Now in its 37th year, the Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) celebrates over three decades in which we have presented thousands of new films to residents and visitors to our nation's capital.
In 2023 the festival will back in traditional late April dates: Thursday, April 20 - Sunday, April 30. Most likely with a hybrid combination of in-person and virtual screenings.
We welcome entries of international and independent cinema, and include several programs to showcase films made by artists living and/or working in Washington, DC.
As the largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, Filmfest DC has established itself as one of the city's major cultural activities.
The festival's audience is widely diverse, curious and knowledgeable. Filmfest DC delivers provocative and entertaining stories from around the globe to our own DC neighborhoods.
1. CIRCLE AWARD - juried competition of selected feature films that deserve increased recognition.
2 CROSSCURRENTS FOUNDATION JUSTICE MATTERS AWARD - an international juried competition of feature length films which expand our awareness and understanding of creative and collective responses to social justice issues around the globe.
3. FILMFEST DC METROSHORTS AWARD - a juried award for the best short film from a DC Metro area filmmaker.
4. FILMFEST DC SHORTS AWARD - a juried award which tends towards recognizing less well known filmmakers and those whose work illustrates a balance of economy and emotional resonance. Shorts in all genres are eligible, DC area premiere is preferred.
5. SIGNIS AWARD - the jury presents this award to the film deemed to best illuminate and celebrate what it means to be human in a diverse and challenging world.
6. FILMFEST DC AUDIENCE AWARDS to feature narrative and documentary films determined by audience ballot.