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.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL ~
Welcome to our 14th year! Post Covid-19? We had only hoped for that. But it is yet to be. Thank you for your patience and sticking with us as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

With the Metropolitan City of Philadelphia as it's pallet the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival seeks out and brings together a unique blend of innovation, technology, creativity, and diversity of film in an ever evolving filmmaker 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, 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 creative events since 1998. We like to discuss the films we program online and offline using #DemocratizeContent. During the most recent festival in 2019 (pre-Covid) we hosted 2,000+ filmgoers 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. Since inception in 2008, the festival has streamed live interviews, discussions, Q&A, and or films to a global audience.

Awards & Prizes

Films are selected into the Underground Film Forum #UFF and then awarded with "Best of..."

The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is *IMDB certified.

Rules & Terms

All work should be original. All films must have been completed 24 months prior to the festival date. All forms of film are accepted into competition. Please specify your film in a genre if submitting it as a short or feature. Feel free to discuss your film and its merit on festival social media properties. Lobbying your film is accepted. Please respect we have only so many available slots to screen. The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is *IMDB certified!

30 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aswin Ramachandran

    Was really glad, when I got the notification that my film had been selected for screening at the festival. I was really looking forward to seeing it live with the audience but sadly covid 19 happened. But nevertheless, happy to have the film selected at the Philly Independent Film Festival.

    May 2020
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  • Pedro Urrutia

    Amazing film festival! Really an honor becoming part of the festival and specially the way on how they treat and help filmmakers. Starting from it's Director Ben and Producer Marteen, to the rest of the staff, it demonstrate why this festival has become important and the growth it has through the years. They give heart and soul to push each and every filmmaker to their very best. Really an honor being selected and being part of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival family!

    May 2020
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  • Marc A. Gallo

    PIFF did a great job conducting a fully engaging film festival with live interviews and discussions on line, all in the face of a statewide shutdown due to the pandemic. Looking forward to participating again!

    May 2020
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  • Michael Bell

    Sadly the festival was unable to take place in person due to the current health concern, however, the programmer's have done everything in their power to still give exposure to the filmmakers and talents. Through online interviews filmmakers are able to converse about their films and give insight into the films created/accepted into festival.

    Though not ideal for films to not screen, the staff has been very transparent about the situation. They have gone above and beyond to coordinate online events and make sure the Philly film community doesn't lose hope.

    Look forward to festivals to come!

    May 2020
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  • Alexandre de Villeneuve

    This was the festival we wanted to attend. Unfortunately the Covid-19 changed our plans but very pleased to have been selected. Thank you to the team !

    May 2020
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