FirstGlance is Philadelphia's Independent Film Festival since 1996
The 30th Annual FirstGlance Philadelphia Film Festival screens local and international professional, first time, and student filmmakers, celebrating the best in indie film making from across the globe and locally produced Philadelphia Filmmakers.

To Celebrate 30 years, FirstGlance will be offering all $30 Entry Fees for the first 30 days in all categories!!

May 2027 at the Film Society Bourse (Dates to be announced)
Screen your film on the BIG SCREEN in Olde City Philly

Horror, SciFi, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy...Everything INDIE!
One of the 100 TOP RATED Film Festivals on FilmFreeway over the last 5 years!

Over 25 nominating categories for Official Selections, plus Best of Audience Choice awards for each category, and BEST OF FEST award winner selected by the audience.

First time filmmakers to Professionals, from down the street to across the globe!
INDIE FILMMAKERS WANTED!!
Features, Shorts, Documentary, Animation, Live Action, Web Series, Music Videos, Original Concept Trailers, Student Films

FirstGlance is an all inclusive diverse event open to every genre, from filmmakers of any gender, color, race, ethnicity, country, religion and skill level.

Screenings, Red Carpet, Live Awards Presentation, Filmmaker Luncheon, and After Parties open to FirstGlance Attendees and the general public to network.

FirstGlance Film Festivals are the longest running international bi-coastal indie film festivals in the United States.

FirstGlance has theatrically screened over 3100 films to over 300,000 attendees. A 99% track record with feature films over the past 12 years (Narrative and Documentary) acquiring Theatrical and Streaming Distribution.

Named 6 times as a Best Film Festival Investment by Moviemaker Magazine and named by Time Magazine as, "One of the Festivals for the Rest of Us" And Named One of FilmFreeway's Top 100 Film Festivals!

Awards & Prizes


Awards Presented by the Screening Committee and Festival Director:
New for the 30th Anniversary Event
**Best Animated Short**
**Best International Short**

Best Director (Feature)
Best Director (Documentary)
Best Director (Short)
Best Director (Web Series)
Best Comedy
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy
Best Horror
Best Drama
Best Short
Best Ensemble Cast (Feature)
Best Ensemble Cast (Short)
Best Ensemble Cast (Web Series)
Breakout Performance
Best Cinematography
Best Actor (Feature)
Best Actress (Feature)
Best Actor (Short)
Best Actress (Short)
Best Actor (Web series)
Best Actress (Web series)
Best Young Actor
Best Special Effects
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Most Imaginative Film
Shot in Philly- Narrative
Shot in Philly- Documentary
Mela Hudson Award (Female Filmmaker)

Audience Choice Awards:
Best Student Film
Best Shorts Too
Best Short
Best Animation
Best International
Best Web Series
Best Documentary
Best Feature
BEST OF FEST

Rules & Terms

Student entries must include copy of current semester bill and copy of student ID by email. All official selections will be notified of acceptance by E-mail. (Make sure your address is current) Accepted projects cannot be publicly exhibited (within 60 miles) of the Philadelphia area at any time within a one-month period (30 days) of the festival start date. If this occurs, FirstGlance has the right to refuse exhibition. After acceptance of projects, the entrant is free to publicize his/her work to any and all media she/he deems necessary. Please notify FirstGlance of any media support you receive. The undersigned entrant shall release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless FirstGlance Films, and its agents, respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, contractors, partners, sponsors, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses (including, without limitations, attorneys' fees). The undersigned entrant authorizes FirstGlance Film Festival, to promote the entry for any publicity purpose prior to, during, and after the competition. You agree to be bound by these guidelines and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects and to waive any right to claim ambiguity in the contest or the rules. The signature of applicant constitutes that the entrants information is true and correct and agrees to all competition rules and guidelines. Disclaimer: If any categories submissions does not receive high enough scores from our screening committee, FirstGlance has the right to discontinue the category for a particular festival.
Filmmaker Requirement: A physical DCP will be required by the venue. All Official Selections agree to deliver a physical thumb drive or hard drive with a professionally authored DCP (Digital Cinema Package) or will create one to deliver to FirstGlance for Theatrical screening. FirstGlance will also request a backup mp4 link of the highest quality, in case of a screening emergency on the day of the festival.

59 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Derek Frey

    I’ve had the honor of having many films screen at the FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia over the years, and every experience has been truly top class.

    This year was no exception. The festival continues to bring such positive energy, genuine enthusiasm for independent cinema, and an atmosphere that feels welcoming to filmmakers and audiences alike. The screenings were exceptionally well run, the presentation quality was fantastic, and the entire process from communication to exhibition felt smooth, thoughtful, and professional.

    Most importantly, the people behind the festival are exceptional. There’s a real sense that they care deeply about filmmakers and the community they’ve built around independent film. That spirit radiates throughout the entire event.

    A heartfelt thank you to the entire FirstGlance team for continuing to champion indie voices and creating such a memorable experience year after year. Philadelphia is lucky to have you.

    May 2026
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  • Liz Wiest

    Fantastic team, fantastic events, incredible sponsors!

    May 2026
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  • P. Patrick Hogan

    I wasn't able to attend unfortunately, but hope to be there in the future. The communication was fantastic, everyone was super friendly and great to work with and the programming looked excellent. Highly recommend this one!

    May 2026
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  • Shari Hamrick-Grewal

    Honored to have been. Parrot of the fest!

    May 2026
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  • Jesse Torres

    First Glance Philly was a phenomenal experience. A great selection of films, good people, networking and vibes. I also appreciated the venue, it really helped show the quality of the work. I’m honored to have received the awards for Most Imaginative Film, and Best Sound Design. “The Philadelphia Project” made its mark at First Glance Philly and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you to the awesome staff and Bill for putting on this wonderful event!

    May 2025
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