IMDb qualifying competition of Denver Indie Film Festival is an online international competition for independent filmmakers, writers, directors and all artists working on indie features and shorts. Our intention is to promote films and provide exposure to indie projects of all genres from all over the globe.

One of the key characteristics of an indie film is its independence from the conventional studio system. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's made on a shoestring budget or completely outside of Hollywood. The definition of independence, as with many things in the film industry, has evolved over time.

Independent films are made outside the leading film industry; they are less prevalent than mainstream films and are often produced by emerging filmmakers. Although these films may not have the big names connected to them, they still aim to get the same kind of distribution.

It would be our pleasure to consider indie films and artists of all genres for our online competition. Submit your indie shorts, features, screenplays and nominate artists!

Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Feature Script
Best Short Script
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Indie Film
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Music Video
Best Sci-Fi
Best Comedy
Best Director
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Cinematographer
Best Web-Series-Pilot

There is no premiere requirement for our competition.
Films are not screened online unless it is for our annual online competition.
There is no completion date requirements.
US and International projects are accepted.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cindy Copeland

    I was very pleased to submit my screenplay to this film festival… And very honored that I was selected as a winner for Best Feature Script. They were wonderful about communicating, highly professional, and treated me very respectfully.

    February 2026
  • Lenny Gatto

    It was an honor for my lead actress, Rachel Saint Francis, to be selected as Best Actress. She worked very hard on the movie, and she is a delight to work with.
    Lenny Gatto - Composer, Writer, Producer, Director

    November 2025
  • Geraldine Comiskey

    Great supporter of new writers and directors. I was thrilled to make the finals with my feature-length screenplay set in an Irish country village, "The Shopkeeper's Girl".

    November 2025
  • Bailey Spore

    Such an honor to be selected and have won an award with this festival!

    November 2025
  • Hyonok Kim

    Beautiful and communicating Festival. I enjoyed very much.

    August 2025