Philadelphia Film Society’s SpringFest is a week-long festival presenting a curated selection of international and domestic feature films, along with Philadelphia-centric programming that includes local features and short films.

This event offers audiences a discovery-driven experience which centers premieres and filmmaker conversations, that reflect the power of the city's artistic scene.

Following the recent expansion to include local films, SpringFest continues to spotlight emerging voices and stories, with screenings at the Film Society East that showcase the creativity and range of contemporary filmmaking.

A new feature of the festival is the local filmmaker meet-up, introduced in 2025 as a dedicated space for Philadelphia artists to connect and engage with the city’s vibrant filmmaking community.

SpringFest is an event emblematic of discovery, dialogue, and growth within Philadelphia’s film scene.

Rules & Terms

SPRINGFEST 2026
Eligible films must have been completed and/or had their first public screening on or after January 1, 2025.

Submissions are open to local projects only. Films must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered:
- The subject matter and/or filming location is within the Greater Philadelphia area
OR
- A principal creative (Director, Screenwriter, or Producer) or a lead cast currently reside in the Greater Philadelphia area.

- Short films, music videos, and episodic content must be under 60 minutes in length.
- Feature films must be 60 minutes or longer.

Feature films must be Greater Philadelphia–area premieres. Films that have had in-person public screenings in the Greater Philadelphia area are not eligible. Screenings limited to local college or university exhibitions are acceptable. Films that are already online will be considered, but preference is for films that have not been released online.

Film accepted for SpringFest 2026 will not be eligible for 35th Philadelphia Film Festival.

PFS does not offer criticism on submissions, nor is it our policy to provide submission status updates prior to the notification date.

Accepted films will be notified via email. Please ensure that the email address listed on your submission page is one that you check regularly.

Entry fees are not refundable, no exceptions.

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35th PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL ELIGIBILITY

Films submitted to SpringFest 2026 will automatically be in consideration for the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival if the following criteria is met
- If not accepted for SpringFest 2026
- First public screening or completion date is after July 2025
- If film retains Philadelphia premiere status through October 2026

2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Shontel Horne

    SpringFest exceeded my expectations and is a great way for local filmmakers to connect with our small but mighty film community. I was lucky enough to screen my short "Why I Love You: Meet The Ultimates" twice and was programmed in the same block as a friend, which was very cool. I really appreciated the attention to detail for the festival. The fest has a great turnout, and I wouldn't change anything about my experience. Highly recommended for Philly filmmakers.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Aidan Guynes

    The Film Society always puts on a fantastic festival with great curation, events, and networking for filmmakers and film-goers. I've had the pleasure of screening at both the SpringFest and the bigger Philadelphia Film Festival in the Fall, and they have been great experiences, truly the best Philadelphia has to offer! The festival staff are very communicative, supportive, and helpful. There's always a big crowd and community who come out to support the films. Can't say enough!

    April 2026
    Helpful