The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) is a 5-day film festival dedicated to showcasing new achievements in independent film and honoring the work of emerging as well as acclaimed directors, producers and actors. Now in it’s 21st successful year, PIFF has permanently established itself as the largest cultural event in lower Cape Cod and Provincetown's premier cultural event, attracting 10,000 plus film-goers, movie buffs, and arts patrons. This festival showcases over 100 American and international independent narrative, documentary and animated features and shorts as well as panel discussions and special events.
Occurring in mid-June, PIFF takes place during one of the most beautiful times of year in this coastal seaside town when businesses, inns, shops, restaurants and galleries are all fully operational. Drawn to the Festival’s hotly anticipated programming, innovative marketing, and strategic partnerships, PIFF welcomes audiences and supporters, new and seasoned, young and old, to a quality showcase of emerging films, enticing events, informative panels, special programs, and exuberant celebrations.
The festival's umbrella organization is the Provincetown Film Society (PFS), a non-profit dedicated to continuing the founding mission of the Provincetown Art Colony – to provide a welcoming, nurturing and inspiring environment for boundless and authentic creative exploration – in film.
From the time it was founded in 1998 the Society has been committed to serving its communities who are often outside of the mainstream, in the margins, or otherwise underserved – but have a voice critical to the evolution of artistic expression. It has also been dedicated to the celebration of Provincetown – an American treasure nestled amongst spectacular National Seashore beaches, and a shining example of diversity and inclusion.
Through the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF), Waters Edge Art House Cinema (WE) and Gabriele Hanna Provincetown Film Institute (PFS), including our annual Women’s Media Summit for Gender and Racial Diversity in U.S. Entertainment Media, the Provincetown Film Society endeavors to provide year-round programming to promote the cultural and economic vitality of Provincetown, to support aspiring, up-and-coming and established filmmakers connecting them with curious and engaged audiences globally, and to endorse gender, racial, and sexual diversity in U.S. entertainment media.
All accepted films are eligible for the HBO Audience Awards (presented to Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature). Other award categories include the John Schlesinger Award (presented to a first-time narrative and documentary feature filmmaker), HBO Short Documentary Award, Here Media Award (Best Queer Short Film), Jury Awards for Narrative Short, Animated Short, New England Short and Student Short (as well as Honorable Mentions bestowed at the discretion of PIFF staff/jury). Trophies are awarded at a ceremony at our Closing Night party.
Other honorary awards include the Filmmaker on the Edge Award to a film artist whose outstanding achievement, innovation and vision continue to push the boundaries of the medium throughout their body of work. Past honorees include: Sean Baker, Sofia Coppolia, Ang Lee, David Cronenberg, Darren Aronofsky, Guy Maddin, Quentin Tarantino, Todd Solondz, Gregg Araki, Mary Harron, Jim Marmusch, Todd Haynes, Gus Van Sant, Christine Vachon & John Waters; Excellence In Acting Award recipients include: Molly Shannon, Chloë Sevigny, Gael Garcia Bernal, Alan Cumming, Vera Farmiga, Patricia Clarkson, and Tilda Swinton; and our newest Next Wave Award honoring Chloë Grace Moretz and Aubrey Plaza.