis | The festival is an 11-day event that regularly includes over 100 independent filmmakers and showcases more than 200 films. By 2020, it had awarded over $3 million to independent filmmakers from around the world. | [14] |
| Indy Film Fest | 2004 | Indianapolis | [15] | |
| Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival | 2014 | Indianapolis | ||
| Notre Dame Queer Film Festival | 2004 | Notre Dame |
Iowa
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival | 2001 | Cedar Rapids | Held annually the first full non-Easter weekend in April. | |
| Hardacre Film Festival | 1997 | Tipton | ||
| Landlocked Film Festival | 2007 | Iowa City |
Kansas
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas International Film Festival | 2001 | Overland Park | ||
| Tallgrass Film Festival | 2003 | Wichita | This four-day festival, held in October, accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world. |
Kentucky
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref|- |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fright Night Film Fest | 2005 | Louisville |
Louisiana
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival | Baton Rouge | |||
| Louisiana Film Prize | 2012 | Shreveport | Short films shot in North Louisiana compete for $50k. | |
| New Orleans Film Festival | 1989 | New Orleans | Frequently referred to as Cannes on the Mississippi.[citation needed] | |
| Overlook Film Festival | 2017 | New Orleans | ||
| Red Stick International Animation Festival | 2005 | Baton Rouge | ||
| Third Street Film Festival | 2011 | Baton Rouge |
Maine
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor Film Festival | 2007 | Bangor | ||
| Camden International Film Festival | 2005 | Camden, Rockport, Rockland | ||
| Maine International Film Festival | 1998 | Waterville | ||
| Sanford International Film Festival | 2014 | Sanford |
Maryland
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFI Docs | 2003 | Silver Spring (plus Washington, DC) | ||
| Bastard Film Encounter | 2013 | Baltimore | ||
| Johns Hopkins Film Festival | 1997 | Baltimore | ||
| Maryland Film Festival | 1999 | Baltimore | 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. |
Massachusetts
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington International Film Festival | 2010 | Arlington | The festival focuses on Multicultural awareness and stresses also the importance of the artistic and educational value of films from all around the world. | |
| Boston Asian American Film Festival | 2008 | Boston | Held annually, focuses on Asian-American films. | |
| Boston Film Festival | 1984 | Boston | Annually showcasing feature films, documentaries and shorts in September. | |
| Cape Cod International Film Festival | 2014 | Chatham | Annual high-curation-standard global boutique festival, early-mid October on Cape Cod. | |
| Martha's Vineyard Film Festival | 2001 | Chilmark | 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. | |
| Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival | 2006 | Martha's Vineyard | Held annually in early September. Festival is hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Film Society | |
| Nantucket Film Festival | 1996 | Nantucket | 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. | |
| Roxbury Film Festival | 1998 | Boston | Showcase films that celebrate people of color. |
Michigan
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor Film Festival | 1961 | Ann Arbor | Film festival showcasing experimental and independent film in North America. Held annually in late March. | |
| Capital City Film Festival | 2011 | Lansing | Celebrates and promotes filmmakers with an emphasis on Michigan-made, homegrown talent. A four-day festival taking place in venues across Lansing. | |
| Detroit Windsor International Film Festival | 2008 | Detroit | ||
| Emberlight International Film Festival | 2021 | Ironwood | One component of Emberlight, an annual arts festival in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Filmmakers, painters, dancers, musicians and writers alike can draw inspiration from each other as well as the beauty of the pristine nature of the region. | |
| Traverse City Film Festival | 2005 | Traverse City | Annual festival co-founded by filmmaker Michael Moore. |
Minnesota
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .EDU Film Festival | Minneapolis | Student film screenings; equipment demos; roundtables with film directors, writers, and producers; and meet-and-greets with post secondary institutions that feature strong film/video production programs. | ||
| Highway 61 Film Festival | 2011 | Pine City | 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. | |
| Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival | 1983 | Minneapolis-St. Paul | Held annually in the spring. Showcases more than 200 films from around the world. Presented by The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul. |
Mississippi
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Film Festival | 2000 | Jackson | Held annually in April for three days. Second oldest film festival in Mississippi. Features independent films, live music, workshops, and prizes. | |
| Magnolia Independent Film Festival | 1997 | Starkville | Held annually in February for one weekend. First film festival in Mississippi. Short films, experimental films, and many special events in which filmmakers participate. | |
