Florida Film Festivals
Florida film festivals happen throughout the year, and range in size from small community events to large gateway-to-Hollywood showcases. These film festivals play an important role by providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition.
Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking exposure, a film enthusiast eager to discover new talent, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, there’s a Florida film festival waiting to captivate you.
Discover the magic of Florida’s film scene by exploring our Florida Film Festival calendar.
Types of Film Festivals in Florida
Florida Film Festivals showcase a wide range of films, including feature-length films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films. The films can be from any genre, including drama, comedy, horror, music videos and animation.
Some of the most popular film festivals in Florida include the Miami Film Festival, the Sarasota Film Festival, and the Orlando Film Festival.
2024-2025 Calendar
We will continue to collect new dates and update this Calender of Florida Film Festivals here. Check back often or join our monthly email newsletter! Dates for 2025 coming!
January
- January 18-20, 2025
- Website: Miami 4 Social Change Youth Film Festival
- Theme: Youth Film Festival for social change
- Location: Miami-Dade College North Campus
February
March
- March 2025
- Website: Gasparilla Film Festival
- Theme: Independent films
April - 2025
- April 2025
- Website: Sarasota Film Festival
- Theme: Independent cinema with a focus on storytelling
- Size: Large film festival with over 200 screenings in many categories
- April 2025
- Website: Florida Film Festival
- Theme: Showcase of independent and international cinema
- Size: Large-scale festival with over 160 films
- April 2025
- Website: Miami Film Festival
- Theme: Showcase of independent and international cinema
- Size: Large-scale festival with over 160 films
May - 2025
June - 2025
July - 2024
- July 14-17, 2024
- Website: Miami Media and Film Market’s official website
- Theme: Market for film, television, and digital media
- Size: Industry-focused event
- Location: Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
August - 2024
September - 2024
- September 17-22, 2024
- Website: Global Peace Film Festival
- Theme: Films promoting peace and understanding
October - 2024
- October 4-5, 2024
- Website: Emerald Coast Film Festival
- Theme: Independent films, music videos, animations, documentaries and more plus awards, discussions, networking
- Size: Smaller regional festival
- October 16-20, 2024
- Website: Treasure Coast International Film Festival
- Theme: Showcase filmmakers and award prizes including a student filmmaker category
- October 17-19, 2024
- Website: Melbourne Independent Filmakers Festival
- Theme: Showcasing films made in Florida!
- Size: Smaller festival focused on local and regional filmmakers
- October 24-31, 2024
- Website: Orlando Film Festival
- Theme: Showcase of independent filmmakers
- Size: Over 300 films plus panels and workshops
November - 2024
- November 8-17, 2024
- Website: FLIFF.com
- Theme: Diverse range of films from around the world
- Size: Large-scale festival with over 200 screens throughout Broward County
- November 8-10, 2024
- Website: Miami Short Film Festival
- Theme: Showcase of short films
- Size: Smaller festival focused on short films
- November 20-24, 2024
- Website: Key West Film Festival
- Size: Medium-sized festival with a focus on independent filmmakers (and Key West fun, of course!)
December - 2024
Note: This list is subject to change, and new festivals may emerge. It’s recommended to check the websites of the listed festivals for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Know of any local Florida Film Festivals that should be on this list? Email us and let us know!
The Most Popular Film Festivals in Florida
Florida is home to several popular film festivals that draw large crowds and showcase a diverse range of films. Some of the most popular festivals include:
1. Miami International Film Festival: Held annually in March, this festival showcases a wide range of films from around the world. It features both narrative and documentary films, as well as special events and panel discussions.
This critically acclaimed film, Moonlight, which won the Best Picture Oscar in 2017, premiered at the Miami International Film Festival.
2. Orlando Film Festival: This festival focuses on independent films and is held annually in October. It provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and offers networking opportunities for industry professionals.
The indie gem, The Florida Project, which was shot entirely in Florida, premiered at the Orlando Film Festival.
3. Gasparilla International Film Festival: Held annually in Tampa, this festival features a mix of independent and mainstream films. It also includes special events, such as celebrity appearances and red carpet premieres.
Spring Breakers, directed by Harmony Korine, is a controversial film that premiered at the Gasparilla International Film Festival starring Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and James Franco.
The Impact of Florida's Film Festivals on Local Communities
Florida’s film festivals have a positive impact on local communities in several ways.
- They bring in tourism and boost the local economy by attracting visitors from around the world.
- They provide opportunities for local filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition, and often acting as encouragement and insight for the youngest of filmmakers.
- They contribute to the cultural fabric of the community by promoting film as an art form and providing opportunities for cultural exchange.
The Future of Film Festivals Throughout Florida
The future of film festivals will continue to evolve and grow as technology continues to advance and the number of young people interested in filmmaking continues to grow.
Aspiring filmmakers and creatives will continue to need the exposure and networking opportunities. And with more virtual and online components to many of these festivals being added, it will continue to allow for greater accessibility and reach.
Additionally, there continues to be a shift towards more niche and specialized festivals that cater to specific genres or themes including music videos, animations, short films and documentaries. Niches and themes often provide even more successful events for smaller towns or venues.
In conclusion, Florida’s film festival scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of films from around the world. These festivals play an important role in the film industry by providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to discover new and exciting films.
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