A new film festival is taking shape in Adelaide, South Australia, and it’s built from the ground up. The Semaphore Summer Film Festival, created by the local Movie Juice collective, is debuting as a one-day event that blends independent films, restored classics, and neighborhood film culture into a single, shared experience. Set at the historic […]
Filmmaking News
DC Independent Film Festival Launches Online Hub for Young Filmmakers
A new pathway into independent filmmaking is opening for teens in the Washington, D.C. area. The DC Independent Film Festival has launched an online resource hub designed to support young filmmakers ages 13–19 with access to tools, mentorship, and real-world funding to start making films now. The platform, known as Y-CAM, connects aspiring filmmakers with […]
Sundance 2026 Short Films Lineup Sets a New Bar for Indie Storytelling
The Sundance Institute has revealed the 54 short films selected for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, and the numbers alone tell a story. This year’s shorts were chosen from a record-breaking pool of more than 11,000 submissions, making selection one of the most competitive milestones in independent filmmaking today. For grassroots creators, landing a Sundance […]
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 […]
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. […]
Utah Indie Documentaries Face Major Setback Amid $1.1B Federal Cuts
Utah’s independent storytellers are navigating a new crisis. Congress passed a federal rescission package that pulls back $1.1 billion in funding for public media, hitting Utah’s CPB‑funded systems like NPR, PBS Utah, KUER and PBS Utah stations hard. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting funded ITVS, a key supporter of independent documentaries. With CPB money gone, […]