The Washington DC international Cinema Festival is a Bi-Annual Film Festival, with an in-person" annual live screening and Gala Event. We celebrate young and new filmmakers around the world and seek great talent and content from creative minds looking to make a mark on the film industry.

Films of all genres and lengths may be submitted at the bi-monthly level where they will compete for various category specific awards. 1 winner from each category will be invited at the Judes discretion for the annual screening. This Screening event will take place at the ANGELIKA Pop-Up Theater in Washington DC. There will also be an Annual Gala Event in Washington DC where proper certificates of appreciation will be given to the very best of the best. Purchased Crystal Trophies and Gold Star Trophies will be presented (or can be re-presented) on the Red Carpet on that evening

Trophies will be available for finalists and winners only . Producers are partners with several distribution companies worldwide. Short films submitted have a chance at being packaged for distribution and features can also be negotiated into a distribution deal. Producers are watching!

Awards & Prizes

Entry into the festival guarantees all the film/projects to be in competition and therefore have a chance at being nominated and competing for the awards listed.

All award winners, semi-finalists, finalists and nominated films will receive a WDCICF Laurel in the appropriate category.

Special Jury mentioned films are eligible for gold certificates for purchase.

Winners, finalists and semifinalists are eligible for trophies for purchase.

Rules & Terms

A) eligibility requirements.
1. We accept films of all genres.
2. All films completed on or after January 1, 2018 or eligible for consideration.
3. Short feature films that are available for public online viewing are eligible.
4. Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted. A separate submission and a separate entry fee must accompany each entry.
5. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. Dialogue lists are not accepted.
6. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry to the festival and to use all music, images and content in the entry.

B) submission guidelines:
1. Films must be submitted via online screener hosted by Vimeo or any platform attached to FilmFreeway.
2. Only complete entries including fee payment and screener will be considered.
3. Entrance are permitted to submit works in progress (i.e. without final color correction or sound mixing) but note that the programming committee will only consider the version submitted. Subsequent cuts and replacement copies must be submitted separately and at full additional entry fee.

D) judging and selection
1. Films are selected for festival presentation by the Washington DC international film Festival programming committee, if a film is selected, the festival office will contact the entrance by email. The festival does not provide feedback with screening notes to entries that are not selected.

E) all competitive film categories are judged during the festival.

F) Entry fees
Each entry must be accompanied by the appropriate entry fee, entry fees are not refundable, fees, registration, registration notification, consideration by the programming department and notification of the results. These fees May be paid by credit card Visa MasterCard or American Express through FilmFreeway.
7 Reviews
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  • Cynthia Fridsma

    Dear Washington DC International Cinema Festival,

    I am overjoyed and humbled to receive the award for Best Narrative Feature for my animation Pandemic: Chaos is Bleeding. This is an incredible honor and I am very grateful for this opportunity.

    I would like to thank the organizers, the sponsors, the jury, and the audience of Washington DC International Cinema Festival for hosting this amazing event and for celebrating the diversity and creativity of independent cinema. You have created a vibrant and inspiring platform for filmmakers from all over the world to share their stories and visions. I am honored to be a part of this festival and I hope to contribute to its growth and success.

    I would also like to thank my family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support and love. They have been my source of strength and inspiration throughout this journey and they have helped me overcome many challenges and obstacles. Without them, I would not have been able to create Pandemic: Chaos is Bleeding, which is a reflection of my passion and dedication.

    Pandemic: Chaos is Bleeding is a thriller/horror animation that tells the story of Sybil Crewes, a former FBI agent who joins the ATU (Anti-Terrorist Unit) to stop a deadly virus outbreak that threatens to unleash chaos in the world. I created this animation using professional 3D software such as iClone 8, Character Creator, Poser 12, Carrara Pro 8.5, and Daz Studio. I wanted to create a captivating and engaging narrative that explores the themes of survival, courage, and justice.

    I am delighted that you enjoyed my animation and that you appreciated my efforts. This award means the world to me and it motivates me to continue creating more animations in the future. Thank you once again for this honor and for your generous words.

    Sincerely, Cynthia Fridsma

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Bravo!
    We were honored to have you and congratulations on your win!!
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • morris small

    The experience, the projects, the staff treatment, was all great. I highly recommend submitting to this festival.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    So glad that you can join us Morris it is so important that we filmmakers support each other. Everyone enjoyed meeting you. Keep on making films.!!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • C Edward Mack

    It has been my esteemed pleasure to have been recognized by the Washington DC International Cinema Festival. My project directly is related to George Washington and where he grew up, so to be recognized by this festival is extremely satisfying.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We were honored to have you!!
    Please visit us again.

  • Lady Giuseppina De Luca

    Grazie. Insieme nel Mondo per Creare " Nuove Vite " affinchè ogni Uomo nel Mondo possa ritrovarsi in mille Vite da Vivere.
    Giuseppina De Luca.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful project with us. We hope to see you again with new and exciting projects.

    Stephen Sorrentino, Director.

  • Super Promo

    Thank you for this wonderful event and for the trophy....

    Best Regards,
    Fadi Awad

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    It was absolutely our pleasure. Highlighting talented people is why we are here. Congratulations again..