The Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival (PUFF) screens over 90% of its submitted short films. We have featured 30+ films in each of our 4 years, and work hard to showcase as many independent filmmakers as possible. More than just a "horror" film festival, each year PUFF includes an eclectic mix of features and shorts, including sci-fi, action, documentary, bizzare, drama and more.

PUFF was founded as an alternative festival to bring new and undiscovered films to cinema fans in Philadelphia. The festival has previously featured such notable films as Tragedy Girls, Witch in the Window, Happy Face, Antrum, and Karate Kill. We tout an excellent success rate for our selections, with 95% of our feature films from the first few years of the festival receiving independent distribution.

PUFF works to connect upstart filmmakers with distribution outlets by working with local independent film distributors, and to offer a place for filmmakers to gain exposure and network with as many industry professionals as possible. Filmmakers are welcomed to participate in our digital screening library to spread awareness about their projects.

All accepted films are screened at the 2223 Theater (2223.fish) on our theatrical sized screen. The theater is located in the trendy neighborhood of Fishtown, known for its popular restaurants, bars and art scene.

Festival Director Alex Gardner offers a long history of film festival and horror journalism experience, working with other film festivals in the past such as Another Hole in the Head, Buffalo Dreams and the Bay Area’s SiliCon.

In addition to the annual festival, PUFF also partnered with South Street Cinema to offer a weekly screening series, and give independent filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their films with its "PUFF Presents" series.

PUFF's aim is to grow into a multimedia experience where people can enjoy our great city while experiencing the best in new cinema.

Awards & Prizes

Win the famous PUFF tiara for Best Feature and Best Short, plus awards and prizes for Best Local Film. Awards are chosen via weighted audience voting. Additional prizes to be announced.

BEST FEATURE: Famous PUFF Tiara (more prizes to be announced)
BEST SHORT: Famous PUFF Tiara (more prizes to be announced)
BEST MICRO SHORT: PUFF Swag
BEST LOCAL SHORT: Local Gift Certificate

Rules & Terms

An authorized representative of the project being submitted must agree via digital signature that the film being submitted does not break any laws, and that all necessary licenses, royalties, release forms have been obtained. By submitting to the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival (PUFF) you are granting the PUFF the right to screen any submitted Films twice during the scheduled Festival dates. You are also granting the Festival permission to use footage, stills and/or titles, and information from or relating to the Film for promotional purposes.

Films already available on home video will not be eligible for competition, but are still invited to submit to be screened out of competition.

New films that have recently had a festival screening in the city of Philadelphia will not be eligible.

Films that have premiered before 2018 are not eligible.

If your film is accepted you must provide us with both a physical and digital copy. Filmmakers are responsible for all shipping costs. Physical media submitted to the Festival will not be returned. There is a $15 service fee for any films PUFF has to burn to physical media. Payments can be made through PayPal or Venmo.

Suggested film specs:

1920x1080 or 1280x720
16:9 Aspect Ratio
24FPS
Audio Sample 48 kHz
Video Bit Rate, at least 5000 kbps
NTSC
.mov container
Apple ProRes 422 or codec of similar quality

Accepted films will also need to provide images, one-sheet and downloadable links or files for all available trailers. Trailers will be uploaded to the official Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival YouTube page.

Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival reserves the right to change any rules or scheduling. All accepted entries will be notified of any changes.

Please make sure all physical copies mailed to the Festival are titled, and include running time plus contact information. Please also provide a brief synopsis of your film, genre and if you're a local or student entry when submitting.

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dimitri de Clercq

    A truly original festival with a great spirit. We were delighted to be part of this year's PUFF. Heartfelt thanks to Alex Gardner and Jay Kay for their support and for hosting such a creative event in a unique space. We were truly honored to present our feature film You Go To My Head at the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival.

    November 2019
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  • Aaron Barrocas

    This fest was incredible to be involved with. Their communication was solid from beginning to end, and even though we weren't able to represent our film in person, they still made us feel like part of the event, and sent us a trophy immediately after the festival.
    Great people and wonderful experience overall. So glad we submitted!

    October 2019
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  • Giancarlo Orellana

    This is one of the best festivals I went to this year for my film. Great venue. Great people. And most of all, great films. This was my first time at PUFF and I was surprised by their selection of films. I recommend this festival, simply because the people who run this fest have tremendous appreciation for films and filmmakers.

    October 2019
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  • Gregory Lamberson

    PIFF has an offbeat programming philosophy that makes it special - I love the unpredictability of the selections. Alex Gardner has a real vision for the show he wants to put on. The venue this year was a church, and the setup was much better than I expected. Jay Kay conducted the Q&As, and I thought he did an excellent job. The volunteers were all friendly, and the presentation was solid. I didn't see a whole lot of promotion, but have no complaints. I would submit here again, and I would make the trip again.

    October 2019
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  • Stephen St. Francis Decky

    This is a truly unique festival with a carefully-curated line-up of genuinely exciting films. Super-Fun and an all-around great experience!

    October 2019
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