MISSION & OBJECTIVE ~
The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is committed to discovering and showcasing a unique cinematic experience unrestrained by conventional boundaries.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL ~
Welcome to our 17th year and what a year we hope it will be.

With the Metropolitan City of Philadelphia as its 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 launched in 2007 out of the mediabureau.com film initiative. The group had been meeting as part of the Philadelphia Underground Film Forum #uff and with surging and pent-up demand for Independent film at a crossroads, launched the first festival in 2008. What was once a digital screening group has blossomed into an annual 6-day event attended by filmmakers from all over the world.

The festival programs original film across 12 genres, animation, VR, and music video's and actively takes part in Philly Tech Week. We like to discuss the films we program, online and offline, using #piff #pifffilms #uff #DemocratizeContent across our active media networks. The vast majority of the festival program is world and local premier status.

We hope to hear from you and see you May 8-11 at the festival!

Awards & Prizes

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

*The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival is IMDB certified.

Rules & Terms

All work should be original with all licensing obtained.
All films must have been completed 20 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 @Philaindie. Lobbying your film is accepted but we reserve the right to delete any and all comments. Please respect we have only so many available slots to screen.

The festival reserves the right to revoke any submission at anytime.

71 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sam Genovese

    Thank you for screening the music video"Ecstasy of Love."

    May 2024
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  • Linda Kudzmas

    This festival is a big deal in Philly, well curated with cool venues. My animated short, 'Misfortune' was an Official Selection, and although I've attended the festival in the past, I wasn't able to attend the screening because of illness. Always a good time.

    May 2024
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  • Brian McCole

    Communication was good overall, but I felt that some of the information was clarified a bit late in the process. Totally understandable in any volunteer-driven event, especially one of this scope, but that's just an honest assessment.
    The venues were wonderful, and the organizing team was very friendly, engaging, and helpful once we were on-site. I could tell that they were dedicated to building a tight-knit community based on their relationships with each other, past filmmakers, and incoming filmmakers.
    Any logistical issues I have are unavoidable on the part of the festival; it's just part of getting around in a city like Philly.
    I felt the that films chosen were very well curated, as almost across the board they were filled with truly talented actors, and directed by well-skilled hands.
    I would look forward to attending this festival again in the future, even as a member of the audience..

    May 2024
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  • Tiona B

    What a unique, exciting and entertaining festival!!! They screened quality and diverse films that caprured the audience. The locations were great and one screening featured a live trumpet player! I was honored to win in my category among tough competition, and I'm thankful! And it was Just an overall good vibe! I'll be back!!!

    May 2024
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  • John Cornelissen

    I highly recommend The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival! They are very passionate about films. Thank you for including my documentary The Projectionist: A Collector's Journey in your Festival.

    May 2024
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