Upcoming Film Festivals to Bookmark

Film festivals are back!

After two years of cancellations, postponements, and other pandemic-related issues, film festivals for 2022 and beyond are finally on course again.

With few exceptions, most major film festivals were able to withstand the Covid storm much to the delight of filmmakers around the world. And we’re here to introduce or reacquaint you with the best film festivals near and far. 

Here’s the thing… To provide a full list of film festivals – like literally every single one – would result in a book-length catalog. So for the purposes of this article, we’re highlighting the top, upcoming film festivals that filmmakers should know about. And it’s still a very, very long list. We’ll be updating it often so be sure to bookmark it and check for updates as needed. 

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U.S.-based upcoming film festivals

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. 

Northeast

Let's kick it off on the East Coast. 

> DOC NYC (New York)

Dates: November 9-17, 2022

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.

Final Deadline: July 1, 2022

Final Deadline Fee: $110 (Features category)

> Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (Rhode Island)

Dates: August 8-14, 2022

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.

Final Deadline: July 15, 2022

Final Deadline Fee: $80 (Feature Film category)

> Hamptons International Film Festival (New York)

Dates: October 7-16, 2022

It’s no surprise that New York is a hub for all things entertainment, and the Hamptons International Film Festival is going on thirty years’ strong this fall.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. February 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Nantucket Film Festival (Massachusetts)

Dates: June 22-27, 2022

Don’t worry if you’ve already missed some film festivals for 2022 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.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. September 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> New York Film Festival (New York)

Dates: September 30-October 16, 2022

One of the longest running and best film festivals in the United States, the New York Film Festival will be putting on its 60^th event this fall. A festival not to be missed!

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. March 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Tribeca Festival (New York)

Dates: June 9-26, 2022

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. 

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. September 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

Southeast

Movin’ on down…

> Atlanta Film Festival (Georgia)

Dates: April 20-30, 2023

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. 

Hella Early Deadline: June 30, 2022

Hella Early Deadline Fee: $40 (Narrative Feature category)

> Bentonville Film Festival (Arkansas)

Dates: June 22-26, 2022 (in-person); June 22-July 3 (virtual)

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. 

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. October 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Miami Film Festival (Florida)

Dates: March 3-12, 2023

Another longstanding event is the Miami Film Festival, which is going into its 40^th year. This particular fest puts a spotlight on American and international films, as well as Ibero-American cinema. 

Early Bird Deadline: June 30, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: $55 (Features category)

> Nashville Film Festival (Tennessee)

Dates: September 29-October 5, 2022

Nashville is often called out for its thriving music scene, but did you know that the Nashville Film Festival is putting on its 53^rd event this 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. 

Extended Deadline: June 24, 2022

Extended Deadline Fee: $95 (Narrative Feature Competition)

> New Orleans Film Festival (Louisiana)

Dates: November 3-8, 2022 (in-person); November 3-13, 2022 (virtual)

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 is quite the experience.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. November 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

Midwest

You don’t need to travel to Hollywood to get noticed…

> Ann Arbor Film Festival (Michigan)

Dates: March 21-26, 2023

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 dust that you should check out in particular for its focus on experimental films. 

Early Bird Deadline: July 31, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: $40 (Experimental Feature category)

> Chicago International Film Festival (Illinois)

Dates: October 12-23, 2022

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.

Late Deadline: July 6, 2022

Late Deadline Fee: $200 (Feature Length Narrative category)

Southwest

Home to some of the most creative festivals in the states, the southwest region brings writing, music, and film

> Austin Film Festival (Texas)

Dates: October 27-November 3, 2022

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.

Late Deadline: June 24, 2022

Late Deadline Fee: $80 (Narrative Feature category)

> Santa Fe Independent Film Festival (New Mexico)

Dates: October 19-23, 2022

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.

