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The following list represents 10 of the US film festivals I believe independent filmmakers seeking the full package should consider. There are top tier fests that provide greater market conditions. And there are a number of events that are as strong in programming. Others have bigger audiences than some of the following, but this roster represents festivals that check the most boxes.
Yes, festivals are about discovery, an avenue of exposure for emerging talent, and an overall celebration of cinema. BUT the best festivals succeed in other areas, making them a truly memorable AND productive experience.
Of course, there is a short list of top tier, industry driven festivals, where deals are done, and A-list celebrities and directors walk the red carpet, but that list is not hard to come by. You know all these by now. You’ve heard about the park city madness with Sundance & Slamdance, market fests Cannes and Berlin, and the fall favorites Telluride, Venice and Toronto.
And yes, one of goals for many filmmakers in playing the festival circuit is to get into one of these industry driven fests, and find that ever elusive distribution offer from one of the major studios or streamers. The bad news is you have less than 1% chance of being selected from the thousands of entries. And If selected, chances arent much better than that for you to make a big sale.
The good news is you can plan any number of other great festivals, earn your laurels, meet other filmmakers and find the right distribution path for your film along the way. More on distribution in another video
For now, here is a short list of festivals I think every filmmaker should consider. You may be thinking I have a genre film, or a short documentary, or an experimental film, shouldn’t I target niche festivals? Yes, and there will be more lists to come, focused on specific genres and categories, but this general list covers all the bases. With over 6,000 festivals to choose from, well, it’s hard to know where to start
I’ve pulled together this top 10 list because they are the most complete experience for independent filmmakers looking for the following:
Strong hospitality programs, with big numbers of filmmaker guests.
Networking opportunities with other film talent and film fans, parties, receptions, happy hours.
Industry credibility.
They are well reviewed by filmmakers, visiting industry and film fans.
Some are academy qualifying and/or made Film Freeways top reviewed.
Enthusiastic audiences with most of the screenings selling out. It’s always nice to play to packed house
A few more details about these fests before we get started.
They are all US based events (Yes, we’ll do more lists that include international fests).
They have all been going for at least 25 years. They’ve figured out what works for their respective events
The list is ordered by their calendar date.
While I picked the festival selections for this list, and share my personal opinions throughout, some of the general language “about” the events will come from their website or their Film Freeway pages
Alright, let’s dive in…
The Santa Barbara International (FF February 7 – 17, 2024)
A number of Academy members live in Montecito, which is how they get oscar hopefuls, from screenwriter and director nominees to the A list actors.
I learned this first hand as Fest director there years ago. We had the likes of Stephen Daldry, Jeff Bridges and George Clooney participate.
Striking distance from LA and Hollywood SBIFF) is an eleven day event held in the seaside city of Santa Barbara, California (90 minutes north of Los Angeles). The fest is proud to present a diverse slate of more than 200 films to over 100,000 film enthusiasts. The audience is a unique combination of film industry professionals, local, regional and International attendees, and a large student population.
With UCSB and the city college nearby, both campuses literally ocean front. Santa Barbara does have a thriving arts and culture community, on the coast. So yes, this fest also fits in the destination category
Cinequest - March 5 – 17, 2024
Voted Best Film Festival by USA Today Readers. Cinequest programs 85-90% of its festival from paid submissions annually, one of the highest percentages of the world's most influential film festivals. A very unique distinction, as most top fests solicit films from other fests.
"I think the most important thing about Cinequest is it's definitely the first time I've ever come to a festival where my immediate reaction is, 'What do I have to do to be invited back?' and that's not normally my reaction. It's a perfect film festival in a glorious place." - Neil Gaiman, Maverick Spirit Award Winner
Cinequest connects artists, innovators, media, and audiences—as people converge to experience a potent mix of immersive stories from around the globe and breakthrough technologies. Yet, Cinequest’s stellar reputation not only hinges on its knack for creating a powerful line-up, but also for securing distribution for many of its honored filmmakers. Netflix, IFC Films, Amazon, MSNBC Films, Roadside Attractions, 1091 Pictures, Oscilloscope, Sony Pictures, Magnolia Pictures, Kino-Lorber, eOne, Lionsgate, PBS, and HBO are just a few of the many that have signed deals with some of Cinequest's success stories.
As an Academy-qualifying festival for the short film categories, Cinequest is proud to honor the winners of its Best Short Narrative and Best Short Animation prizes with a shot at every filmmaker's dream...Oscar gold.
Exhibiting unique social and artistic visions from around the globe, Cinequest’s dynamic festival engages audiences in thought-provoking dialogue, giving film artists and film lovers alike an opportunity to connect. Furthermore, Cinequest provides cutting edge technology and movie-making forums to empower professionals and students.
Cleveland International FF (April 3 - 13th 2024)
Academy Qualifier, and 100 best reviewed, one of the stronger regional festivals. Founded in 1977, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is a leader in helping the world discover the power of the film arts to educate, entertain, and celebrate an inclusive human experience. Drawing more than 100,000 film enthusiasts annually, CIFF is an Academy® qualifying festival, and one of seven Resident Companies of Playhouse Square. In addition to other general categories, they offer Music video and web series sections
Atlanta Film Festival (April 25 – May 5, 2024)
Now in its fourth decade, the oscar qualifying Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF)——is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. Atlanta is one of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country, welcoming an audience of over 28,000 to discover hundreds of new independent, international, animated, documentary, and short films, selected from 8000+ submissions from all over the world.