| Oxford Film Festival | 2004 | Oxford | Annually in March. Dozens of documentary and narrative film shorts, with a selected narrative feature to anchor the festival. Events throughout the weekend are held for filmmakers and for the general public. |
Missouri
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield and the Ozarks 48-Hour Film Festival | 2006 | Springfield | SATO48 challenges filmmakers to create a short film entirely from scratch over the course of 48 hours. | |
| St. Louis International Film Festival | 1992 | St. Louis | Cinema St. Louis engages the St. Louis region through educational programs, cultural connectivity, and curated film exhibitions. | |
| True/False Film Fest | 2003 | Columbia | Features nonfiction films. |
Montana
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sky Documentary Film Festival | 2003 | Missoula | [16] | |
| International Wildlife Film Festival | 1977 | Missoula | [17] | |
| Montana International Film Festival | 2018 | Billings | [18] |
Nebraska
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha Film Festival | Omaha | [19] | ||
| Prairie Lights Film Festival | Grand Island | [20] | ||
| Wildcat Spirit Short Film Festival | Wayne | Student short films | [21] |
Nevada
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CineVegas | 1999 | Paradise | Defunct | [22] |
| The Comedy Festival | 1995 | Las Vegas | Defunct | |
| The Dam Short Film Festival | 2005 | Boulder City | [23] | |
| Las Vegas Film Festival | Las Vegas | |||
| Las Vegas Queer Arts Film Festival | Las Vegas | |||
| Nevada International Film Festival | Las Vegas | [24] | ||
| Nevada Women's Film Festival | 2015 | Las Vegas | ||
| PollyGrind Film Festival | 2010 | Las Vegas | Defunct | [25] |
| Las Vegas International Film and Screenplay Festival | 2015 | Las Vegas | First established as the Las Vegas International Film and Screenplay Competition (2015–2018) | [26] |
New Hampshire
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Film Festival | 2001 | Portsmouth | Founded in 2001 in Derry, New Hampshire (initially as the New Hampshire Film Expo), the festival moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 2004. Held annually in October. | [27][28] |
| New Hampshire High School Short Film Festival | 2008 | Concord, Manchester | [29] | |
| New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival | multiple locations | [30] |
New Jersey
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden State Film Festival | 2015 | Asbury Park | 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. | |
| Golden Door Film Festival | 2011 | Jersey City | Held annually, usually in Fall | |
| Montclair Film Festival | 2012 | Montclair | An annual, community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from a variety of countries | |
| Newark Black Film Festival | 1974 | Newark | Held annually and highlighting the African American experience and African diaspora | |
| New Jersey Film Festival | 1982 | New Brunswick | Held annually at Rutgers University–New Brunswick | [31] |
| Northeast Film Festival | 2013 | Teaneck | Features both US and international films with competition in feature length and short fiction as well as documentaries and student films. Held annually in September. | |
| Teaneck International Film Festival | 2006 | Teaneck | Recurring theme “Activism: Making Change”.[32] | |
| Thomas Edison Film Festival | 1981 | travelling | Originally the Black Maria Film Festival, based at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, TEFF generally screens shorts film in a variety of genres with topics addressing social and environmental issues |
New Mexico
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke City Shootout | 2000 | Albuquerque | ||
| Filmstock Film Festival | 2009 | |||
| Santa Fe Film Festival | 1999 | Santa Fe | ||
| Santa Fe International Film Festival | 2009 | Santa Fe | ||
| Taos Talking Pictures Film Festival | 1995 | Taos | ||
| Way OUT West Film Fest | 2003 | Albuquerque, Santa Fe | LGBT films | |
| The White Sands International Film Festival | 2008 | Alamogordo, Las Cruces |
New York
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Film Festival | 2006 | New York City | Showcase of American independent film and media. Held annually in September. | |
| Brooklyn Horror Film Festival | 2016 | Brooklyn | A New York City festival dedicated to showing the best in independent horror films. | |
| Chinatown Film Festival | 2005 | Chinatown, New York City | Asian film | |
| Film @ Downtown Urban Arts Festival | 2015 | New York City | Showcases new short film from new and emerging independent filmmakers from United States and around the world. | |
| Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest | 2007 | New York City | Showcase of new American and international cinema, with a competitive screenplay contest. | |
| Hamptons International Film Festival | 1993 | East Hampton | ||
| Havana Film Festival New York | 2000 | New York City | Competitive film festival showcasing Latin American cinema with a special focus on Cuba and its film industry. Partner of International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana, Cuba. | |
| High Falls Film Festival | 2001 | Rochester | 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. | |
| JAPAN CUTS: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema | 2007 | New York City | North America's biggest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema. Held annually in July. | |
| Margaret Mead Film Festival | 1976 | New York City | Showcase for international documentaries in the United States. Held annually in November at the American Museum of Natural History in the New York City. | |
