List of film festivals in North and Central America


This is a list of film festivals that take place in North America.

Sublists by locale

Country

International festivals

NameCityState/Prov.NotesWebsite
100 Words Film Festival2014CharlotteNorth CarolinaCelebrating concise storytelling, each film must contain exactly 100 spoken words. Held annually in November.
168 Film Festival2003Los AngelesCaliforniaSpeed filmmaking competition and festival. Entries accepted from anywhere in the world. Held annually in April.
Action On Film International Film Festival2005MonroviaCaliforniaStarted as part of the World Martial Arts Trade Show and International Championships.
Anchorage International Film Festival2001AnchorageAlaskaLargest film festival in the state of Alaska
Ann Arbor Film Festival1961Ann ArborMichiganFilm festival showcasing experimental and independent film in North America. Held annually in late March.
Arlington International Film Festival2010ArlingtonMassachusettsThe festival focuses on Multicultural awareness and stresses also the importance of the artistic and educational value of films from all around the world.
Asian World Film Festival2015Los AngelesCaliforniaInternational; held annually in October–November.
Bel Air Film Festival2008Los AngelesCaliforniaAn international festival held annually in November.
Beloit International Film Festival2006BeloitWisconsinAnnual 10-day film festival in late February. Feature length narrative & documentary films and shorts.
Bentonville Film Festival2015BentonvilleArkansasHeld annually in May and focused on diversity in film, specifically women and under represented minority filmmakers.
Berlin & Beyond Film Festival1996San FranciscoCaliforniaGerman-language film festival outside of Europe, held annually in January.
Big Bear Lake International Film Festival2000Big Bear LakeCaliforniaCommitted to presenting emerging talents of independent filmmakers and screenwriters, held annually in September.
Boston Film Festival1984BostonMassachusettsAnnually showcasing feature films, documentaries and shorts in September.
Boulder International Film Festival2004BoulderColorado
BronzeLens Film Festival2009AtlantaGeorgiaAnnual 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.
Burbank International Film Festival2009BurbankCalifornia
CAAMFest2012San FranciscoCaliforniaThe nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films
Cape Cod International Film Festival2014ChathamMassachusettsAnnual high-curation-standard global boutique festival, early-mid October on Cape Cod.
Capital City Film Festival2011LansingMichiganCelebrates and promotes filmmakers with an emphasis on Michigan-made, homegrown talent. A four-day festival taking place in venues across Lansing.
The Capitol Hill Film Classic2018WashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaThe only bracket style knockout competition for short film in the USA.
Chicago International Children's Film Festival1983ChicagoIllinoisFestival of films for kids and youth in North America. Held annually in late October for 10 days.
Chicago International Film Festival1965ChicagoIllinoisHeld annually in October.
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival1997AustinTexasHeld annually in the spring showcasing Latin American, Latino and Indigenous films.
CinErotic FilmFest2010AtlantaGeorgiaDebuted February 12–14, 2010; celebrates sex-positive, diverse and empowering erotic cinema and performance by amateurs, independent artists and the avant-garde.
Cleveland International Film Festival1977ClevelandOhioA 12-day event held annually in spring; includes feature and short subject films.
Columbus International Film & Video Festival1953ColumbusOhioNorth American film festival, held annually in November. As a competition festival, it is also known as The Chris Awards.
Coronado Island Film Festival2016Coronado IslandCaliforniaHeld annually in November in the resort city across the bay from downtown San Diego.
Crested Butte Film Festival2011Crested ButteColoradoHeld annually in the last week of September supporting action and change together.
Dances With Films1998Los AngelesCaliforniaThe festival of unknowns
Dallas International Film Festival2006DallasTexas
DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival2000WashingtonDCHeld annually in October.
Denver Film Festival1978DenverColoradoHeld annually in November.
Denver Underground Film Festival1997DenverColoradoHeld annually in May.
Detroit Windsor International Film Festival2008DetroitMichiganHeld annually in June, and hosts the annual DWIFF Challenge
Dominican International Film Festival2004Puerto PlataDominican RepublicHeld annually in December for Spanish and Latin independent films.
Expresión en Corto International Film Festival1997San Miguel de Allende and GuanajuatoGuanajuatoMexico's largest competitive film festival.
Festivus Film Festival2006DenverColoradoEnded in 2013
Film @ Downtown Urban Arts Festival2015New York CityNew YorkShowcases new short film from new and emerging independent filmmakers from United States and around the world.
Florida Film Festival1992MaitlandFloridaIncludes narrative and documentary features and shorts, animation, midnight movies, and a full array of educational forums, glamorous parties, and other special events.
FotoFilm Tijuana2017TijuanaMexicoIncludes narrative and documentary features and shorts, music program, educational forums, and other special events.
Frameline Film Festival1997San FranciscoCaliforniaFrameline Film Festival produces the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival which is the oldest ongoing film festival devoted to LGBT programming.
French Film Festival - Richmond, Virginia1993RichmondVirginiaThe largest French film festival in the USA, it takes place every year during the last week-end of March, featuring world and American premieres of French features and shorts.
Garden State Film Festival2015Atlantic CityNew JerseyThe Garden State Film Festival was founded to promote the art of filmmaking on all levels by showcasing a wide variety of film, video and animated works as well as provide educational programs in the creative arts to the public by industry leaders.
Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest2007New York CityNew YorkShowcase of new American and international cinema, with a competitive screenplay contest.
Golden Door Film Festival2011Jersey CityNew JerseyHeld annually in October
Green Bay Film Festival2010De PereWisconsinCelebrating independent filmmakers in Wisconsin and around the world.
Guadalajara International Film Festival1988GuadalajaraJaliscoMexico and Latin American film festival
Hamptons International Film Festival1993East HamptonNew York
Hawaii International Film Festival1981HonoluluHawaiiHeld 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."
Heartland Film Festival1991IndianapolisIndianaThe annual Heartland Film Festival introduces audiences to transformative independent films from around the world. Heartland awards more than $135,000 in prize money every year at the festival.
High Falls Film Festival2001RochesterNew YorkHigh 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.
Highway 61 Film Festival2011Pine CityMinnesotaHeld 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.
Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema2009Idyllwild-Pine CoveCaliforniaHeld annually in January. An independent film festival
India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay2010TampaFloridaHeld annually. Feature films, short films, and documentaries that are produced by Indians, films with Indian actors or actresses, or films with Indian themes.
Indianapolis International Film Festival2004IndianapolisIndiana
International Black Women's Film Festival2001San FranciscoCaliforniaExhibiting films by and/or featuring Black women from around the world in non-stereotypical roles.
Jacksonville Film Festival2003JacksonvilleFloridaHeld annually for 4 days in mid-May.
JAPAN CUTS: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema2007New York CityNew YorkNorth America's biggest festival of contemporary Japanese cinema. Held annually in July.
KahBang Film Festival2009BangorMainePart of the KahBang music-art-film festival, built on discovering the best emerging filmmakers, narrative and documentary features, comedy films, short films, and music docs, and awarding one notable filmmaker with the "Kevin Norwood Bacon Award for Achievement in Cinema". Held annually in August.
L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival2009Los AngelesCaliforniaHeld annually in the spring. Host of the L.A. Comedy Scripts screenplay competition.
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival1983Los AngelesCaliforniaPremiere showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema in Los Angeles. Held annually in May.https://festival.vcmedia.org/
Los Angeles Film Festival1995Los AngelesCaliforniaHeld annually in June. Shows independent, feature, documentary and short films, as well as music videos.
Little Rock Film Festival2006Little RockArkansasHeld annually in the beginning of June. This southern film festival features narrative film, documentary films, short film, panels, and unforgettable events
Love Your Shorts Film Festival2011SanfordFloridaHeld around Valentine's Day. The festival screens only short films under 30 minutes in length.
Margaret Mead Film Festival1976New York CityNew YorkShowcase 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 Festival2001ChilmarkMassachusettsHeld 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 Festival2006Martha's VineyardMassachusettsHeld annually in early September. Festival is hosted by the Martha's Vineyard Film Society
Maryland Film Festival1999BaltimoreMarylandHeld 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.
Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival2004Mexico CityMexicoAlso known as FICCO, it is hosted by Cinemex.
Miami Short Film Festival2002MiamiFloridaShort film festival held annually in mid-November.
Mile High Horror Film Festival2010DenverColoradoThe Mile High Horror Film Festival is held in the metro Denver area of Colorado. Its mission is to showcase the very best independent horror films from around the world.
Milwaukee Film Festival2009MilwaukeeWisconsinHeld annually in September and October. Presented by Milwaukee Film.https://mkefilm.org/about-milwaukee-film
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival1983Minneapolis-St. PaulMinnesotaHeld annually in the spring. Showcases more than 200 films from around the world. Presented by The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul.
Montclair Film Festival2012MontclairNew JerseyAn annual, community-based film festival that showcases filmmakers from a variety of countries while creating a cultural focal point for the Township of Montclair, surrounding communities and the region.
Moondance International Film Festival2000BoulderColoradoFilm 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.
Morelia International Film Festival2003MoreliaMichoacanThe Festival's goals is to establish a forum to promote up-and-coming Mexican cinema talents, to create incentives and cultural opportunities for the Mexican and international public, and to display the cultural richness of the state of Michoacán
Naperville Independent Film Festival2008NapervilleIllinoisAnnual film festival featuring the work of independent filmmakers.
Nashville Film Festival1969NashvilleTennesseeFounded 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.
Nantucket Film Festival1996NantucketMassachusettsHeld 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.
Native American Film and Video Festival1979New York CityNew YorkBiannual festival held at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian featuring indigenous works from across the Americas
National Film Festival for Talented Youth2007SeattleWashingtonYouth film festival, showcasing the work of filmmakers from around the globe
