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Grab your passport—we’re heading to the best overseas festivals!
The following upcoming film festivals are among the most prestigious in the world. While that might make them more difficult to get into, they can present ample opportunities for filmmakers looking to broaden their professional network.
Let’s start with a few of Africa’s best festivals.
Dates: May 2026 (Exact dates TBA)
Held in Addis Ababa, the culturally rich capital of Ethiopia, the Addis International Film Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary next spring. This is a documentary festival that centers stories that advance and explore human rights.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Addis International Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 2–8, 2025
Naturally, Nigeria is home to a slew of film festivals—the country has earned the nickname “Nollywood” thanks to its thriving film industry. Among these is AFRIFF—a buzzy international festival to add your list.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. December 2025 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Africa International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: September 24–27, 2026
An initiative of the Black Star International Film Institute, the Black Star International Film Festival in Accra, Ghana has been programming African and international films for over a decade.
2026 Festival Deadlines: January 8, 2026 (Earlybird), February 10, 2026 (Late).
2026 Festival Fees: $20 (Earlybird), $25 (Late). Discounts available for some categories, check application page for details.
Next we’ll head to the Americas, excluding the United States.
Dates: November 1–9, 2025
Okay, so we’re not quite going overseas just yet. But just across our northern border lie several of the best film festivals not only in Canada but also across the globe. First among them is the BANFF Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival!
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. April 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the BANFF Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: September 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Little more than an hour away from Banff is the Calgary International Film Festival, which will be celebrating its 25th event this fall.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Calgary International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: July 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Head south of the United States to experience the Guanajuato International Film Festival, which happens to be a completely free event!
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Guanajuato International Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Dates: September 2026
Among the most prominent of the Canada-based film festivals is the Toronto International Film Festival. Often considered the event that kicks off the fall fests, TIFF has been highly regarded for all of its 40-plus years.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. March 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Toronto International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Last but not least on the list of film festivals to attend in Canada is the Vancouver International Film Festival. A city known for its immense TV and film production, it’s also home to one of the top film festivals.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Vancouver International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
You’ll definitely want to add these incredible festivals from across Asia to your submission list.
Dates: April 1–12, 2026
Founded in 1976, the Hong Kong International Film Festival is both one of Asia’s oldest film festivals as well as an event committed to showcasing Asian cinema and talent.
2026 Film Festival Deadlines: November 2, 2025 (Earlybird), December 31, 2025 (Regular).
2026 Film Festival Fees: $70 (Earlybird), $80 (Regular). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: April 2026 (Exact dates TBA)
While they typically accept international entries, many international film festivals understandably focus on their respective nation’s cinema. As such, the Istanbul Film Festival aims to “encourage the development of cinema in Turkey.”
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Istanbul Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 26–December 7, 2025
In a similar vein, the Singapore International Film Festival provides a platform specifically for Southeast Asian cinema and has done so since its inception in 1987.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. May 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Singapore International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 27–November 5, 2025
We have another TIFF! This time, though, it stands for the Tokyo International Film Festival, which has been showcasing spectacular cinema for the last 38 years.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. April 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Tokyo International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Next, let’s head Down Under to check out some of Australia’s top festivals!
Dates: August 6–23, 2026
Did you know that the Melbourne International Film Festival is one of the oldest in the world? Founded in 1952, this internationally revered event has been highlighting great global cinema for nearly three-quarters of a century.
2026 Festival Deadlines: October 31, 2025, November 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, January 31, 2026, February 12, 2026.
2026 Festival Fees: $70 (October), $80 (November), $90 (December), $100 (January), $110 (February). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: June 3–14, 2026
The Sydney Film Festival likewise enjoys a global platform, but this particular event also makes a note of showcasing the “strangest” cinema across the world. Certainly a reason to check it out.
2026 Festival Deadline: February 27, 2026 (Regular).
2026 Festival Fees: $95 (Regular). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold members and some categories. See application page for full details.
We are traveling to Europe where many of the world’s best upcoming film festivals can be found.
Dates: February 12–22, 2026
First up for Europe is the Berlin International Film Festival, which first opened its doors to film lovers in 1951.