Final Deadline: July 14, 2022

Final Deadline Fee: $75 (Narrative Feature category)

> SXSW Film Festival (Texas)

Dates: March 2023 (estimated)

Back in March 2020, SXSW Film Festival – also known as South by Southwest Film Festival – was one of the first major film festivals to cancel on account of the growing pandemic. Just this year, though, this much beloved event was able to resume its in-person festival.

The film festival dates, SXSW submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to SXSW Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

West

California and beyond. 

> AFI Fest (California)

Dates: November 2-6, 2022

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 2022 film festival have passed. February 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Dances With Films (California)

Dates: June 2023 (estimated)

For 25 years, Dances with Films has referred to itself as “defiantly independent” with no stars and no politics. Though the 2022 event has recently concluded, be sure to put it on your list of film festivals for 2023. 

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Dances With Films’ website for updated information in the coming months.

> Hawai’i International Film Festival (Hawai’i)

Dates: November 3-13 & 17-20 (in theaters); November 3-27 (online)

Not all film festivals in the U.S. west are in California! Catch a flight to Hawai’I to enjoy not only the beautiful scenery but also the excellent programming of the Hawai’I International Film Festival.

Late Deadline: July 15, 2022 

Late Deadline Fee: $65 (Narrative Feature category)

> HollyShorts Film Festival (California)

Dates: August 11-20, 2022

Many of the top film festivals include categories for short films, but not all film festivals are exclusive to them! HollyShorts is an Oscar-qualifying event that solely features short movies, so be sure to look into this event for your short projects.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. September 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Newport Beach Film Festival (California) 

Dates: October 13-20, 2022

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.

Regular Deadline: June 24, 2022

Regular Deadline Fee: $95 (Feature – Narrative category)

> Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival (California)

Dates: July 14-24, 2022

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 gives a voice to LGBTQ+ filmmakers and their stories.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. December 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Palm Springs International Film Festival (California)

Dates: January 5-16, 2023

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.

Final Deadline: July 31, 2022

Final Deadline Fee: $95 (Narrative Feature category)

> Portland Film Festival (Oregon)

Dates: October 12-22, 2022

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!

Final Deadline: June 22, 2022

Final Deadline Fee: $80 (Narrative Feature category)

> San Francisco International Film Festival (California)

Dates: April 2023 (estimated)

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. 

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to SFFILM’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> Santa Barbara International Film Festival (California)

Dates: February 8-18, 2023

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.

Early Bird Deadline: August 19, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: $45 (Feature: Fiction category)

> Seattle International Film Festival (Washington)

Dates: April 2023 (estimated)

Though we’ve been covering so far the best film festivals in the United States, these events often spotlight great cinema from around the world, and the Seattle International Film Festival is no exception. Get your pass to experience fantastic films from every corner of the globe.

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to SIFF’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> Slamdance Film Festival (Utah)

Dates: January 20-26, 2023

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.

Early Bird Deadline: July 4, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: $65 (Breakouts Narrative and Documentary category)

> Sundance Film Festival (Utah) 

Dates: January 19-29, 2023

Here we go! Among the top film festivals in the United States, probably the most well-known is the Sundance Film Festival, which we have Robert Redford to thank for its existence. 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.

The next Sundance submission deadline is coming up in several months – don’t miss your chance to be part of this premier event!

Early Deadline: August 12, 2022

Early Deadline Fee: $70 (U.S. Narrative Feature Films category)

> Telluride Film Festival (Colorado)

Dates: September 2-5, 2022

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.

Deadline: July 1, 2022

Deadline Fee: $95 (Feature Film category)

International film festivals

Grab your passport—we’re heading to the best overseas festivals!

While it will take a little more planning and financial resources to get to one of these top film festivals, that shouldn’t dissuade you from going.

The following upcoming film festivals are among the most prestigious in the world – and while that might make them more difficult to get into, they can present ample opportunities for filmmakers looking to broaden their professional network.

Americas

Let’s start with the Americas.

> BANFF World Media Festival (Canada)

Dates: June 2023 (estimated)

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 World Media Festival!

