The Woods Hole Film Festival is a showcase of independent film spotlighting the work of emerging filmmakers from around the world. We emphasize cinematography in the film selection process. We also promote the work of WHFF alumni both during and after the Festival. In addition to screening 100-150 works over the 8 day Festival, we offer workshops geared toward both veteran and emerging filmmakers. Additionally, we program a year-round screening series which offers a potential second screening opportunity for Festival filmmakers. All categories are competitive with both audience and Jury awards.

We offer Audience awards, Jury awards and Directors Choice awards. We offer prizes annually, but they are TBD.

The Woods Hole Film Festival will present the 33rd Annual Woods Hole Film Festival from July 27 - August 3, 2024.

Filmmaker/Screenwriter attendance strongly encouraged. Category, screening time, date, venue and format determination is at sole discretion of Festival. Woods Hole Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival and for promotional purposes. If accepted, filmmaker will be available to help promote the film. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless Woods Hole Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, 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, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening media entered.

A film/screenplay that is submitted is in consideration until such time as the filmmaker/screenwriter receives notification from the Festival. A film/screenplay that is withdrawn prior to or post notification will not be eligible to receive a refund of the submission fee. Once a film is selected as an official selection by the Festival, a film may not be withdrawn from the Festival by the filmmaker for any reason whatsoever. Filmmaker agrees to comply with all Festival rules and requirements and abide by Festival code of conduct. An official selection offer may be revoked by the Festival if a filmmaker does not comply with all Festival rules and requirements.

WHFF does not pay screening fees for films in the summer festival. However, films which are selected for inclusion and participate in the summer festival program are prioritized for paid screening opportunities in our various season series.

Film may not screen in a non-Festival screening within 90 miles of the Woods Hole Film Festival 3 months prior and 1 month post Festival. Exceptions may apply, but must be approved by WHFF prior to the Festival in order for the film to maintain its status as an official selection in competition. In general, WHFF screens films in competition that are completed within a 2-year period prior to the current Festival edition, however, the Festival may program films made prior to the 2-year period at our discretion or as a special screening.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Neal Thibedeau

    The entire team at Woods Hole Film Festival welcomed me and my script 'inHUMAN reSOURCES' to the competition this summer. I was lucky enough to get to see amazing films, stirring documentaries, clever short narratives, and all the people I met shared my earnest love of telling stories. Thanks so much to Judi and John and the town of Woods Hole! I hope to be back again. BTW - Don't forget to check out the beach! The water was perfect!

    October 2023
  • I am very honored to be part of this wonderful event! Fantastic festival at a beautiful spot in Cape Cod. I had a great time and connected with other filmmakers.

    September 2023
  • Mandy Fabian

    We had a wonderful time at the Woods Hole Film Festival. A nice audience of film lovers, a supportive community, great films, in an incredibly beautiful spot. And an Audience and Jury award for our film, so that's nice! Thanks for having us.

    August 2023
  • Chryssanthi Kouri

    A truly great festival that takes care of its filmmakers. I had a fantastic experience there and I was delighted for my film to receive the Best Cinematography In a Short Film Award. Beautiful location, the filmmaker relations team is fantastic, a good selection of films and many opportunities to meet and connect with other filmmakers. I highly recommend it!

    August 2023
  • Set Hernandez

    Thank you so much for having our film at the 2023 Woods Hole Film Festival! Special highlight was meeting the WHFF crew who are all such lovely and welcoming people! Thank you Sean, john, Sofia, Judy, Hortense, Sienna, Ethan and team who made us feel so supported! We had a great time connecting with audiences and other filmmakers. Looking forward to being in Cape Code again in the future!

    August 2023