As of 2022, DCIFF, the oldest independent film festival in Washington DC, is a Film Festival & Forum with a storied history of presenting extraordinary films. We showcase cutting edge features, animation, experimental films, shorts, and documentaries on every subject, from every country, and with every budget and subject imaginable. All films are still selected through review and come via submissions, we do not pre-select and we do not pay screening fees. We curate from selections and have moved from an extensive to intensive (fewer films and much, much more attention to each film and filmmaker) format. We invite ALL selected filmmakers to take part and help you join us. Our aim is to forward films and careers and we are thrilled with the success of our alumni.
PLEASE NOTE: HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION: February 17-18th, 2024. Please make sure to submit in the High School film category with your student IDs sent to dciffsubmissions@gmail.com
The 2024 festival will screen 50-70 films (including shorts) over 5 days with robust filmmaker-centered programming around each selected film that allows for discussion, learning and celebration with audiences and several screenings. We work closely with selected filmmakers to craft thoughtful, seminar-type programming around their film’s presentation. DCIFF brings together passionate artists, filmmakers, critics, curators, and film enthusiasts for a celebration of independent filmmaking. Like previous festivals, we continue to be an essentially volunteer-run festival. All submissions fees support festival programming.
The 2024 festival is entirely in-person in Washington, DC. Acceptance into DCIFF 2024 assumes your attendance and active involvement in the festival experience.
FYI: Student films are only a submission category: there is no programming section dedicated to student films except high school films.
We will have awards for the 2024 festival but are reevaluating our awards structure. Some Awards have up to $1,000 Awards attached.
The high school film competition awards are a separate category of 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.