The Massachusetts Independent Film Festival (MassIFF) is a program of the Shawna E Shea Memorial Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) arts and educational nonprofit.

Our goal is to showcase films made locally and from around the world made by truly independent filmmakers. We want to show the best of contemporary independent filmmaking in all genres(drama, experimental, comedy, horror, slow cinema, sci fi, fantasy, animation, documentary, and more).

Best Feature:
Best Short:
Best Documentary:
Best New England Film:
Best Massachusetts Film:
Best Worcester Film:
Best Feature Screenplay:
Best Short Screenplay:

RULES:

All films must have been produced after January 2020. Short length films are considered 45 minutes or under. Features over 45 minutes up to 120 minutes.

We have a live festival component in Worcester, Massachusetts and a virtual component through the Shawna Foundation's Patreon Page that will only be available during the film festivals dates.

Please submit a synopsis and film poster or stills. We hold the right to reject films that don't have a basic press kit after being selected.

All submissions material must have updated contact information.

Please only submit an online copy. Vimeo or FilmFreeway. Send password if needed.

Foreign language films must be made available with English subtitles or dubbed.

Only completed films may be submitted. (No rough cuts).

If your film is selected please make sure an online copy of your film is still available until the festival is over for the jury.

There is a non-refundable processing fee for all film & script entries.

Filmmakers attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

If your film is selected please provide a downloadable copy. Please do not send a film size of epic proportions.

It is up to the filmmaker to keep on top of all notifications and emails sent about the festival. CHECK YOUR SPAM!

Your film being a premiere is not required. Although it would be cool.

No feedback on submissions will be given.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting your film for consideration to the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, you are telling us that you have full authority to do so, that the film is cleared for potential festival exhibition, and that you accept full legal responsibility. MassIFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes only. You shall also indemnify and hold harmless the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival 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 the copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening films entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Another fantastic Festival. Kudos to Skip, Patrick, Anna, and all other staff who helped out. Great venue and nice place to mingle and connect. An honor to just be selected. Winning an award.........WOW!!!!!

    April 2024
  • As a Boston native, I was highly appreciative of our film "Sin Padre" being selected and nominated for the Mass Indie Film Fest. Thank you for screening us. I hope everyone enjoyed the film as much as we enjoyed making it.

    December 2023
  • I highly recommend submitting your work to this superb festival.

    July 2023
  • Wonderful festival. Creators and founders selected a great selection of short and feature length films. Wonderful location in Downtown Worcester.

    May 2023
  • Sara Koviak

    This is a wonderful festival!!! Skip is amazing and runs a great festival with excellent quality and in-person turnout. It was our second time being accepted into the festival and we look forward to future opportunities to screen with them. Also met some really lovely filmmakers from all over the world!

    May 2023