2026 Festival Deadline: November 5, 2025 (short films only; the features deadline has passed).
2026 Festival Fees: €75 (short films only)
Dates: October 2026 (Exact dates TBA)
The United Kingdom features predominantly on our list of film festivals, and we’re highlighting first the BFI London Film Festival. Known for its world-class theatre scene, London is also home to this highly regarded event.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the BFI London Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Dates: February 2–8, 2026
It may be one of the smaller countries in Europe, but don’t overlook Belgium when it comes to great cinema and film festivals. In particular, check out the Brussels Independent Film Festival. As its name indicates, this event showcases independent and experimental film.
2026 Festival Deadline: November 23, 2025 (FilmFreeway Extended).
2026 Festival Fee: $55 (FilmFreeway Extended). Discounts available for students, FilmFreeway Gold members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: May 12–23, 2026
There is no film festival more prestigious than the Cannes Film Festival, which is held each year on the French Riviera. Always a star-studded event, it is also a hub for film purchases and distribution deals.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Mid-November 2025 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Cannes Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: February 19–March 1, 2026
For over two decades, Dublin International Film Festival has brought world-class Irish and international cinema to the nation’s capital each year. Go for the great programming, stay for the stunning natural scenery.
2026 Festival Deadline: November 10, 2025 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fee: €65 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: August 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Neighboring DIFF is the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which was founded all the way back in 1947. Not only is it one of the world’s oldest continually running film festivals, but also it happens to showcase excellent international cinema year after year.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. April 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Edinburgh International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 30–November 16 2025
The last of our UK-based film festivals is the Leeds International Film Festival. The largest fest in England outside of London, it’s an event to put on your list of film festivals this fall.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Leeds International Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 5–16, 2025
Sweden has gifted the cinematic world with filmmaking greats like Ingmar Bergman and Lasse Hallström. It also has given us the Stockholm International Film Festival, which has been going strong since 1990.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Stockholm International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: Late August to early September 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Last on our list of upcoming film festivals is none other than the Venice International Film Festival. The equally glamorous cousin to the Cannes Film Festival, this event set in the gorgeous northeastern region of Italy should certainly be on your bucket list of fests to experience.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Venice International Film Festival website or social media for updates on the next submission cycle.
Though not an exhaustive list of all upcoming film festivals, the above provides a well-rounded look at the most revered cinematic events across the world.
It’s a boon to any filmmaker’s career to have their movie showcased at one of these top film festivals. Beyond that, these festivals provide numerous opportunities for producers, directors, writers, actors, and distributors looking to make the connections that might just lead to their next great project.
To prepare, brush up on a few strategies for attracting funding here and how to get your film festival submissions in order.
Welcome to your one-stop blog post for all things film festivals.
Star-studded events like Cannes and Sundance are on the worldwide filmmaking community’s radar each year. But they’re hardly the only festivals that can get you and your project noticed. Big and small, niche and wide-ranging, close by and afar, there is a film festival for every type of film and filmmaker.
For this article, we’re highlighting the top film festivals across the globe that filmmakers should know about. It’s a long list, so be sure to bookmark it and check for updates as needed.
Let’s start with the major film festivals located in the United States.
Should your film get accepted into one of these upcoming film festivals, don’t miss the chance to attend. These events are just as much about networking as they are about screening your film. The people in attendance might just be the right producer, financier, director, or distributor for your next project.
Let's kick it off on the East Coast.
Dates: November 12–20, 2025 (in-person), November 12–30, 2025 (online)
Perhaps narrative movies aren’t your jam. If that’s the case, be sure to check out DOC NYC, one of the best film festivals for documentary film.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check DOC NYC’s website or social media for updates.
Dates: August 5–10, 2025
Several hours north of New York is the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, the largest public film festival in New England and an Oscar-qualifying event.
2026 Festival Deadlines: January 15, 2026 (Earlybird), May 15, 2026 (Regular), June 1, 2026 (Late), June 15, 2026 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fees: $50 (Earlybird), $65 (Regular), $75 (Late), $85 (Extended). Discounts available for students, FilmFreeway Gold Members, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: October 2025 (exact dates TBA)
It’s no surprise that New York is a hub for all things entertainment, and the Hamptons International Film Festival is going on 30 years strong this fall.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. February 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Hamptons International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: June 17–22, 2026
Don’t worry if you’ve already missed some film festivals for 2025 like the Nantucket Film Festival. Given how quickly fees can increase after the initial early bird deadlines, it’s never too soon to get the next event on your calendar.
