Sundance, Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Toronto—you probably know the “big five” film festivals. They launch whole careers, kick off awards campaigns, and attract the industry’s brightest directors, writers, actors, and producers. But are they the right fit for you and your film? If you’re looking to reach a specific community onscreen or want to find it IRL, these seven under-the-radar fests in the U.S. could be a much better match.
Cucalorus Film Festival (Wilmington, North Carolina)
If you’re an activist filmmaker or are drawn to the weird and wonderful, set your sights on Cucalorus. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” for three years running, this indie gem—founded in 1994—offers a distinctly “summer camp for moviemakers” vibe. Notably, Cucalorus doesn’t give out awards; instead, every selected filmmaker receives a cash honorarium and access to intimate, curated gatherings designed to spark creative collaboration and connection. The programming spotlights emerging voices in social justice, experimental storytelling, dance, horror, and Southern folklore. The 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival takes place Nov. 19–23, 2025. Submit here.
Dam Short Film Festival (Boulder City, Nevada)
Running Feb. 11–16, 2026, this festival showcases short films under 40 minutes—and the audience decides the winners. Submission categories include drama, comedy, documentary, animation, sci-fi, horror, international, student, and Nevada filmmaker. Just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, the festival’s location offers an easy add-on adventure for filmmakers willing to make the trip. If your project is “original, unusual, and entertaining,” Dam is a great option. Application information can be found here.
Denver Film Festival (Denver, Colorado)
Now in its 48th year, the Denver Film Festival spotlights both domestic and international films; artistic director Matthew Campbell and programming manager Ambriehl Turrentine lead the global curation. The 2024 lineup included over 180 films and helped garner buzz for Oscar hopefuls like Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist,” and Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl.” The fest also presents eight honorary and eight juried awards, including Career Achievement Award (given to “Dìdi” star Joan Chen in 2024) and the John Cassavetes Award (awarded to “Lilly” actor Patricia Clarkson). In 2025, the festival will run Oct. 31–Nov. 9. Apply here.
Kanab Film Festival (Kanab, Utah)
A festival for foodies and filmmakers alike, Kanab combines independent movies, master classes, and local eats for a truly singular experience. Founded in 2019, each year follows a playful theme—from 1960s pool party to Gatsby-themed murder mystery—that inspires both costumes and culinary choices. Did we mention all the food for the weekend is catered? “Escape to the ultimate filmmaker and movie enthusiast retreat in Kanab, Utah—an iconic Western film hub since the 1920s, still prized for its breathtaking, sought-after landscapes,” reads the festival’s page on FilmFreeway. Festivities take place May 1–3, 2025. Keep an eye out for submission information for next year’s fest.
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival (New York City)
If you’re a woman or nonbinary filmmaker of color, consider submitting your project to Reel Sisters. This year’s festival will take place Oct. 25–26. Since 1997, Reel Sisters, founded by the literary magazine African Voices, has championed films written, produced, and/or directed by BIPOC women. While they accept films of all lengths, the fest is also the first Academy-qualifying fest for shorts produced by this community. It screens 45–50 films annually. Find more information about how to submit here.
SCAD Savannah Film Festival (Savannah, Georgia)
The team behind this fest has Oscar-worthy taste. In 2024, its Audience Award went to Chris Sanders’ “The Wild Robot,” later nominated for three Academy Awards. The runner-up, Sean Baker’s “Anora,” took home five Oscar wins from six nominations. Hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), this is one of the largest university-run festivals in the world, drawing more than 65,000 attendees annually. Competition categories include animated short, documentary feature, narrative short, narrative feature, best director, cinematography, performance, and LGBTQIA+ short, as well as student film competitions. The festival will run Oct. 25–Nov. 1, 2025. Those interested in applying can check out the submission deadlines here.
Utah International Film Festival (Vineyard, Utah)
For 15 years, UIFF has offered filmmakers meaningful opportunities to network, access career-building resources, and share their work. The regional festival prioritizes personalized experiences for its filmmakers and has positioned itself as a launchpad for connecting with local audiences. “From the moment your film is selected, you’re part of a vibrant community of filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals who genuinely care about supporting and uplifting one another,” writes the fest on its FilmFreeway submission page. In addition to awards opportunities, filmmakers can attend networking events, workshops, and panels; participate in screenplay competitions; and even pitch their screenplays to producers. The fest will take place Jan. 13–17, 2026. Learn more here.
