As of 2022, DCIFF is a Film Festival & Forum. DCIFF is the oldest independent film festival in Washington DC and has a storied history of presenting extraordinary films. We showcase cutting edge features, animation, experimental films, shorts, and documentaries on every subject, from every country, and with every budget and subject imaginable. All films are still selected through review and come via submissions, we do not pre-select. To date, we have not been a curated film festival, but in 2021 we decided to pivot slightly and program more thematically. This switch does not impact submissions as we curate from selections but it is a move from extensive to intensive (fewer films and much, much more attention to each film and filmmaker).
The 2023 festival will screen 40-50 films (including shorts) over 5 days with robust filmmaker-centered programming around each selected film that allows for discussion, learning and celebration with audiences and several screenings. We will work closely with selected filmmakers to craft thoughtful, seminar-type programming around their film’s presentation. DCIFF brings together passionate artists, filmmakers, critics, curators, and film enthusiasts for a celebration of independent filmmaking. Like previous festivals, we continue to be an essentially volunteer-run festival. All submissions fees support festival programming.
The 2023 festival is entirely in-person in Washington, DC. Acceptance into DCIFF 2023 assumes your attendance and active involvement in the festival experience.
Student films are only a submission category: there is no programming section dedicated to student films except high school films.
HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION: February 25, 2023. We only accept high school submissions in the student category.
We will have awards for the 2023 festival but are reevaluating our awards structure. Because of the smaller group of selected films, we are working on how best to recognize everyone. We expect to have three best film awards and then awards for best directing, writing, cinematography, editing, effects and sound.
The high school film competition awards are a separate category of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.