| Native American Film and Video Festival | 1979 | New York City | Biannual festival held at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian featuring indigenous works from across the Americas | |
| New York Asian Film Festival | 2002 | New York City | Features North American premieres and classic titles from Asian cinemas, especially horror, action and martial arts genres. | |
| New York City Independent Film Festival | 2009 | New York City | ||
| New York Film Festival | 1962 | New York City | One of North America's oldest film festivals.[citation needed] | |
| New York International Children's Film Festival | 1997 | New York City | Film festival for kids in North America, held annually from late-February to mid-March. | |
| New York Jewish Film Festival | 1992 | New York City | New York showcase for world cinema exploring the Jewish experience. The NYJFF is presented by the Jewish Museum and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. | |
| New York Polish Film Festival | 2005 | New York City | Dedicated to the cinema of Poland. | |
| ReelAbilities | 2007 | New York City | 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. | |
| Tribeca Film Festival | 2002 | New York City | Founded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. |
North Carolina
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Words Film Festival | 2014 | Charlotte | Celebrating concise storytelling, each film must contain exactly 100 spoken words. Held annually in November. | |
| ActionFest | 2010 | Asheville | ||
| Bastard Film Encounter | 2013 | Raleigh | ||
| Cucalorus Film Festival | 1994 | Wilmington | ||
| Full Frame Documentary Film Festival | 1998 | Durham | ||
| Hayti Heritage Film Festival | Durham | |||
| North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival | 1995 | Durham | ||
| Real to Reel International Film Festival | 2000 | Kings Mountain | ||
| RiverRun International Film Festival | 1998 | Winston-Salem |
North Dakota
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Film Festival | Bismarck | |||
| Fargo Film Festival | Fargo | |||
| Human Rights Film Festival | Fargo | |||
| North Dakota Environmental Rights Film Festival | Fargo |
Ohio
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens International Film and Video Festival | 1974 | Athens | ||
| Chagrin Documentary Film Festival | 2010 | Chagrin Falls | A five day celebration of documentary film, at venues in and around the century village of Chagrin Falls. | |
| Cincinnati Film Festival | 2010 | Cincinnati | ||
| Cleveland International Film Festival | 1977 | Cleveland | A 12-day event held annually in spring; includes feature and short subject films. | |
| Columbus International Film & Animation Festival | 1953 | Columbus | North American film festival, held annually in November. As a competition festival, it is also known as The Chris Awards. | |
| CWRU Film Society Science Fiction Marathon | 1976 | Cleveland | Held annually by the Film Society of Case Western Reserve University, this is the longest-running 24+ hour movie marathon event. | |
| Greater Cleveland Urban Film Foundation | 2012 | Cleveland | The 9-day event, held in the fall, provides a forum to celebrate, preserve, promote and advance African American arts, culture and cinema. | |
| Nightmares Film Festival | 2016 | Columbus | International festival for horror and genre films | |
| Oxford International Film Festival | 2007 | Oxford | ||
| Short Sweet Film Fest | 2012 | Cleveland |
Oklahoma
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| deadCENTER Film Festival | 2001 | Oklahoma City | "Designed to inspire growth in the local film industry and energize visiting film professionals." |
Oregon
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland International Film Festival | 1977 | Portland |
Pennsylvania
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eerie Horror Film Festival | 2004 | Erie, Pennsylvania | The Eerie Horror Fest is held each October and features a curated program of new, upcoming, and classic short and feature length films, plus celebrity guests participating in live, in-person Q&As, autographs, and photo opportunities. | |
| Oil Valley Film Festival | 2016 | Oil City, 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. | |
| Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival | 2008 | Philadelphia | ||
| Philadelphia Film Festival | 1991 | Philadelphia | Presented by the Philadelphia Film Society, held annually in the fall. | |
| Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival | 1981 | Philadelphia | Dedicated to the Jewish experience, culture, values, and legacy | |
| Project Twenty1 Film Festival | 2006 | Philadelphia | Screenings include the Philadelphia Filmathon and the annual 21-Day Filmmaking Competition. | |
| QFest | 1995 | Philadelphia | Founded as the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the name was changed to QFest in 2009. Presented by the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance. | |
| Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival | 2005 | Pittsburgh | Cultural organization and film festival dedicated to Asian and Asian-American films. | |
| Three Rivers Film Festival | 1982 | Pittsburgh | A program of Pittsburgh Filmmakers, emphasizing independent film |
Rhode Island
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island International Film Festival | 1997 | Providence | Held annually for 6 days during the second week of August |
South Carolina
