North America
See also: List of film festivals in North and Central America| Name | Est. | City | State/Province | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168 Film Festival | 2003 | Los Angeles | California | International | Speed filmmaking competition and festival. Entries accepted from anywhere in the world. Held annually in April. |
| 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. |
| Bahamas International Film Festival | 2004 | Paradise Island | The Bahamas | International | |
| Bel Air Film Festival | 2008 | Los Angeles | California | International | An international festival held annually in November. |
| 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 |
| Big Eddy Film Festival | 2012 | Narrowsburg | New York | National/International | Like the pool of water in the Delaware River that inspired it’s name, the Big Eddy Film Festival will flow against the main current, providing a thoughtful and entertaining viewing experience for the Catskills, Delaware and Hudson River Valleys, and beyond. - held each September at the historic 135-seat Tusten Theatre. http://www.bigeddyfilm.com |
| Big Sky Documentary Film Festival | 2003 | Missoula | Montana | International/Non-Fiction | The premiere venue for non-fiction film in the American West. - held each February at the historic 1,100-seat Wilma Theatre. http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/ |
| Boston Film Festival | 1984 | Boston | Massachusetts | International | Annually showcasing feature films, documentaries and shorts in September. |
| 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. |
| Boston Latino International Film Festival | 2001 | Boston | Massachusetts | International | BLIFF’s mission is to bring communities together through film, screening annually feature films, documentaries and shorts in October/November. |
| Boston Palestine Film Festival | 2007 | Boston | Massachusetts | International | |
| Buffalo Niagara Film Festival | 2007 | Buffalo | New York | International | 3 day festival held annually in the spring. http://www.buffaloniagarafilmfestival.com |
| 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. |
| CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival | 1994 | Toronto | Ontario | International | |
| 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 | |
| Chicago Palestine Film Festival | 2002 | Chicago | Illinois | International | |
| Cincinnati Film Festival | 2010 | Cincinnati | Ohio | International | http://www.cincyfilmfest.com |
| Cine Las Americas International Film Festival | 1997 | Austin | Texas | International | Held annually in the spring showcasing Latin American, Latino and Indigenous films. |
| 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/ |
| CinErotic FilmFest | 2010 | Atlanta | Georgia | International | Debuts February 12–14, 2010. CEFF celebrates sex-positive, diverse and empowering erotic cinema and performance by amateurs, independent artists and the avant-garde. |
| 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 | |
| COLCOA | 1997 | Los Angeles | California | International | A week of French film Premieres in Hollywood - in April, at the Directors Guild of America. |
| 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. |
| Dances With Films | 1998 | Los Angeles | California | International | The festival of unknowns (i.e. no celebrities) |
| DALLAS International Film Festival | 2006 | Dallas | Texas | International | |
| DC Palestinian Film and Arts Festival | 2011 | Washington, D.C. | Washington, D.C. | International | |
| 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. |
| Detroit Windsor International Film Festival | 2008 | Detroit | Michigan | International | Held annually in June; hosts the annual DWIFF Challenge. |
| Disposable Film Festival | 2007 | San Francisco | California | International | Held annually in January. |
| Dominican International Film Festival | 2004 | Puerto Plata | Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) | International | Held Annually in December for Spanish and Latin Independent Films. |
| DOXA Documentary Film Festival | 1998 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Largest documentary film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for ten days 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 | Guanajuato | 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 |
| Green Mountain Film Festival | 1997 | Montpelier | Vermont | International | Local, domestic and international films (features, documentaries, shorts, animation & more) to celebrate cinema and spring. From around the corner and around the world. |
| Guadalajara International Film Festival | 1988 | Guadalajara | Jalisco | International | Mexico and Latin America's most prestigious and important international film festival as well as one of the oldest in the continent |
| 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 | |
| Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) | 1981 | Honolulu | Hawaii | International | 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." It is the largest such "East meets West" film festival in the United States. |
| 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. |
| Highway 61 Film Festival | 2011 | Pine City | Minnesota | National | 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. |
| 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. |
| Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles | 2003 | Los Angeles | California | International | |
| 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 |
| International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts (Shorts and Microcinema) | 2012 | Los Angeles | California | International | Festival recognizes and celebrates the upcoming fresh ideas and talent in the field of Cinematic Arts. |
| Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia | 1996 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | International | Israeli films. Held annually in February–March. The largest film festival of its kind in the Greater Philadelphia area. |
| 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. |
| Los Angeles Film Festival | 1995 | Los Angeles | California | International | Held annually in June. Presented by Film Independent and the Los Angeles Times. Showcases independent, feature, documentary and short films, as well as music videos. |
| Love Your Shorts Film Festival | 2011 | Sanford | Florida | International | Held around Valentine's Day. The Festival screens only short films under 30 minutes in length. Films are divided into different blocks for screening. Audience members at each block vote for their favorite film and winners are announced on the spot. The winning films from each block advance to a final block for a panel of judges to pick the overall festival winner. |
| 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. |
| Marina del Rey Film Festival Los Angeles | 2011 | Marina del Rey | CA | Regional | Marina del Rey is Los Angeles premier film Festival in September. |
| 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 |
| Margaret Mead Film Festival | 1976 | New York City | New York | International | The longest-running, premiere showcase for international documentaries in the United States. Held annually in November at the American Museum of Natural History in the New York City. |
| Martha's Vineyard Film Festival | 2001 | Chilmark | Massachusetts | International | 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. |
| Maryland Film Festival | 1999 | Baltimore | Maryland | International | 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 (filmmaker). |
| Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival | 2004 | Mexico City | Mexico City | International | Also known as FICCO (Festival Internacional de Cine Contemporáneo), it is hosted by Cinemex. |
| Miami Short Film Festival | 2002 | Miami | Florida | International | Held annually for 10 days in mid November. |
| Miami International Film Festival | 1983 | Miami | Florida | International | Held annually for 10 days in March. |
| 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. |
| Mountainfilm in Telluride | 1979 | Telluride | Colorado | Independent | The oldest film festival celebrating the genre of mountain film in the United States, now also featuring stories about activism, adventure, the environment and world cultures. |
| 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. with short films and features from around the world. |
| 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 City | 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 Orleans Film Festival | 1989 | New Orleans | Louisiana | International | Annual film festival, nicknamed "Cannes on the Mississippi," is organized by the nonprofit New Orleans Film Society and features national and international feature films and short 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. |
| New York Polish Film Festival | 2005 | New York City | New York | Special interest | Dedicated to the cinema of Poland. |
| 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. |
| Ocelot Robot Film Festival | 2011 | Los Angeles | California | International | Held annually in October/November. |
| Orlando Film Festival | 2006 | Orlando | Florida | International | Held annually in October/November. |
| 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 | |
| Philadelphia QFest | 1995 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | International | Founded as the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, the name was changed to QFest in 2009. Presented by the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance. |
| 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. |
| Provincetown International Film Festival | 1999 | Provincetown | Massachusetts | International | Held annually in June. Dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of acclaimed and emerging directors, producers and actors. The festival's theme, "Filmmaking on the Edge," is reflected in the showcase of work and visionary artists who are honored. |
| 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. |
| Reel Shorts Film Festival | 2007 | Grande Prairie | Alberta | International | Festival of short films held annually for 5 days in early May |
| ReelHeART International Film Festival | 2004 | Toronto | Ontario | International | Held annually last week of June. Has screenplay and film making competitions for short and feature films and docs from around the world. First international film festival to feature cast-to-type Live Reads for feature screenplay winners. Toronto's "cool" film festival. Known internationally as a mentoring film festival for both Screenwriters and Film makers. |
| ReelWorld Film Festival | 2001 | Toronto | Ontario | International | An annual spring film festival and a charitable foundation founded by actress Tonya Lee Williams. |
| 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. |
| Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival | 1987 | Colorado Springs | Colorado | International | Held annually in early November showcasing films made by Women. The festival features a mix of documentary, short and narrative films. |
| The Rome International Film Festival | 2003 | Rome | Georgia | International | MovieMaker Magazine called it “one of the outstanding film festivals in the Southeast.” |
| Rooftop Films | 1997 | New York City | New York | International | A summer-long outdoor film festival that screens new independent films on rooftops and in other scenic outdoor spots. |
| San Antonio Film Festival | 1994 | San Antonio | Texas | International | Held annually in the month of June. Awards a low-rider bike as the grand prize. |