ATLFF screenings often include in-person dialog with filmmakers, providing audiences, artists, and industry professionals with meaningful opportunities to network, interact and engage. Recent festival guests have included Josh Brolin (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Michael Ealy (BARBERSHOP), Margaret Cho (DROP DEAD DIVA), John Sayles (PASSION FISH), Hal Hartley (SIMPLE MEN)
Seattle International FF (May 2024)
One of my personal favorites. Great people, programmers, and events. One of the longer fests, at 11 days, Seattle has a thriving arts and music scene.
SIFF believes in film’s unique power to share original stories, diverse perspectives, and rich emotional journeys. Beginning in 1976 with the annual Seattle International Film Festival, then expanding into year-round programming, and the five-screen SIFF Cinema, they have offered experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world for nearly five decades. Their audiences allow the fest to take risks, host complex conversations, and truly appreciate film.
Dances With Films (June 2024)
”No Politics. No Stars. No Sh*t”.
From the DWF website
This has been their slogan since 1998. What has also been with us since the beginning is something we call ‘THE TRUE LIFE.’ With all the politics that rule festival decisions worldwide – this statement is as TRUE today as it was back then and will remain the mission statement of DWF.
The fest takes place at the chinese theater in Hollywood. So, yes, a good opportunity to connect with industry professionals during your visit.
Known as the “filmmakers festival” as they take pride in communicating with filmmakers, from the selection process to the guest relations throughout the Festival event,
“What an incredible, inspirational film festival! From the very first email exchange, the sincere, passionate, meticulous, and smart DWF team impressed us. The opening night red carpet was packed with press, and reporters were on hand for ongoing red carpet experiences before each screening. The films were excellent and Q&A's engaging. As the festival progressed, we felt more and more honored to be part of the DWF film family. The organizers don’t just talk-the-talk, they walk-the-walk when they say they want you to form lasting professional relationships. The planned events varied from educational and creative to fun and celebratory. Our entire cast and crew—most of whom flew across the country to attend—felt welcomed and important. It was truly a magical week. We’ve been encouraged to stay in touch and keep the DWF team informed of our future work and successes”.
Filmmaker - Cynthia Gibb
Mill Valley Film Festival (October 5 – 15, 2023)
The internationally renowned Mill Valley Film Festival offers a high-profile, prestigious environment perfect for celebrating the best in independent and world cinema. MVFF (the oldest fall film festival in California) remains committed to celebrating film and filmmakers and offering the highest resources and production elements possible, whatever challenges the world throws our way.
With a reputation for launching new films and creating awards season buzz, MVFF has a knack for spotting emerging talent as well as drawing legendary artists. Known as a filmmaker's festival, MVFF annually welcomes more than 300 filmmakers and guests from around the world, whether online or in person, and has hosted such luminaries as Nicole Kidman, Barry Jenkins, Laura Dern, Ang Lee, Viola Davis, Todd Haynes, Mira Nair, Brie Larson, Regina King, Kenneth Branagh, and Steve McQueen.
Enthusiastic audiences, and terrific programming.
Newport Beach Film Festival (October 12 – 19, 2023)
The Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program as well as providing a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films.
The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces the passion, vision and independent spirit of these talented artists. With the integration of the local community and educational institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
Great films. Fun parties. On the beach, boat excursions. Panels, networking and industry presence, with over 300 films.
Fort Lauderdale International FF (November 3 – 12, 2023)
Celebrating its 38th annual festival in 2023, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) presents American indies and studio films, international films, student films, special tributes, seminars and introduces filmmakers to South Florida audiences.
The Festival runs November 3 – 12, 2023, and screens 200 films in Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Hollywood, St Augustine, and The Bahamas. Considered one of the most important regional film festivals in the U.S., the Festival's commitment to first-time filmmakers and innovative programming make it the perfect test market for your film. Top Reviewed on Film Freeway.
Austin Film Festival (October 26 – November 2, 2023)
Austin Film Festival furthers the art and craft of storytelling by inspiring and championing the work of writers, filmmakers, and all artists who use written and visual language to tell a story. Included in MovieMaker's Top 50 Festival's Worth the Entry Fee for 2022!
The Austin Film Festival has an ongoing mission to champion the work of writers and filmmakers, and this goal has never felt as urgent as it does today. Their film competition has grown year after year and so have their efforts to serve as an avenue into the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Submit to one of the Academy Award-qualifying short film categories - Narrative, Documentary, or Animated - for the chance to have your work reviewed by industry professionals and to be entered into the Austin Film Festival Jury Advisory Program!
In Case You Missed It
Changemaker Interview & Screening
Festival Award Winner Unzipped - With Documentary Filmmaker Colin Gray
Cause Cinema Club
Filmmaker Colin Gray from Grainey Pictures joins us, as we present his award winning documentary in Los Angeles (Hear more about Colin and his important film on the podcast above).
We invite you to join our socially conscious community of like minded moviegoers for a screening of an award-winning social impact documentary film - UNZIPPED An Autopsy of American Inequality. Watch, be inspired, and learn about ways to take action to create change on important issues addressed by the film.
Friday July 28th @ 8pm, Los Angeles - (seating is limited)
Top 10 US Film Festivals for Independent Filmmakers: