The Chicago film industry was a central hub for motion picture production and exhibition before Hollywood became the undisputed capital of filmmaking. In the early 1900s, Chicago boasted the most significant number of production companies and filmmakers. This situation was partially preserved until 1920, when the Chicago film industry met decline for a combination of reasons, including the impact of the Great Depression. Not until the 1980s and early 21st century has Chicago experienced a film production revival. Movie production again entered Chicago in the 1980s, with the state of Illinois becoming a leader in money spent on film production. Blockbusters, such as Blues Brothers, Sixteen Candles, and The Dark Knight, have rejuvenated the Chicago film scene. Inspired by this tradition, the mission of the Chicago Filmmaker Awards, aka Cifawards, is to recognize and reward independent filmmakers that are currently missing in mainstream Hollywood. Whether your talent is in front of the camera or behind it, we have a category for you. We are waiting to watch your films. We are interested in professionally made independent works. Submissions are open for shorts, feature narratives, documentaries and animation, and even experimental films and music videos. This will be a seasonal Awards event with yearly live screening. Each season, we will select the best-known movies and promote the winners through social media and the official website. Few of the winners of each season will be selected for our online event.
Philadelphia World Film Festival is an online based bi-monthly festival. PWFF is looking for independent projects from all genres, particularly low or no-budget ones, as well as from all countries, especially from those traditionally underrepresented in the global film industry. The submitted projects are judged through private screenings by a random team of invited experts from academia and film industry from the region. From the pool of official selection, which has a very competitive acceptance rate, PWFF chose the nominees and award winners of the edition.
New York International Women Festival is a seasonal competitive Festival dedicated to Film style, and female gaze in cinema. First of all, it a festival that valorizes the work of women filmmakers. We are looking for a unique and innovative perspective from female filmmakers to introduce them and promote them. We also accept projects directed by non-female directors who have something important to say about womanhood. Secondly, it is a festival to valorize the style and fashion in a film. Regardless of filmmaker gender, we aim to focus on the stylistic features of cinema to see what elements have made a film significant, to see how camera movements or set designs have been able to create a unique environment for the movie to be set in and to see how make-up artists, production designers and costume designers have been able to add their unique vision to these works of art. If you think you have a film with good taste, this is your festival and don't hesitate to submit your work. The festival has a seasonal structure. First, the judges will privately review the submitted materials, and subsequently, they will announce the winners. The winner's projects will then be introduced to our social media.
The Kyoto Independent Film Festival is an inclusive online platform dedicated to showcasing the best of independent cinema from around the world. Celebrating creativity, diversity, and innovation, this festival invites filmmakers of all backgrounds to present their unique voices and stories through both short and feature-length films. The festival aims to provide a space where emerging talents and seasoned filmmakers alike can connect with global audiences, share their art, and inspire meaningful conversations through the power of film. As a general film festival, the Kyoto Independent Film Festival welcomes a variety of genres and styles, from narrative and documentary to experimental and animated films. The festival seeks to foster a vibrant community of filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals who are passionate about storytelling and cinematic art.
We are a young cinephile group inspired by French cinema; our first love and point of entry to cinema were through the French new wave. When we watch films by Goddard and other masters of the new wave, we realize how the language of cinema could be diverse and different. French cinema was a bomb for us and changed our mindset about the art of filmmaking wholly. This festival is our dedication to the French cinema. We prefer films with new /subversive looks. We hope to discover unheard voices and introduce them to the world. If you have a project ready, even a tiny one, don’t hesitate to submissions. We are here to promote your works and show your talent to the world. This will be the second year of the festival. We started quietly; we had little chance for a great exposure during Covid time. Still, we have managed to organize physical events and invite young filmmakers to share their voices. We hope you make our event bigger with your physical presence. We believe films are made for big theatres, and a festival must respect this.
Welcome to the Tokyo Women's Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of women's voices in cinema. Set against the dynamic backdrop of Tokyo, a city renowned for its blend of tradition and modernity, our festival showcases films that either highlight women's stories or are directed by talented women filmmakers from around the globe. At the heart of our festival is a commitment to amplifying the diverse perspectives and experiences of women. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, foster understanding, and bridge cultural divides. By focusing on films that explore women's lives, challenges, triumphs, and creativity, we aim to create a space where these narratives can shine. Our festival features a curated selection of films that span genres and styles, from thought-provoking dramas and insightful documentaries to innovative animations and compelling shorts. Each film offers a unique perspective on the female experience, whether through the lens of a female director or a story centered on women's lives. Join us at the Tokyo Women's Film Festival, where we celebrate the artistry, resilience, and creativity of women in cinema. Whether you are a filmmaker, a film lover, or someone passionate about women's stories, our festival offers a unique and enriching experience in one of the world's most fascinating cities.
Welcome to the Detroit Independent Film Festival, a celebration of the art of filmmaking and the power of storytelling. Join us for an online event of screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and film enthusiasts. Discover a diverse selection of films, ranging from indie gems to blockbusters, short films to documentaries, and everything in between. Our carefully curated program showcases the best of local and international cinema, with something for every taste and interest. Immerse yourself in the magic of the movies, with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems that bring every frame to life. Learn more about the creative process of filmmaking. Meet fellow film lovers, where you can exchange ideas and make valuable connections. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, the Detroit Independent Film Festival is the perfect place to showcase your talents and expand your horizons.
The Niagara Falls International Short Festival is a seasonal online film festival dedicated to showcasing short films. With an emphasis on brevity and creativity, the festival offers filmmakers a platform to share their work with a global audience. The festival's next online event is scheduled for April 15, 2024, promising a diverse selection of compelling short films from talented creators around the world. Stay tuned for an immersive cinematic experience that celebrates storytelling in its most concise and impactful form.
The Indianapolis Independent Film Festival warmly welcomes you to join our global community celebration of peace, love, and the art of filmmaking. We are a collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers, filmmakers, producers, and musicians, united in our mission to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage, and educate. Our goal is to recognize and honour artists who use their creative work to increase awareness, provide diverse perspectives, tackle complex social issues, and promote international connections. As an inspiring and intimate platform, the we offer writers, directors, and producers the opportunity to create new projects, develop tools for success, and establish new connections within the global film and entertainment industry.
Welcome to the Nashville Independent Filmmakers Festival. This is an award ceremony that showcases the best independent films worldwide. Every season we award the best filmmakers, writers and producers. We showcase various genres, from non-fiction to fiction films, and we accept both short and featured movies. We get films from all over the world, from US filmmakers and international ones. The main criterion for participating in the festival is the artistic criteria and merits. Considering our professional platform, we hope to provide a suitable environment for the introduction of short films and feature films. This is a seasonal festival and all the works are reviewed and evaluated privately by the jury, and finally, the jury announces the best result. Filmmakers have the option to request an online screening.