Now in its 38th year, the Washington, DC International Film Festival (Filmfest DC) celebrates the over three decades during which we have presented thousands of new films to residents and visitors to our nation's capital.
In 2024 the fully in person festival will be back at our traditional late April slot: Thursday April 18 through Sunday April 28.
We welcome entries of international and independent cinema, and include several programs specifically to showcase films made by artists living and/or working in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metro area (contact jms@filmfestdc.org before entering to see if you are eligible for a discount)
As the largest and longest-running annual international film festival in Washington, DC, FILMFEST DC has established itself as one of the city's major cultural activities.
Inaugurated in 1996 and presented by the Washington, DC International film Festival, ARABIAN SIGHTS is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the US and has grown to become a widely anticipated, attended and respected event in DC, and is favorably highlighted in the media. Since 2020, ARABIAN SIGHTS has been incorporated into the Filmfest DC dates.
The festival's audience is widely diverse, curious and knowledgeable. Filmfest DC delivers provocative and entertaining stories from around the globe to our own DC neighborhoods.
1. CIRCLE AWARD - juried competition of selected feature films that deserve increased recognition.
2 CROSSCURRENTS FOUNDATION JUSTICE MATTERS AWARD - an international juried competition of feature length films which expand our awareness and understanding of creative and collective responses to social justice issues around the globe.
3. FILMFEST DC METROSHORTS AWARD - a juried award for the best short film from a DC Metro area filmmaker.
4. FILMFEST DC SHORTS AWARD - a juried award which tends towards recognizing less well known filmmakers and those whose work illustrates a balance of economy and emotional resonance. Shorts in all genres are eligible, DC area premiere is preferred.
5. SIGNIS AWARD - the jury presents this award to the film deemed to best illuminate and celebrate what it means to be human in a diverse and challenging world.
6. FILMFEST DC AUDIENCE AWARDS to feature narrative and documentary films determined by audience ballot.
7. ARABIAN SIGHTS AUDIENCE AWARD for favorite Arabian Sights film will be determined by audience ballots presented at all festival screenings.