The Kansas City Underground Film Festival is dedicated to bringing the work of independent filmmakers with unique and underappreciated visions to the people of Kansas City.

The Kansas City Underground Film Festival accepts films from every country worldwide in every genre on any topic. Our programming emphasizes low-budget (or no-budget) features and short films across all genres. All films are eligible regardless of completion date or premiere status.

When it comes to evaluating submissions, our programming team highly appreciates creativity, originality, and the presence of a unique voice.

The films selected for the festival will be screened in pairings over a two-week period, with audience and jury awards announced on the final day. These films will include feature-length films (60+ minutes) and a short program (less than 60 minutes). The number of films selected will depend on scheduling and the number of qualifying submissions.

Event dates are subject to change. All submissions will be notified if changes are necessary.

Jury Award for Best Feature
Jury Award for Best Short
Audience Award for Best Feature
Audience Award for Best Short
Five Outstanding Acting Awards
Best in Filmmaking Achievement

By entering the Kansas City Underground Film Festival, you agree to follow its rules and guidelines.

• We consider films regardless of premiere status. Even if your film has premiered at another festival, it’s still eligible.
• We consider work in progress films.
• We accept films in any language, but only speak English. If your film is not in English, make sure it has English subtitles available.
• Accepted filmmakers must own rights to their film and all its components by the time of the festival.
• If accepted, all entrants are responsible for delivering the final copy of their film and other materials, such as: trailer, press stills, and press-kit, by the deadline.
• If accepted, filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival. Unfortunately, at this time, The Kansas City Underground Film Festival does not provide room, board or travel for filmmakers.
• All accepted filmmakers will be given the opportunity to engage in an audience Q&A either digitally or in person.
• The Kansas City Underground Film Festival will be granted the right to use still images and short video clips (less than 30 seconds) of all accepted films in any festival promotional materials.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sean Whiteman

    Willy and the whole supportive team were so incredible! They really got me stoked and were really generous in so many ways that matter! I got to show a short and a feature as part of a really cool Analog Visions program. So kind and supportive. Would definitely recommend submitting to them!
    The venue space is really cool too!

    September 2024
  • Amanda Berlind

    KCUFF is truly amazing. Our host Willy Evans went out of his way to make us feel welcomed. The theater where our movie was shown is an amazing venue! KCUFF is keeping the cultural torch lit for us independent filmmakers as well as for lovers of cinema in the Kansas City area. We can't thank them enough.

    -Austin Stolz

    September 2024
  • I had another awesome time at the KC Underground festival this year! I highly recommend!

    September 2024
  • Wheeler Winston Dixon

    Excellent festival - thanks for supporting my work!

    September 2024
  • Como siempre increíble la comunicación y el evento que he en esta oportunidad al igual que con mi anterior película he seguido por las redes, lamentablemente no he podido asistir, más allá de las posibilidades que me brindaron desde el festival financiandome parte de los pasajes aereos. Les agradezco y les envío un fuerte abrazo!. Es un hermoso festival y como siempre ponen el empeño para que como realizador nos sintamos cerca del evento.

    September 2024