A Growing Platform for Global Independent Storytelling The Zions Indie Film Fest (ZIFF) has officially opened submissions for its 25th anniversary edition, set to run February 23–28, 2026 in Utah. With a final submission deadline of December 10, 2025, ZIFF offers indie filmmakers a late-year opportunity to get their work in front of an engaged […]
IndieChina Film Festival Shut Down Amid Reported Pressure on Directors
What Happened The inaugural IndieChina Film Festival, set to take place in NYC from November 8–15, has been abruptly cancelled. According to reporting from The Guardian, more than 80% of the scheduled filmmakers withdrew their work in the days leading up to the event. Many cited “personal reasons,” but festival curator Zhu Rikun said the […]
Sharjah Film Platform Returns for Its 8th Edition This November
The UAE’s Sharjah Film Platform (SFP) is back for its 8th edition, running November 14–23, 2025, with early bird passes now available. Hosted by the Sharjah Art Foundation, the ten-day festival is known for championing independent and experimental voices across the Middle East and beyond. Screenings will take place at the Mirage City Cinema, Sharjah’s […]
IDFA 2025: A Global Stage for Documentary Innovation
The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is back this November with its biggest lineup yet—250 films from 76 countries, representing the full spectrum of contemporary documentary filmmaking. Running November 13–23, 2025, IDFA continues to be a cornerstone for nonfiction storytelling and a vital hub for indie creators worldwide. Each year, IDFA showcases the diversity […]
Portland Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off
Five Days of Indie Voices in the Pacific Northwest Today marks the start of the Portland Film Festival 2025, one of the largest indie showcases in the Pacific Northwest. Running from October 1–5, the festival will screen more than 90 films from around the world while putting a special spotlight on local talent and underrepresented […]
Tropfest Returns to Sydney
$100K, New Foundation & Real Opportunity for Storytellers After six years away, Tropfest is coming back to Sydney. The world’s largest short-film festival will take place on 22 February 2026 at Centennial Park. For Jeffrey Ikahn and all indie filmmakers, this return is big. It signals renewed energy, real funding, and fresh chances. Here’s what […]
Norwich Film Festival: A Launchpad for Indie Shorts
The UK’s Norwich Film Festival is gearing up for its 16th edition this fall, running November 3–16, 2025. Known as one of the most filmmaker-friendly events in Europe, the festival has become a proving ground for indie shorts with ambitions of breaking into the mainstream. What sets Norwich apart is its BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying status. […]
San Francisco Teens Premiere Indie Dark Comedy “JAR”
Seventy-one teenagers in San Francisco have pulled off what many seasoned filmmakers struggle to achieve—conceiving, producing, and premiering an original film in a matter of weeks. The result is “JAR”, a surreal dark comedy packed with jailbreaks, glitter bombs, and shrink rays. Guided by filmmaker Joe Talbot and his summer program 48 Hills, 24 Frames, […]