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to BANFF World Media Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> Calgary International Film Festival (Canada)

Dates: September 22-October 2, 2022

Little more than an hour away from Banff is the Calgary International Film Festival, which will be celebrating its 23^rd event this fall.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. January 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Guanajuato International Film Festival (Mexico)

Dates: July 22-31, 2022

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 2022 film festival have passed. January 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Toronto International Film Festival (Canada)

Dates: September 8-18, 2022 

Among the most prominent of the Canada-based film festivals is the Toronto 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 2022 film festival have passed. February 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Vancouver International Film Festival (Canada)

Dates: September 29-October 9, 2022 

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 2022 film festival have passed. January 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

Asia

> Hong Kong International Film Festival (Region of China)

Dates: August 15-31, 2022

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.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. Please check back to Hong Kong International Film Festival’s website for updated information on its 2023 event dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees.

> Istanbul Film Festival (Turkey)

Dates: April 2023 (estimated) 

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.”

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Istanbul Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> Singapore International Film Festival (Singapore)

Dates: November 24-December 4, 2022

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.

Early Bird Deadline: July 24, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: NONE!

> Tokyo International Film Festival (Japan)

Dates: October 24-November 2, 2022

We have another TIFF! This time, though, it stands for the Tokyo International Film Festival, which has been showcasing spectacular cinema for the last 35 years.

Regular Deadline: July 15, 2022

Regular Deadline Fee: 3,000JPY

Australia

> Melbourne International Film Festival (Australia)

Dates: August 4-21, 2022 (in theaters); August 11-28 (online)

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.

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. November 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Sydney Film Festival (Australia)

Dates: June 2023 (estimated)

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. 

The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Sydney Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

Europe

> Berlin International Film Festival (Germany)

Dates: February 16-26, 2023

We are traveling to Europe where many of the world’s best upcoming film festivals can be found. First among them is the Berlin International Film Festival, which first opened its doors to film lovers in 1951.

September 2022 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle. Please check back to Berlin International Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> BFI London Film Festival (England)

Dates: October 5-16, 2022

The United Kingdom features predominantly on our list of film festivals, and we’re highlighting first the BFI London Film Festival. A city known for its theater, it is likewise home to this highly regarded event. 

All deadlines for the 2022 film festival have passed. Please check back to BFI London Film Festival’s website for updated information on its 2023 event in the coming months.

> Brussels Independent Film Festival (Belgium)

Dates: February 5-12, 2023

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.

Almost Regular Deadline: June 23, 2022

Almost Regular Deadline Fee: $30USD (Narrative Feature Film category)

> Cannes Film Festival (France)

Dates: May 2023 (estimated)

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.  

The event dates, Cannes film festival submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to the Cannes Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.

> Dublin International Film Festival (Republic of Ireland)

Dates: February 22-March 5, 2023 

The Dublin International Film Festival… This is an event where you go for the great selection of cinema that it programs each year and stay for the stunning natural scenery at every turn. 

Early Bird Deadline: June 24, 2022

Early Bird Deadline Fee: $35USD (Feature Film category)

> Edinburgh International Film Festival (Scotland)

Dates: August 12-20, 2022 

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 2022 film festival have passed. January 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.

> Leeds International Film Festival (England) 

Dates: November 3-17, 2022

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.

Regular Deadline: June 29, 2022

Regular Deadline Fee: $69.02USD (Narrative Features category)

> Stockholm International Film Festival (Sweden)

Dates: November 9-20, 2022

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.

Regular Deadline: July 15, 2022

Regular Deadline Fee: $75.56USD (International Feature Films category)

> Venice International Film Festival (Italy)

Dates: August 31-September 10, 2022

Last on our list of upcoming film festivals is none other than the Venice 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 2022 Venice Film Festival submission deadlines have passed. Please check back to Venice International Film Festival’s website for updated information on its 2023 event in the coming months.

Wrapping up

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.

Certainly a boon to any filmmaker’s career to have their movie showcased at one of these top film festivals, they can likewise 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 prep, brush up on a few strategies for attracting funding here.