| San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival | 2004 | San Antonio | Texas | International | The SAICFF offers $101,000 cash prize to the Best of Festival winner, the single largest cash prize to an individual of any independent film festival in America. The SAICFF showcases artists and their work who aspire to produce excellent media for the glory of God. Categories include feature, documentary, promotional, commercial, short and young filmmaker. |
| Sacramento Film and Music Festival | 2000 | Sacramento | California | International | Juried, all genre, includes student section, 10 days, late July. |
| San Diego Film Festival | 2001 | San Diego, La Jolla | California | International | Held in September the destination festival is a juried competition to showcase the best of independent film in narrative feature, short film, documentary, Native American and Music for Film categories. The Festival brings independent filmmakers together with film industry leaders and celebrities. |
| 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 Green Film Festival | 2011 | San Francisco | California | International | |
| 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 | |
| Sarasota Film Festival | 1999 | Sarasota | Florida | International | Considered by many as the acme of regional film festivals. Sarasota's meteoric rise among regional film festivals has allowed it to host international luminaries and grow exponentially. As a hallmark of the cultural and film scene in Sarasota, The SFF is known for its fine treatment of filmmakers, events and year-round education programs. |
| Science Fiction Fantasy Short Film Festival | 2006 | Seattle | Washington | Special interest | Devoted to action, animation, fantasy, and science fiction cinema. |
| Seattle International Film Festival | 1976 | Seattle | Washington | International | The largest film festival in the United States. |
| Sedona Film Festival | 1994 | Sedona | Arizona | International | One of the largest film festivals in Arizona. |
| The Shortie Awards | 2001 | Washington | DC | International | Recognizes original digital media productions created by student filmmakers, ages 7–18, and their teachers. |
| Slamdance Film Festival | 1995 | Park City | Utah | International | By filmmakers for filmmakers, Slamdance has become a year-round organization fostering the development of unique and innovative filmmakers. |
| Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival | 1999 | Birmingham | Alabama | International | Held annually the last weekend in September at a number of places in downtown Birmingham. |
| 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. |
| SoCal Film Festival | 2005 | Huntington Beach | California | International | Set in the heart of southern California, an independent film festival organized by experienced industry professionals. Supported by the Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitor’s Bureau and the Huntington Beach Film Commission. "Named as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s 20 Festivals worth the entry fee." |
| South Asian International Film Festival | 2004 | Manhattan | New York City | International | Held annually in October, SAIFF is the 'Largest' independent film film festival for South Asian and Indian Diaspora filmmakers in the United States. www.saiff.org. |
| 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. |
| Student Art Festival (STARTFEST) | 2012 | Orlando | Florida | Special Interest, Student | Held annually in June, Student Art Festival (STARTFEST) is the only student film festival in the United States where participants receive one-on-one feedback from industry professionals. www.StudentArtFestival.org |
| 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. |
| Three Rivers Film Festival | 1982 | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | International | A program of Pittsburgh Filmmakers, emphasizing independent film. |
| 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 Beaches Film Festival | 2012 | Toronto | Ontario | International | Held annually last week of June. First international festival held in the "Beaches Community". Sister festival of the ReelHeART International Film Festival. Focuses on surf, environmental, urban sustainability, animal rights, social justice and beach culture films and documentaries. |
| 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. |
| The United Film Festivals | 2002 | Multiple Cities | USA | International | |
| Vancouver Asian Film Festival | 1995 | Vancouver | British Columbia | International | Largest Asian film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for 4–5 days in November. |
| Vaughan Film Festival | 2013 | Vaughan | Ontario | International | |
| 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 | 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. |
| Wisconsin Film Festival | 1999 | Madison | Wisconsin | International | Annual showcase of independent and international documentary, narrative, experimental, student and animated films. Runs for 4 days in early April |
| Woodstock Film Festival | 1999 | Woodstock | New York | International | Each year film and music lovers from around the world gather at the Woodstock Film Festival for an innovative variety of films, first-class concerts, workshops, celebrity-led panels, an awards ceremony, and fantastic parties. |
| WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival | 1961 | Houston | Texas | Special interest | Dedicated to the independent features and short films. |
| Yorkton Film Festival | 1950 | Yorkton | Saskatchewan | Independent | North America's oldest film festival, held annually. |
| 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. |
| Vietnamese International Film Festival | 2003 | Los Angeles | California | Vietnamese | Biennial film festival for Vietnamese filmmakers outside and inside Vietnam. |
Read more about this topic: List Of Film Festivals
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