Newport Beach Film Festival1999Newport BeachCaliforniaFounded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County.
New Orleans Film Festival1989New OrleansLouisianaFrequently referred to as Cannes on the Mississippi.
New York Film Festival1962New York CityNew YorkOne of North America's oldest film festivals.
New York City Independent Film Festival2009New York CityNew York
New York International Children's Film Festival1997New York CityNew YorkFilm festival for kids in North America, held annually from late-February to mid-March.
Northeast Film Festival2013TeaneckNew JerseyFeatures both US and international films with competition in feature length and short fiction as well as documentaries and student films. The Northeast Film Festival is run by founder and festival director Larry Rosen. Held annually in September.
Oil Valley Film Festival2016Oil City, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaFirst 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.
Orlando Film Festival2006OrlandoFloridaThe Orlando Film Festival seeks to inspire student, future and current filmmakers in the art of filmmaking, and to enhance the movie viewing experience in Downtown Orlando through creative, unique and entertaining events. Held annually in October/November.
Palm Springs Festival of Festivals2001Palm SpringsCalifornia
Palm Springs International Film Festival1989Palm SpringsCalifornia
Philadelphia Film Festival1991PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaPresented by the Philadelphia Film Society, held annually in the fall.
Project Twenty1 Film Festival2006PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaScreenings include the Philadelphia Filmathon and the annual 21-Day Filmmaking Competition.
QFest1995PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaFounded 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 Festival1977PortlandOregon
Port Townsend Film Festival1999Port TownsendWashingtonAn international festival held annually the third weekend in September.
Red Rock Film Festival2007St. GeorgeUtahLocated beneath the red mountains of Southern Utah this international festival is held annually each November.
ReelAbilities2007New York CityNew YorkFilm 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.
Regina International Film Festival2015Regina, SaskatchewanSaskatchewanThe largest international film festival of Saskatchewan held annually in the capital city. Founded by John Thimothy in 2014.http://riffa.ca
Rhode Island International Film Festival1997ProvidenceRhode IslandHeld annually for 6 days during the second week of August
Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival1987Colorado SpringsColoradoHeld annually in early November showcasing films made by Women. The festival features a mix of documentary, short and narrative films.
San Diego International Film Festival2001San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and La JollaCaliforniaHeld in October, the festival showcases international narrative features, shorts and documentaries in various categories including Native American, social justice and military.
San Diego Film Week2017San Diego’s Balboa ParkCaliforniaHeld in February-March, the festival showcases local narrative features, short films, and documentaries for film.
San Francisco Frozen Film Festival2006San FranciscoCaliforniaSpecial interest, Independent.
San Francisco Green Film Festival2011San FranciscoCalifornia
San Francisco International Film Festival1957San FranciscoCalifornia
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival1980San FranciscoCaliforniaSFJFF 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 Festival1993San Luis ObispoCaliforniaHeld annually in March.
Santa Barbara International Film Festival1985Santa BarbaraCalifornia
Sarasota Film Festival1998SarasotaFloridaAnnual, international celebration of film and filmmaking held in April. Year-round arts nonprofit hosting education programs and filmmaking academies.
Seattle International Film Festival1976SeattleWashingtonOne of the largest film festivals in the United States.
Sedona International Film Festival1994SedonaArizonaFilm festival in Arizona.
Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival1999BirminghamAlabama
Sonoma Valley Film Festival1996SonomaCaliforniaSet in the heart of California wine country, one of the smaller "destination" film festivals in the United States.
St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival1989St. John'sNewfoundland and LabradorShowcase and celebration of women working in the global film, television and interactive industry.
Sundance Film Festival1978Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, SundanceUtahHeld annually in January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States.
Tallgrass Film Festival2003WichitaKansasThis four-day festival, held in October, accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world.
Telluride Film Festival1974TellurideColoradoOnly 40 films are admitted each year.
Three Rivers Film Festival1982PittsburghPennsylvaniaA program of Pittsburgh Filmmakers, emphasizing independent film.
Tribeca Film Festival2002New York CityNew YorkFounded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro.
Traverse City Film Festival2005Traverse CityMichiganAnnual festival co-founded by filmmaker Michael Moore.
True/False Film Fest2003ColumbiaMissouriChampioning films that breathe new life into the nonfiction format, the festival features the finest new movies redefining the now-exploding form.
Washington West Film Festival2011RestonVirginiaWashington West gives away 100% of their annual box office net proceeds to aiding communities in various ways. Runs for five days in late October.
Wisconsin Film Festival1999MadisonWisconsinAnnual showcase of independent and international documentary, narrative, experimental, student and animated films. Runs for four days in early April.
Zero Film Festival2007Los AngelesCaliforniaFilm festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers.

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