Film Festivals in Florida
Whether submitting a film for consideration, or wanting to mingle with industry professionals, film festivals in Florida showcase the immense talent of filmmakers from home and abroad. Florida is a haven for filmmakers, with two film festivals held annually along Destin-Fort Walton Beach, and several major festivals held throughout the state. Find all the big ones, complete with dates and submission info below.
Miami International Film Festival
Miami, Florida
Enjoy ten days of thought-provoking films, master classes, happy hours, and parties in celebration of Miami Dade College’s Annual Miami Film Festival. Seven venues will be screening nearly 200 films during the festival. Cash prizes and Achievement Awards are up for grabs in the following categories: feature films, short films, documentaries, and films featuring historically underrepresented groups. Purchase tickets and find submission information at www.miamifilmfestival.com.
Gasparilla Film Festival
Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg, Florida
Film. Fest. Repeat. The Gasparilla International Film Festival takes over Tampa Bay for six days in March, featuring over 140 films that engage, educate and inspire. Rub elbows with more than 200 industry professionals and 15,000 film lovers. Gasparilla Film Festival will showcase feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, family-friendly films and international films. For line-ups, past winners, ticket information, and submissions, please visit www.gasparillafilmfestival.com.
Tallahassee Film Festival
Tallahassee, Florida
Enjoy a marathon of films over the course over the long weekend, participate in post-film Q&As with filmmakers from around the globe, and mingle with filmmakers and fellow film enthusiasts at the after-parties. The Tallahassee Film Festival accepts submissions for feature films, short films, animated films, documentary films, experimental films, and television work. Visit www.tallahasseefilmfestival.com for tickets and submission information.
Sarasota Film Festival
Sarasota, Florida
Enjoy 250+ films over a span of nine days, along with an opening night party, after parties, and special events. In addition to screenings, enjoy in-depth interviews with industry professionals. Awards are given for categories including documentary feature, narrative feature, animated short film, documentary short film, narrative short film, and audience favorite. Find submission guidelines and purchase tickets at www.sarasotafilmfestival.com.
Florida Film Festival
Orlando, Florida
Premiering the best in current, independent, and international cinema, the festival features ten days of 180+ films and first-class events. Mingle with fellow filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails and delicious eats. The Florida Film Festival is accredited as a qualifying festival for the Oscars. The winner of the Grand Jury Award in the Live Action Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short film categories will automatically qualify to enter the Academy Awards. For details, tickets, and film submissions, please visit www.floridafilmfestival.com.
Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach
Alys Beach, Florida
Digital Graffiti takes place on the iconic white walls of Alys Beach, Florida. Artists at the one-of-a-kind projection art festival use the latest digital technologies to project their original works onto facades throughout the town. Digital Graffiti attracts digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, interactive designers, photographers, and fans of art, technology, and architecture. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes are awarded to artists, with digital submissions being received from all over the globe. Visit www.digitalgraffiti.com for submission information.
Jacksonville Film Festival
Jacksonville, Florida
Once known as the “Winter Film Capital of the World,” Jacksonville has a rich film history that spans over 100 years. Jacksonville Film Festival creates an atmosphere that immerses filmmakers with their audience. It’s also an opportunity for artists to showcase their work and be recognized for their cinematic achievements. Awards are given for best documentary, short film, feature film, director, actor/actress, and screenplay. Visit www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com for dates and submission info.
Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor
WaterColor, Florida
Mountainfilm on Tour takes place each November under the stars in WaterColor, Florida. The outdoor film festival showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political, and social justice issues that matter. Mountainfilm accepts submissions for short and feature-length films on a broad range of subjects. To submit a film, visit www.mountainfilm.