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Presented by The Oakland Film Society, The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF23) will showcase independent films from September 11-20th, 2025 at various venues in the City of Oakland.
In addition to hosting indoor and outdoor screenings, OIFF23 hosts networking events, parties, panel discussions and special events to promote independent filmmakers and the stories they tell in the city of Oakland, California.
Oakland, California, is known as a city that speaks truth to power.
Therefore, we seek films that bring voice to the voiceless.
We seek to connect these stories to what is happening in Oakland, CA and around the world to inspire community empowerment, equality and justice for all.
If your film is for the people, its for The Oakland International Film Festival.
Thank you for your consideration.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award Best Feature Narrative:
Films that demonstrate originality in storytelling

Audience Award Best feature Documentary
A film that utilizes documentary format to story tell.

Best Short Narrative Film:

Best Short Documentary film:

BEST TOWN: "Made in your Town"
A film that best illustrates "THE PEOPLE" in your city, community, neighborhood. Showcase the best group effort towards building community from "the people" up!

Films that speak to ending global hunger. Films that share new techniques in growing food, empowering communities to feed themselves. Films that promote African -American farmers and other under-served / discriminated against farmers around the world. We seek to amplify these voices to bring more awareness and support from around the world.
For more information, visit : http://oiff.org/feed_the_planet

Rules & Terms

I, the undersigned acknowledge and agree as follows: I have read, understood and compiled with all eligibility requirements of categories for which I would like this film to be considered. To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true. This film is not subject to litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. I am duly authorized to submit this film to the Festival and it's competition. I understand that if accepted, all projection requirements to screen the film i.e. film format, DCP, shipping costs of the film/video will be the responsibility of the filmmaker, I agree to allow the festival permission to screen the film/video in the festival and to use portions of the film/video and accompanying photos and publicity materials for promotion and publicity purposes of the Festival. I hold the Oakland International Film Festival ("Festival") and the Oakland Film Society harmless from damage to or loss of the print en route or otherwise Festival's possession of film.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Daniel Croix

    I was so grateful to have my short film 'Huli' screen in Oakland, and although I couldn't attend in person, it meant so much to be selected. Communication was excellent and my friends who went in person raved about the beautiful venue, quality of sound and projection, and warm atmosphere at the festival. Thank you for selecting us!

    October 2024
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  • Ken Gregory

    Thank you for the opportunity to screen my film.

    September 2024
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  • Shannon Shird

    Thank you for the opportunity to screen the film. It was well received and the viewers were engaged in the questions on agrarian sustainable farming traditions passed down from generation to generation in the African American community.

    Thank you for the platform for this important dialog on the history of American Agriculture and the economic system.

    February 2024
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  • Darius Aubry

    Truly appreciated the selection and opportunity given us to showcase our film, "Don't Block Your Blessings" in OIFF. Thank You Again . . .

    November 2023
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  • Sai Karan Talwar

    Thank you for having our film GHANIMAH screen this year, we are very grateful to have been a part of your festival.

    October 2023
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