Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) celebrates the four decades during which we have presented thousands of new films to residents and visitors to our nation's capital.
In 2026, the in-person festival will be back at our traditional late April slot: Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 26.
We welcome entries of international and independent cinema in specific categories, and include several programs specifically to showcase films made by artists living and/or working in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metro area (contact Juliet@filmfestdc.org before entering to see if you are eligible for a discount).
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.
Inaugurated in 1996 and presented by the Washington, DC International Film Festival, ARABIAN SIGHTS is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the US. It has grown to become a widely anticipated, attended and respected event in DC, and is favorably highlighted in the media. Since 2020, ARABIAN SIGHTS has been incorporated into the Filmfest DC dates.
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.

Awards & Prizes

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; a DC area premiere is preferred.
5. SIGNIS AWARD — a juried award presented 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 — awards to feature-length narrative and documentary films determined by audience ballot.
7. ARABIAN SIGHTS AUDIENCE AWARD — an award for the favorite Arabian Sights film determined by audience ballot.

Rules & Terms

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY PRIOR TO SUBMITTING.
1. Filmfest DC strongly prefers to have the Washington, DC area premiere of films selected for the festival and gives priority to such films.
2. Submission criteria:
- Completion AFTER January 31, 2025
- In English or in the original language with English subtitles
- General short film submissions must be under 18 minutes in duration
- MetroShorts submissions may be 30 minutes or less
- Feature films must be over 65 minutes in duration
- At this time we do not program medium length films (31 to 55 minutes in length)
- Not screened or streamed on television or theatrically in the U.S. or scheduled to screen prior to April 26, 2026
- Not available to the public online as a DVD or as a digital download/streaming link for purchase or rental
- NOTE: We have no category for films made by youth (K–12), and these films are seldom competitive or selected
- PLEASE NOTE: Submission fees are nonrefundable
3. Works in progress that are not final cuts may be submitted, but please clearly note what is missing or will change. If you later replace them with final versions, please let us know.
4. JUSTICE MATTERS COMPETITION: Please submit feature length (56+ minute) films about creative and collective responses to social justice issues (including environmental, economic, etc.) through the Justice Matters category. ONLY feature length (56+ minute) films are considered in this category.
5. DISCOUNT ON ENTRY FEE FOR DC AND DC METRO AREA FILMMAKERS:
If you are a filmmaker living and/or working in the DC Metro area you may be eligible for a discounted entry fee. Please contact us PRIOR TO SUBMISSION with your name, address, name of film, date of production, run-time and a brief description of your/your film's connection to the DC Metro Area.
For METROSHORTS and JUSTICE MATTERS films contact Juliet @filmfestdc.org; all others, write to filmfestdc@filmfestdc.org.
6. More than one entry may be submitted; however an official entry and entry fee must accompany each submission.
7. If your film is selected, Filmfest DC will require a DCP exhibition copy for the festival's theatrical public presentation. The 2026 festival will be an in-person event. We encourage you to take measures to make your film accessible.
Please identify if your film has:
- Open Captions
- Closed Captions
- Subtitles
- Audio Description
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A Refuge of Scouting

    We were grateful for the opportunity to share A Refuge of Scouting alongside such a diverse and inspiring group of creators. A truly rewarding and well-organized event.

    April 2026
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  • rich k

    We had our world premiere here, which was especially great since our film was local. The staff was very helping and hospitable, and the experience was amazing. Would recommend this festival for anyone, but especially for DC Area filmmakers

    April 2026
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  • Jay Mallin

    Filmfest DC was a really positive experience for me and my short, local doc. The volunteers were great to work with, everything was very well organized, and the showing was a lot of fun, as was the chance to meet the other filmmakers. I'd highly recommend it!

    April 2026
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  • Olga Sovenko

    We were really delighted to become a part of a festival. It is a great honour and pleasure to raise the topic of forcibly displaced people among the other topics. We apprreciate the high level of management and communication from the side of the Festival team. We wish all the best for the future Festival screenings!

    May 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We do our best! Thank you Olga, we agree with you about the importance of the festival including films such as yours that raise important topics about what is real and possible in this world, and appreciate the opportunity to see and present yours!

  • Christopher McGuinness

    Everyone was wonderful... Juliet, Linda and the whole team did a great job. Thank you kindly! Positive Vibes!

    May 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Christopher! And thanks for sharing your beautiful film with our Washington DC audience.