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaufort International Film Festival | 2007 | Beaufort | [33] | |
| Crimson Screen Horror Film Fest | Columbia, Charleston | [34] | ||
| Indie Grits Film Festival | Columbia | |||
| Myrtle Beach International Film Festival | Myrtle Beach | [35] | ||
| Southern City Film Festival | Aiken | |||
| Underexposed Film Festival | Rock Hill |
South Dakota
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|
Tennessee
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville Film Festival | 1969 | Nashville | 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. | |
| Lookout Wild Film Festival | 2013 | Chattanooga | The Lookout Wild Film Festival brings the best outdoor adventure and conservation films from around the world to Chattanooga for one awesome weekend every year. |
Texas
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boomtown Film and Music Festival | 2005 | Beaumont | Established to foster interest in the arts | |
| Cine Las Americas International Film Festival | 1997 | Austin | Held annually in the spring showcasing Latin American, Latino and Indigenous films. | |
| Dallas International Film Festival | 2006 | Austin | ||
| Fantastic Fest | 2005 | Dallas | ||
| Marfa Film Festival | 2008 | Marfa | Born out of reception of There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men, both of which were filmed in the area. | |
| San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival | 2004 | San Antonio | Dedicated to Christian indie film. | |
| South by Southwest | 1987 | Austin | SXSW Film was added to the annual music festival in 1994, focusing on new directing talent. |
Utah
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Rock Film Festival | 2007 | St. George | Located beneath the red mountains of Southern Utah this international festival is held annually each November. | |
| Sundance Film Festival | 1978 | Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sundance | Held annually in January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States. |
Vermont
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Mountain Film Festival | 1997 | Montpelier |
Virginia
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Film Festival - Richmond, Virginia | 1993 | Richmond | The largest French film festival in the US, it takes place every year during the last week-end of March, featuring world and American premieres of French features and shorts. | |
| Virginia Film Festival | 1988 | Charlottesville | A program of the University of Virginia. | |
| Washington West Film Festival | 2011 | Reston | 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. |
Washington
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maelstrom International Fantastic Film Festival | 2009 | Seattle | Dedicated to action, animation, cult, fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema. | |
| National Film Festival for Talented Youth | 2007 | Seattle | Youth film festival, showcasing the work of filmmakers from around the globe (aged 22 or under) | |
| Port Townsend Film Festival | 1999 | Port Townsend | An international festival held annually the third weekend in September. | |
| Seattle International Film Festival | 1976 | Seattle | One of the largest film festivals in the United States. | |
| Seattle Latino Film Festival | 2009 | Seattle | It is the only and largest Latino film festival in the Pacific Northwest. | |
| Tasveer South Asian Film Festival | 2002 | Seattle | It is the largest south Asian film festival in the United States. | |
| Tacoma Film Festival | 2006 | Tacoma | Features independent films, emphasizing films the Pacific Northwest,and documentaries |
West Virginia
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|
Wisconsin
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beloit International Film Festival | 2006 | Beloit | Annual 10-day film festival in late February. Feature length narrative & documentary films and shorts. | |
| Green Bay Film Festival | 2010 | De Pere | Celebrating independent filmmakers in Wisconsin and around the world. | |
| Milwaukee Film Festival | 2009 | Milwaukee | Held annually in September and October. Presented by Milwaukee Film. | |
| Milwaukee Jewish Film Festival | 1997 | Milwaukee | Held annually in October. Presented by the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. | |
| Wisconsin Film Festival | 1999 | Madison | Annual showcase of independent and international documentary, narrative, experimental, student and animated films. Runs for four days in early April. |
Wyoming
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Wild | 1991 | Jackson |
Puerto Rico
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Film Festival | 2009 | San Juan | [36] | |
| Puerto Rico Queer Filmfest | 2009 | Santurce | [37] | |
| Rincón International Film Festival | 2008 | Rincón |
District of Columbia
[edit]| Name | Est. | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill Film Classic | 2018 | The only bracket style knockout competition for short film in the US. | |
| DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival | 2000 | Held annually in October. |
US Territories
[edit]| Name | Est. | City | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guam International Film Festival | 2011 | Hagåtña, Guam | [38] | |
| Virgin Islands International Film and Video Festival | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
References
[edit]- ^ Caroline Gazzara-McKenzie, "Black Warrior Film Festival Returns". UA NEWS CENTER, April 4, 2022.
