The Moviate Underground Film Festival encompasses a 3-day film fest on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg, PA, coinciding with the area's annual arts celebration: Artsfest, which brings in thousands of art and film enthusiasts who will attend multi-genre film screenings at multiple venues around the city.

We have a wide range of viewership and look for anything from quality narratives and comedies to spotlight animation, kids films or documentaries. Above all, we love anything super 8 or 16mm, underground, independent, avant-garde, personal, experimental, or any other form of creative filmmaking that challenges the masses and the stereotypical 'Hollywood' aesthetic. We show film and video creations made as a form of art, not as a means of making a profit at the expense of our culture.

WE LOVE TO PROJECT 16mm and Super8 films and prefer film prints over digital whenever possible.

Past filmmakers and speakers in attendance include:

John Waters
Todd Solondz
Crispin Glover
Guy Maddin
Lauren Wolkstein
Skizz Cyzyk
Carter Stevens
Bryan Lewis Saunders
Z'EV
Emily Hubley
Jem Cohen
Sight Unseen
Laura Faggioni
Richard Elfman
Adolfas Mekas
L.M. Kit Carson
Weird Paul!!!
Frank Whaley
Richard Kern
The Trachtenburg Slide Show Players
The Cast & Crew of John Waters' "Desperate Living"
Richard Edson
Mark Borchardt
Clayton Patterson
David Redmon
Mark Eaton and Johnn Swarr
Helen Stickler
Kelly Baker aka The Angry Filmmaker
and many others!

Attending filmmakers receive admission to all events including any special speaking engagements or award ceremonies.

Rules & Terms

Any original films from any year are accepted. Please include a disclaimer for any explicit content. This is used for programming purposes only and will not influence the decision-making process in any way.

Films will not be "in consideration" until the appropriate fee corresponding to the length/category of film is received. Films disqualified from the festival will not be refunded their submission fee.

Submission tapes returned only with Self Addressed / Postage Paid Envelope provided by filmmaker.

Exhibition Tape or Print is returned via USPS PRIORITY with DELIVERY CONFIRMATION to Filmmaker from and paid by the Moviate Underground Film Festival. Any other postage special handling needs are the expense of the filmmaker.

The Moviate Underground Film Festival and its media and press affiliates may use any part of the filmmakers bio information, still images or video and film clips for promotional purposes at any time before the festival and for a year after the festival has ended.

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 undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Moviate Underground 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 videos entered.
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sara Kazemimanesh

    With a brilliant and dedicated board of directors, the festival has a clear mission of supporting and showcasing non-mainstream works that deserve recognition. Lovely experience!

    October 2019
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  • Gloria Mercer

    Had such a lovely time at Moviate. The team was very welcoming, and I absolutely loved all the stuff they programmed. This festivals puts special care and attention into making sure they put on a unique and compelling show. Will definitely submit again.

    July 2019
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  • Sean Bokenkamp

    Hopefully next time I'll be able to attend the festival!

    June 2019
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  • Stephen Crompton

    I was unable to be at the festival for my screening, but the organization and communication was incredible. The line-up looked excellent, and I hope I'm able to attend some time in the future.

    June 2019
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  • Brittany Gravely

    Had a lovely time: enjoyed the adventurous programming and engaged audiences!

    June 2019
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