The Festival

Welcome to the Detroit Inependet Film Festival, a celebration of the art of filmmaking and the power of storytelling. Join us for an online event of screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals and film enthusiasts.

Discover a diverse selection of films, ranging from indie gems to blockbusters, short films to documentaries, and everything in between. Our carefully curated program showcases the best of local and international cinema, with something for every taste and interest.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the movies, with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems that bring every frame to life. Learn more about the creative process of filmmaking. Meet fellow film lovers, where you can exchange ideas and make valuable connections. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned pro, the Detroit Independent Film Festival is the perfect place to showcase your talents and expand your horizons.

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS COMPETITION
Best Narrative Short
Best Narrative Feature
Best Short Documentary
AWARDS COMPETITION
Best Narrative Short
Best Narrative Feature
AWARDS COMPETITION

Best Narrative Short

Best Narrative Feature

Best Short Documentary

Best Feature Documentary

Best Animation

Best Experimental

Best Independent Film

Best Student Film

Best Comedy

Best Horror

Best Science Fiction

Best Web Series/TV Pilot

Best Human Rights

Best Female Director

Best Male Director

Best First Time Filmmaker

Best LGBTQ

Best Music Video

Best Unproduced Script

Best Script

Best Thriller

Best Cinematographer

Best Actor

Best Actress
Best Composer
Best Trailer
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
AWARDS COMPETITION
Best Narrative Short
Best Narrative Feature
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Independent Film
Best Student Film
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Science Fiction
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Human Rights
Best Female Director
Best Male Director
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best LGBTQ
Best Music Video
Best Unproduced Script
Best Script
Best Thriller
Best Cinematographer
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Composer
Best Trailer
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Independent Film
Best Student Film
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Science Fiction
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Human Rights
Best Female Director
Best Male Director
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best LGBTQ
Best Music Video
Best Unproduced Script
Best Script
Best Thriller
Best Cinematographer

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Composer

Best Trailer
Best Feature Documentary

Best Animation

Best Experimental

Best Independent Film

Best Student Film

Best Comedy

Best Horror

Best Science Fiction

Best Web Series/TV Pilot

Best Human Rights

Best Female Director

Best Male Director

Best First Time Filmmaker

Best LGBTQ

Best Music Video

Best Unproduced Script

Best Script

Best Thriller

Best Cinematographer

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Composer

Best Trailer

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION RULES

1- To submit a film, it is necessary to either possess the rights or obtain permission from the owner.

2- Fees paid are non-refundable.

3- Non-English foreign films must be accompanied by English subtitles.

4- The Festival will exclusively communicate with the individual submitting the film.

5- The festival will not be held accountable for damaged copies.

6- Students must provide a valid Student ID to qualify for our student discount.

7- Our Judges have the liberty to make their own selections, and not all submissions are chosen for the Official Selection. No explanation will be provided for films that are not selected.

8- The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film if the content is deemed inappropriate. Questions regarding this decision can be addressed by contacting us at our email.

9- The submitter must accept the Rules and Terms of the festival.

10- By submitting a film, the festival is authorized to use, distribute, and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis, and movie stills on our social media platforms.

11- The maximum allowed length for submitted short films is 40 minutes.

65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carolyn Carter

    As a potential entry, and even as the process is still unfolding, my experience with the Detroit Independent Film Festival has been incredibly positive. The festival demonstrates a strong commitment to elevating diverse voices and independent storytelling, creating space for meaningful narratives that often go unheard.

    From communication to overall organization, the team has been professional, responsive, and clearly passionate about supporting filmmakers. There is an undeniable energy around the festival that reflects Detroit’s rich creative spirit and cultural legacy.

    I’m looking forward to seeing how the remainder of the festival continues to highlight powerful stories and connect artists with audiences in impactful ways.

    April 2026
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  • Mira Kim

    Thank you to the festival, the jury, and everyone who supported my work. My film was born from a personal place: the Korea of my childhood, marked by hardship, yet filled with compassion. I wanted to show how a nation can grow—and how, even in poverty, people can protect one another through love and community. AI helped me bring these memories back with a new visual language. I am sincerely grateful that you welcomed this story with such open hearts.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Chrystal Rose

    What a great platform for independent film, such as my drama, Reparations. Good communication too.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Productions Feber

    Thanks for the opportunity to be semi-finalist :)

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Aaron Penney

    Thank you, DIFF team for considering our film, 'The Transition Room' and establishing it as a Semi-Finalist for your Final 2025 wave. "We appreciate you" for the recognition and our team is eagerly waiting the final results. This was awesome.

    January 2026
    Helpful