MISSION & OBJECTIVE ~
The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival was founded to enable an environment for its participants to observe and engage the local and international independent film and business community. We are committed to discovering and showcasing a unique cinematic experience unrestrained by conventional boundaries. We seek out new filmmakers.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL ~
Welcome to our 13th year! With the Metropolitan City of Philadelphia as its pallet the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival brings together the innovation, technology, creativity, and diversity of film in a unique filmmaker exhibition ecosystem.

The festival was hatched in 2007 out of the mediabureau.com film initiative. The group had been meeting as part of the Philadelphia Underground Film Forum #puff #uff and with regular submissions and pent up demand in Philadelphia for Independent film, we launched the first festival in 2008. What was once a digital screening group has blossomed into an annual event attended by filmmakers from all over the world.

The festival programs original films, animations, and video's across 12 genres and produces or sponsors yearly creative events since 1998. We like to discuss the films we program online and offline. During the most recent festival in 2019, we hosted 2,000+ film goers and filmmakers from 20 + states and over 12 countries in 5 days. The vast majority of the festival program is world and local premier status.

Awards & Prizes

We award genre winners with "Best of..." genre.

The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival awards are *IMDB certified.

Rules & Terms

All work should be original. All forms of film are accepted into competition. Feel free to discuss your film and its merit online. Lobbying your film is accepted. Please respect we only have so many available slots to screen.

20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lawrence Chau

    I fell in love with PIFF and Philadelphia instantly! You can have a great line-up of films, an organized schedule, a superb venue, awesome social activities and strong communication and marketing, but ultimately what makes a festival stand-out are the people. The warmth and passion exuded by everyone from the festival organizers and volunteers to the filmmakers and audiences give credence to the city's moniker as the City of Brotherly Love. Plus, seeing your film screen at the historic Levitt Auditorium at the University of the Arts made the experience all that more eclectic. Thank you PIFF -- hands down one of my favorite festival experiences on the independent film circuit thus far! I can't wait to return to Philly, whether it be with another film, or just to visit the beautiful city and re-connect with the stellar festival team!!!
    xo Lawrence Chau, Filmmaker - Justice For Vincent (Best Short Film, PIFF #12).

    May 2019
    Helpful
  • Ashley Gerst

    An excellent festival that I had the honor to attend! The staff, curators, and venue were very professional! I hope to screen another film with PIFF in the future!

    May 2019
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  • Frank Lisi

    I’ve been going to this festival for years and it just keeps getting better. The staff and administrators are so helpful and the quality of films makes this festival an annual event not to be missed.

    May 2019
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  • Jo Anna Van Thuyne

    Great festival in the City of Brotherly Love!

    May 2019
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  • Mixed Nuts Productions .

    I was thrilled with how this festival treated us. They enthusiastically promoted each film to try to help films and filmmakers have the highest level of possible success. It was a pleasure to be a part of the festival and I left with only positive feelings and vibes.

    May 2019
    Helpful