In celebration of Women's History, LWFF presents the 4th Annual Lois Weber Film Festival, an event that highlights the contributions of women in cinema by shining a spotlight on the legacy of Lois Weber and emerging female filmmakers with an in-person screening, Q&A, and Award ceremony.

About our namesake: Lois Weber was a pioneering filmmaker in the early 20th century known for her groundbreaking contributions to the film industry. Less than 20 of her films have been preserved and many only exist in fragments. The LWFF exists to empower the next generation of female filmmakers by celebrating the great legacy of women in film: past, present and future.

**Please read our festival guidelines, rules and award specifics prior to submitting to avoid disqualification.**

Awards & Prizes

Awards are dependent upon submissions and selections; not all categories will be awarded. Nominees will be notified in advance of the award ceremony, and in the true spirit of equality, will be selected based on the merit of their work regardless of gender.

Best Short Film
Best Long-Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best New England Short
Best Drama
Best Horror
Best Comedy
Best Romance
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Best Biopic
Best Foreign Film
Best Sci-Fi
Best LGBTQ+
Best Dance
Best Animation
Best Student Film
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best 40+ Filmmaker
Best Director
Best Assistant Director(s)
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor(s)
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Lighting
Best Sound Design
Best Score
Best Production Design
Best Costumes
Best Hair & Makeup
Best Special FX
Best Stunts
Best of Fest - The Lois Weber Spirit Award

PLEASE NOTE: award winners in attendance will receive a trophy. If a project wins an award and the filmmaker cannot be in attendance, we kindly ask that you make a tax-deductible donation to LWFF to cover the shipping costs.

Rules & Terms

1. Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2024, and submitted through FilmFreeway.

2. All films must have been directed or co-directed by a woman (or someone who identifies as a woman.)

3. Filmmakers may only submit one entry per category (short, long short and/or feature).

4. Please include a cover letter detailing the project, key players, and genre and/or log-line.

5. If selected, filmmakers must provide a download link to their film, plus give consent to have their poster, trailer and director(s) headshot and bio in festival marketing materials.
15 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brett Levner

    This was a really lovely festival. The venue was a historic movie theater from 1937 which I loved. The town of West Newton is adorable with shops and restaurants. And the board members were all warm and inviting. The program was great and Gabby the festival director was a sweetheart. What a great experience.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for submitting and screening your film, Riot In Bloom! It really touched everyone, and we agree the venue is amazing!

  • Joy Shannon

    I LOVE, LOVE LOVE this festival! They are wonderful. So proud that my short, Rock Island Prison 1864, made it in and was nominated!

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting your moving film, and a huge congrats to you and everyone involved!

  • Sue Farina

    The Lois Weber Film Festival is a gem. More people should know about both the festival and Lois Weber! Organization was excellent, the vibe was so positive, and the films were top-notch. I was honored to have my film, Steeped in Denial, selected to screen. I was more honored to have the film nominated for a couple awards. And, I was thrilled to have the film awarded for Best Ensemble by discerning industry professionals. Thank you to everyone who made the Lois Weber Film Festival possible!

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting your film! It was outstanding!

  • Diana Porter

    Lois Weber is an exceptional and unique festival that no female filmmaker should miss. I have screened here twice and attended as an audience member on other years, but always walked away thrilled, inspired and with a few new friends.
    The staff at Lois Weber work hard to provide a high quality experience with networking opportunities, an informative panel, fantastic films, and even the not to be missed screening of one of Lois Weber’s Silent Films with live accompaniment. They also have a media presence and photography team giving filmmakers an excellent opportunity for promoting their films.
    Really I can’t say enough good things abut this festival. 100/10

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We are so happy the festival resonated with you and your team! Thank you for this wonderful review, and we look forward to all that you’ll do next!

  • Elvia Hill

    Thank you for showing Sidewalk Serendipity. This was a wonderful festival to be part of.

    March 2025
    Helpful