Our June 12th, 2027 event will be held in-person like in 2026, 2025, etc.

We were a top 100 festival over 25 times before in Oct 2022, Sep 2022, Jan 2022, Jul 2021 through Dec 2021, Jan 2020 through Nov 2020, and Aug 2019 through Oct 2019.

Tired of being overlooked by fests? Searching for one that truly celebrates independent work and the dedication it requires? Then you've found the right place! While Hollywood keeps regurgitating the same junk over and over, indie filmmakers strive to do something different. Something original. They may not always be successful but at least they tried. Passion projects are the most important kind, and we're here to help. We'll be recognizing different films with awards, and we'll be screening chosen films on Saturday, June 12th, 2027, in Apopka, Florida. Don't worry if your film didn't have a huge budget. We even have a category for micro budget features. No production date rules. Films from any year can be submitted.

Our sister festival is the Indie Suspense Horror Sci-Fi Film Festival that runs in October. We have different groups of judges for both but the same management team.

Best Short and Best Feature in different genres with special awards for Most Fun, Most Creative, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Audience Favorite, our Spooky Award, etc.

Please read all rules and terms carefully. You agree to these in full by submitting anything to our festival. You MUST have all proper permissions, clearances, rights, etc. to send in your project and you must allow us to exhibit your film if it's picked. Only entries through FilmFreeway.com will be accepted. Whoever submits a project shall indemnify and hold harmless the Underground Indie Film Festival and its judges and associates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, credits, publicity, trademark, screening, and loss of or damage to any projects and/or materials submitted to our festival. We don't give individual reviews or comments on each submission. The individual(s) or company submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. We reserve the right to change our event venue if need be but there will be a live screening in or near Apopka, Florida, unless there is something completely out of our control like a pandemic, war, etc. then we might have to temporarily have an online event. Neither party shall owe any liability to the other party arising under this agreement for any indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages, including, without limitation, loss of profit or business opportunities, except as expressly set forth herein. Neither party makes (and each party hereby specifically disclaims) any, representations or warrantees, express or implied, regarding the services contemplated by this agreement, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, implied warranties arising from a course of dealing or course of performance or any warranties relating to title or non-infringement of intellectual property. Neither party makes any representation, warranty or assurance concerning any minimum or maximum number of viewers or attendees or screenings or celebrities or special guests or events or seminars. These terms can be changed at any time with or without notice. No refunds.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nicholas Komarnitsky

    Amazing festival, I just wish more people came, this should be bigger! Will defintily be coming back next year :D

    June 2026
  • Mike McDonald

    Although I wasn't able to attend this year, I enjoyed communicating with everyone and look forward to next year.
    The event was punctual and well managed.

    June 2026
  • Vedran Husremovic

    The rumors are true. This is the coolest underground independent film fest in the continental fifty. The selection of short films was eclectic and interesting. Tim is great to communicate with, and he obviously cares about the film community. I think he should give a masterclass talk next time around.

    June 2026
  • Egidio Concas

    Thank you for selecting my screenplay, “Good Luck, Babe!” 💜

    June 2026
  • Thank you so much!!! You are fantastic!!! Reacond Corp won the award for best comedy short film!! We come back!!!!!

    June 2026