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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.
But to provide a full list of film festivals – like literally every single one – would require a book-length catalog.
So for 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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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 8-26, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: August 6-11, 2024
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.
Early Bird Deadline: January 15, 2024
Early Bird Deadline Fee: $50 (Feature Film category)
Dates: October 5-12, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. February 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: June 19-24, 2024
Don’t worry if you’ve already missed some film festivals for 2023 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 2023 film festival have passed. September 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: September 29-October 15, 2023
One of the longest-running and best film festivals in the United States, the New York Film Festival will be putting on its 61st event this fall. A festival not to be missed!
All deadlines for the 2023 film festival have passed. February 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: June 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Tribeca Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Movin’ on down…
Dates: April 25-May 5, 2024
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.
Regular Deadline: September 22, 2023
Regular Fee: $65 (Narrative Feature category)
Dates: June 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Bentonville Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: April 5-14, 2024
Another longstanding event is the Miami Film Festival, which is going into its 41st year. This particular fest puts a spotlight on American and international films, as well as Ibero-American cinema.
Early Bird Deadline: September 15, 2023
Early Bird Deadline Fee: $55 (Made in MIA Award category)
Dates: September 28-October 4, 2023
Nashville is often called out for its thriving music scene, but did you know that the Nashville Film Festival is putting on its 54th 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.
All deadlines for the 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 2-7, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. November 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
You don’t need to travel to Hollywood to get noticed…
Dates: March 26-31, 2024
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.
Late Deadline: September 30, 2023
Late Deadline Fee: $70 (Experimental Feature category)
Dates: October 11-22, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Home to some of the most creative festivals in the states, the southwest region brings writing, music, and film.
Dates: October 26-November 2, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. December 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: October 18-22, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. November 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: March 8-16, 2024
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?
Second Deadline: September 19, 2023
Second Deadline Fee: $80 (Feature Film category)
California and beyond.
Dates: October 25-29, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. Check back to the AFI Fest website for updated information on the opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 30-December 3, 2023
For 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.
Standard Deadline: September 15, 2023
Standard Deadline Fee: $75 (Narrative Features category)
Dates: October 12-29, 2023
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.
All deadlines for the 2023 film festival have passed. February 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: August 8-17, 2024
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.
Early Bird Deadline: February 2, 2024
Early Bird Deadline Fee: $45 (Short Live Action category)
Dates: October 12-19, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: July 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: January 4-15, 2024
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 2024 film festival have passed. Check back to the Palm Springs International Film Festival site for updated information on the opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: October 12-16, 2023
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!
Late Deadline: September 13, 2023
Late Deadline Fee: $75 (Narrative Feature category)
Dates: April 25-May 5, 2024
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.
Early Deadline: September 29, 2023
Early Deadline Fee: $60 (Narrative Feature category)
Dates: February 7-17, 2024
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.
Official Deadline: September 22, 2023
Official Deadline Fee: $90 (Feature: Fiction category)
Dates: May 9-19, 2024
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.
Early Bird Deadline: October 5, 2023
Early Bird Deadline Fee: $70 (Feature Film category)
Dates: January 19-25, 2024
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.
Extended Deadline: September 29, 2023
Extended Deadline Fee: $120 (First Narrative Features category)
Dates: January 18-28, 2024
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 weeks – don’t miss your chance to be part of this premier event!
Late Deadline: September 25, 2023
Late Deadline Fee: $115 (U.S. Narrative Feature Films category)
Dates: August 31-September 4, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. Check back to the Telluride Film Festival site for updated information on the opening period for the next submission cycle.
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.
Let’s start with the Americas, excluding the United States.
Dates: October 28-November 5, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. April 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: September 21-October 1, 2023
Little more than an hour away from Banff is the Calgary International Film Festival, which will be celebrating its 24th event this fall.
All deadlines for the 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: July 2024 (estimated)
Head south of the United States to experience the Guanajuato International Film Festival, which happens to be a completely free event!
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Guanajuato International Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: September 7-17, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. March 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: September 28-October 8, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. January 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: March 28-April 8, 2024
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.
Early Bird Deadline: November 6, 2023
Early Bird Deadline Fee: $70 (Feature Films category)
Dates: April 2024 (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.
Dates: November 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Singapore International Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: October 23-November 1, 2023
We have another TIFF! This time, though, it stands for the Tokyo International Film Festival, which has been showcasing spectacular cinema for the last 36 years.
All deadlines for the 2023 film festival have passed. April 2024 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: August 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Melbourne International Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: June 2024 (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.
Dates: February 15-25, 2024
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 2023 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.
Dates: October 4-15, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. Please check back to BFI London Film Festival’s website for updated information on its 2024 event in the coming months.
Dates: February 4-11, 2024
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.
Very Late Deadline: September 23, 2023
Very Late Deadline Fee: $45USD (Narrative Feature Film category)
Dates: May 2024 (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.
Dates: February 22-March 2, 2024
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.
Late Deadline: September 15, 2023
Late Deadline Fee: $60USD (Feature Film category)
Dates: August 2024 (estimated)
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.
The film festival dates, submission deadlines, and submission fees have not yet been published as of now. Please check back to Edinburgh International Film Festival’s website for updated information in the coming months.
Dates: November 2-16, 2023
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 2023 film festival have passed. October 2023 is the estimated opening period for the next submission cycle.
Dates: November 8-19, 2023
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.
Final Deadline: September 15, 2023
Final Deadline Fee: $139.47USD (International Feature Films category)
Dates: August 30-September 9, 2023
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 2023 Venice Film Festival submission deadlines have passed. Please check back to Venice International Film Festival’s website for updated information on its 2024 event in the coming months.
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 prepare, brush up on a few strategies for attracting funding here.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
Anna Keizer originally hails from the Chicagoland area. After receiving her B.A. in Film/Video from Columbia College Chicago, she moved to California and finished her M.A. in Film Studies from Chapman University. She has also graduated from UCLA’s Writing for Television Professional Program and is currently in post-production on the short She Had It Coming, which she wrote and is executive producing.
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