2026 Festival Deadlines: November 6, 2025 (Early), January 15, 2026
(Regular), February 19, 2026 (Final), March 5, 2026 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fees: $30 (Early), $50 (Regular), $75 (Final), $90 (Extended). Discounts available for students, FilmFreeway Gold Members, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: Late September–Early October 2026 (Exact dates TBA)
One of the longest-running and best film festivals in the United States, the New York Film Festival will be putting on its 64th event next fall. A festival not to be missed!
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. February 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the New York Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: June 3–14, 2026
Though New York’s Tribeca Festival is little more than 20 years old, its association with co-founder and Oscar winner Robert De Niro has quickly made it a highly competitive U.S.-based film festival.
2026 Festival Deadlines: For features: October 22, 2025 (Early), November 19, 2025 (Official), December 17, 2025 (Extended). (Note: other categories have their own deadlines).
2026 Festival Fees: $75 (Early), $90 (Official), $115 (Extended). Discounts available for students, FilmFreeway Gold Members, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Movin’ on down…
Dates: April 23–May 3, 2026
Atlanta is popular for TV and filmmakers who want those attractive tax breaks on their productions, but it also happens to be a growing hotspot for film festivals. Case in point, the Atlanta Film Festival.
2026 Festival Deadlines: November 7, 2025 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fees $105 (Extended). Discounts available for students, FilmFreeway Gold Members, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: June 15–21, 2026
Like the Tribeca Festival, the Bentonville Film Festival has some star power cachet. In this case, it’s Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis who co-founded this festival with a focus on diversity.
2026 Festival Deadlines: November 21, 2025 (Early), January 30, 2026 (Regular), March 6, 2026 (Late), March 20, 2026 (Final).
2026 Festival Fees: $65 (Early), $105 (Regular), $125 (Late), $130 (Final). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: April 9–19, 2026
Another longstanding event is the Miami Film Festival, which is going into its 43rd year. This particular fest puts a spotlight on American and international films, as well as Ibero-American cinema.
2026 Festival Deadlines: November 1, 2025 (Regular), December 15, 2025 (Late), January 5, 2026 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fees: $70 (Regular), $80 (Late), $110 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: September 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Nashville is often called out for its thriving music scene, but did you know that the Nashville Film Festival is putting on its 57th event next fall? It’s not just among the major film festivals in the southeast, but notably, one of the best film festivals in the U.S.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Nashville Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 23–27, 2025
Last among our upcoming film festivals in the southeast is the New Orleans Film Festival. Yes, New Orleans is a city also known for its music and food, but don’t let that fool you. NOFF proves that the city can also serve up top-tier film.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. December 2025 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the New Orleans Film Festival website or social media for updates.
You don’t need to travel to Hollywood to get noticed…
Dates: March 24–29, 2026
The Midwest isn’t necessarily known for its plethora of top film festivals, but the Ann Arbor Film Festival is certainly a diamond in the rough that you should check out in particular for its focus on experimental films.
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. July 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Ann Arbor Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 15–26, 2025
The Windy City has long been known as a hub for theater, but the Chicago International Film Festival is an annual showcase of the best in cinema as well.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Chicago International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Home to some of the most creative festivals in the states, the southwest region brings writing, music, and film.
Dates: October 23–30, 2025
Are you a writer-director or writer-producer hyphenate? Then be sure to check out the Austin Film Festival, which prides itself on being an event that caters to the writing community.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. December 2025 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Austin Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Santa Fe, which calls itself “the world’s greatest little film city,” is home to the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, which has become one of the top annual events in New Mexico.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. November 2025 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: March 12–18, 2026
SXSW Film Festival—also known as South by Southwest Film Festival—has become not only a popular fest in the southwest but also a major film event, period. Filmmakers from around the world hope to get their projects accepted at SXSW… Why not throw yours into the mix?
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. July 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the SXSW Film Festival website or social media for updates.
California and beyond.
Dates: October 22–26, 2025
Given that Los Angeles is a global entertainment hub, California is home to several of the best film festivals, including AFI Fest.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the AFI Fest website or social media for updates.
Dates: January 15–18, 2026
For over 25 years, Dances With Films has referred to itself as “defiantly independent” with no stars and no politics. If that sounds like your kind of fest, there’s still time to submit for this year’s event.
