Twelve Lions Film Festival is a four-day event showcasing quality independent film from around the world. Through film premieres, retrospectives, workshops, panels, meet and greets, and other networking events, we aim to further the careers of emerging filmmakers and to deepen the film lover’s appreciation of cinema in all its richness and diversity.
We founded Twelve Lions Film Festival to celebrate the art of film, to encourage emerging filmmakers, to challenge and entertain film lovers, and to support Kentucky’s growing film industry.
Twelve Lions Film Festival will bring a range of independent films and a gathering of filmmakers and film fans to Lexington, Kentucky from Thursday, 9/25/25 – Sunday, 9/28/25. All official selections are screened in the century-old Kentucky Theatre, a Beaux Arts movie palace in the heart of Lexington's vibrant arts and dining scene.
Stick around for Keeneland’s fall meet (starting on Friday, October 3) at that storied racetrack. Tour one or all of the 14 bourbon distilleries within just 45 miles of our downtown. Surrounded by more than 400 horse farms and miles upon miles of fence-lined pasture, we’re the Horse Capital of the World. Recently named one of Zagat’s 30 Most Exciting Food Cities in America, we’re the site of a culinary revolution. Take in the Kentucky River palisades at nearby Raven Run or experience world-class climbing at the Red River Gorge, one of Southern Living’s Seven Wonders of the South. We hope you’ll come for the films and stick around to check out all that Lexington and the surrounding areas have to offer!
$ 500 — Best Documentary
$ 500 — Best Narrative Feature
$ 250 — Best Narrative Short
Equipment Package* — Best Student Film
OTHER AWARDS
Best Cinematography
Best Cast
Best Use of Music
Best Animated Short or Feature
Audience Choice
Honorable Mentions (2)
*or $250 if unable to ship equipment outside of the United States.