The Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival (PUFF) selects 95% of its micro and short films from its FilmFreeway submissions. We featured over 60 films in 2022, and plan to expand our programming in 2023. More than just a "horror" film festival, each year PUFF includes an eclectic mix of features, short films and music videos, including sci-fi, action, documentary, bizarre, 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 Terrifier, Tragedy Girls, Witch in the Window, All Jacked Up and Full of Worms, Antrum, and Karate Kill. We tout an excellent success rate for our selections, with most of our feature films 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.

Festival Director Willy Keiper 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.

All submitted films, screenplays and music videos will be viewed and selected by our team of jurors and core festival staff. Over the years our juries have consisted of a diverse mix of talented local artists, professional filmmakers, professors, actors and more.

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 and a jury of industry professionals. Additional prizes to be announced when applicable.

BEST FEATURE AUDIENCE : Famous PUFF Tiara
BEST FEATURE JURY: Famous PUFF Tiara
BEST SHORT AUDIENCE: Famous PUFF Tiara
BEST SHORT JURY: Famous PUFF Tiara
BEST MICRO SHORT: PUFF Swag
BEST LOCAL SHORT AUDIENCE: Local Gift Card
BEST POSTER: PUFF Certificate
BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY: Official Best Screenplay Laurels, name and script listed in official PUFF program, script (and art) displayed at theater and more TBA
BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY: Official Best Screenplay Laurels, name and script listed in official PUFF program, script displayed (and art) at theater and more TBA
BEST MUSIC VIDEO: Winning video will be viewed by the founder of Don Giovanni Records

2023 Jurors include: Brian Wadsworth (Editor on Emmy award winning television show), Veronica Kegel-Giglio (Local Author), Olivia McGrath (Crew, An Irish Goodbye), Don Giovanni Records, Nichole Celauro (Author) David Greenberg (Screenwriting & Film History Professor at Drexel University) and Jungyoon Kim (Blumhouse Production Executive).

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 PUFF the right to screen any submitted Film twice (2) 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/streaming/online are not eligible.

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

Films that have premiered before 2022 are not eligible.

If your film is accepted you must be capable of providing us with both a digital and physical copy for backup. 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
.mp4 container
Apple ProRes 422 or codec of similar quality

Subtitles must be presented on the film and not in a separate file.

Accepted films will also need to provide images, one-sheet and downloadable links or files for all available trailers. All 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. Venue is subject to change. 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.

32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elijah Ziegler

    Great communication and interesting programming, it's clear PUFF cares about spotlighting fringe filmmakers. I'm bummed I couldn't attend last year, but hopefully our paths cross again. Thank you PUFF team <3

    May 2023
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  • Merchandise Productions

    What a wonderful experience! Everyone at the fest was super welcoming and a total pro. We are truly honored to be selected as Best Feature (Audience Award) and hope to hang at PUFF again down the line.

    October 2022
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  • Josh "Esso" Wann

    This was my first time in attendance at PUFF. Had a great time and was able to do a Q&A after my short screened. The hosts were lovely people and extremely accommodating and friendly. Had a great time.

    October 2022
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  • Ashley Seering

    Thanks for including Last Bite!

    October 2022
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  • Tom Bessoir

    A great well run festival that supports experimental system. I enjoy attending every year.

    October 2022
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