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. July 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Dances With Films website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 15–26, 2025 (Honolulu); October 28–30, 2025 (West O’ahu); November 1–2, 2025 (Kaua’i); November 7–9, 2025 (Big Island/Waimea); November 8–9, 2025 (Maui); November 13–16, 2025 (Big Island/Hilo); November 14–16, 2025 (Moloka’i)
Not all film festivals in the U.S. are on the mainland ! Catch a flight to Hawaii to enjoy not only the beautiful scenery but also the excellent programming of the Hawai’i International Film Festival.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Hawai’i International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: August 13–23, 2026
Many of the top film festivals include categories for short films, but not all film festivals are exclusive to them! HollyShorts Film Festival is an Oscar-qualifying event that solely features short movies, so be sure to look into this event for your short projects.
2026 Festival Deadlines: January 30, 2026 (Early), April 3, 2026 (Regular), May 8, 2026 (Late), June 1, 2026 (Extended).
2026 Festival Fees: $55 (Early), $65 (Regular), $75 (Late), $85 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members, students, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: October 16–23, 2025
If you head an hour south of Los Angeles (two with traffic), you’ll find yourself in beautiful Orange County where the Newport Beach Film Festival is located. An event with a focus on philanthropy, it’s one to catch if you can.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. January 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Newport Beach Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: November 6–9, 2025
One of the best aspects of the film festival world is the opportunity to showcase filmmakers of different backgrounds and movies that highlight historically overlooked individuals. Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival spotlights LGBTQ+ and BIPOC filmmakers.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. Check the Outfest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: January 2–12, 2026
Often considered one of the top film festivals to kick off each calendar year is the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Again, a short drive (by LA standards) will get you to this desert oasis for all things cinema.
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. April 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Palm Springs International Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: October 1–4, 2026
Slightly more lush than Palm Springs is Portland, which also happens to have a thriving artistic community. Don’t let the rain keep you away from the highly acclaimed Portland Film Festival!
2026 Festival Deadlines: October 29, 2025 (Early), November 12, 2025 (Early Discount), November 26, 2025 (Discount), December 17, 2025 (Early Bird), December 31, 2025 (End of Year), January 14, 2026 (Regular), January 28, 2026 (Late), February 11, 2026 (Extended), February 25, 2026 (Final).
2026 Festival Fees: $45 (Early), $50 (Early Discount), $55 (Discount), $60 (Early Bird), $65 (End of Year), $70 (Regular), $75 (Late), $80 (Extended), $80 (Final). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and students. See application page for full details.
Dates: April 23–May 3, 2026
The San Francisco International Film Festival was founded in 1957, making it the longest-running film festival in the Americas. A marquee event, SFFILM is a Bay area fest to experience for its incredible showcase of films.
2026 Festival Deadlines: November 12, 2025 (Regular), December 10, 2025 (Final).
2026 Festival Fees: $85 (Regular), $100 (Final). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members, students, and some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: February 4–14, 2026
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is yet another event just a short drive from Los Angeles that should be on your list of film festivals. It’s a festival with a focus on education and community that just happens to be located in one of the most beautiful cities in all of California.
2026 Festival Deadlines: October 31, 2025 (Late), December 3, 2025 (Final).
2026 Festival Fees: $115 (Late), $125 (Final). Discounts available for some categories. See application page for full details.
Dates: May 7–17, 2026
Though we’ve been focusing on U.S.-based festivals, many of them spotlight great cinema from around the world—including the Seattle International Film Festival. Get your pass to experience fantastic films from every corner of the globe.
2026 Festival Deadlines: December 18, 2025 (Regular), January 8, 2026 (Late).
2026 Festival Fees: $100 (Regular), $125 (Late). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold members and shorts. See application page for full details.
Dates: February 19–25, 2026
Nope, it’s not that film festival. We’ll get to that one in a moment. But to be fair, the Slamdance Film Festival shares quite a bit with its sort of namesake, in particular its commitment to highlighting emerging artists.
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. May 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Slamdance Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: January 22–February 1, 2026
Here we go! Among the top film festivals in the United States, probably the most well-known is the Sundance Film Festival, which was famously co-founded by the late Robert Redford.
With a mission of “fostering new voices in American storytelling,” it can be a life-changing experience for any filmmaker fortunate enough to have their project showcased in it.
All deadlines for the 2026 film festival have passed. May 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Sundance Film Festival website or social media for updates.
Dates: Labor Day Weekend 2026 (Exact dates TBA)
The Telluride Film Festival is the last of our upcoming film festivals located in the United States. Each Labor Day weekend, thousands of individuals flock to this picturesque Colorado town for the beautiful views and great films.
All deadlines for the 2025 film festival have passed. April 2026 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Check the Telluride Film Festival website for updates.