- ^ Michael Warrick, "Fairhope Film Festival returns for eighth year, sells out 'drive-in' movie nights". WALA-TV, November 12, 2020.
- ^ Summre Raines, "The 23rd Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival March 5 -7". Quad Cities Daily, February 29, 2020.
- ^ "Second annual Lanett City Film Festival on Sept. 7, 8". LaGrange Daily News, August 23, 2018.
- ^ "Montgomery Film Festival XI online this weekend". Montgomery Advertiser, July 22, 2020.
- ^ Jesse Chambers, "Metro Roundup: Sidewalk Film Festival, Secret Stages return to in-person events". Hoover Sun, July 27, 2021.
- ^ "Inaugural YellowHammer Film Festival announces award winners". Troy Today, August 5, 2021.
- ^ "Christian Wysiwyg Film Festival's blog". www.filmfestivals.com. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ Langer, Adam (2000). The Film Festival Guide: For Filmmakers, Film Buffs, and Industry Professionals. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 978-1-55652-415-8.
- ^ Holly Quinn, "The inaugural First State Film Festival wants your shorts". Technically, September 3, 2019.
- ^ Craig Horleman, "Delaware Film Festival Highlights Documentaries, Dramas". U.S. News & World Report, November 8, 2020.
- ^ "Sunscreen Film Festival". sunscreenfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ "Sunscreen Film Festival". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2022-02-01.
- ^ Van Allen, Elizabeth J. (April 2021). "Heartland International Film Festival". Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Indianapolis Public Library. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ Fischer, Jessica Erin (July 2021). "Festivals". Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Indianapolis Public Library. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ "Big Sky Documentary Film Festival announces 2021 competition winners". KULR-TV, February 25, 2021.
- ^ "IWFF hosts an evening with grizzly expert, Vietnam veteran Doug Peacock". Missoula Current, April 12, 2019.
- ^ Anna Paige, "MINT Film Festival returns for a fourth year, despite pandemic setbacks". Billings Gazette, September 15, 2021.
- ^ Zack List, "Omaha Film Festival to spotlight film talent around the world". The Daily Nebraskan, March 2, 2020.
- ^ Austin Koeller, "Nebraska films to be highlighted at Prairie Lights Film Festival". The Grand Island Independent, October 9, 2019.
- ^ Earl Horlyk, "Wayne State College film school premieres students movies in red carpet screening". Sioux City Journal, April 1, 2021.
- ^ Mark Rabinowitz and Stephen Garrett, "Vegas Has New Fest". IndieWire, October 8, 1998.
- ^ Cling, Carol. "Dam Short Film Festival Grows in Its Second Year", Las Vegas Review-Journal, February 9, 2006.
- ^ Cling, Carol (December 2, 2011). "Nevada Film Festival has two days of features, shorts, documentaries". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
- ^ Wixson, Heather (2010-04-20). "Las Vegas Gearing up for The PollyGrind 2010". Dread Central. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
- ^ "Las Vegas International Film and Screenplay Festival". Las Vegas International Film and Screenplay Festival. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Simon Rucker, "2nd Annual NH Film Expo". NewEnglandFilm, October 1, 2002.
- ^ Dan Alexander, "NH Film Festival Postponed for a Second Time". Seacoast Current, August 30, 2021.
- ^ Jack Rooney, "Work by two ConVal seniors included in NH High School Short Film Festival". The Keene Sentinel, June 22, 2021.
- ^ George Pelletier, "N.H. Jewish Film Festival debuts virtually this month". The Cabinet Press, May 13, 2021.
- ^ "New Jersey Film Festival". njfilmfest.com.
- ^ "2022 Teaneck International Film Festival".
- ^ Chuck Waters, "Beaufort Film Festival gets rolling, will run through Nov. 13". Carteret County News-Times, October 4, 2022.
- ^ Kevin Young, "Horror film fest splatters again in 2021". Charleston City Paper, May 19, 2021.
- ^ Courtney Rowles, "International film festival kicks off at Myrtle Beach movie theater". WPDE-TV, December 9, 2021.
- ^ "ENFOQUE presenta su nueva imagen como el Puerto Rico Film Festival". La Perla del Sur, March 15, 2021.
- ^ Kiara Alfonseca, "Here’s What This Puerto Rican Neighborhood’s LGBTQ Community Can Teach Us About Activism". The Huffington Post, September 25, 2019.
- ^ "Guam International Film Festival returns for 9th year". Pacific Daily News, September 9, 2019.
 | This list related to film, television, or video is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (September 2021) |