We tip our hats to the incredible filmmakers, attendees and staff members who made this year’s DC Independent Film Festival a spectacular and memorable event! We had an impressive turnout of over 4,000 attendees to numerous screenings and workshops led by the industry’s finest. The unique nature of this festival based in the nation’s capital draws international attention to the films and filmmakers. It’s great to have such strong support from both the local and international community, which allows this festival to be more than only screening fantastic films. A shout out to two of this year’s sponsors: Peets Coffee and The Tabard Inn which added a special filmic touch for our VIPS. We have grown into a community made possible by the trust and support of our new and alumni filmmakers. Thank you for sharing your work with our community and for being such an essential part of the event itself.

The top award, Best of Fest, went to Three Windows and a Hanging directed by Isa Qosja. The exceptional quality in films this year really stood out at both the professional and high school levels. Christopher Scribner took home the Best High School Film award for his film Three Wishes, One Choice. In addition to the screenings, our workshops stimulated lively discussion. Thank you to our seminar leaders for volunteering your time and sharing invaluable knowledge and experiences.  See a full list of award-winners here.

Looking forward to the 2016 festival, we plan to include more alternative, interactive and experimental events such as this year’s well-attended virtual experience of a different reality through film. Over a hundred participants came to experience Emiliano Ruprah’s one-of-a-kind virtual immersive screening of Snake River. The strong interest and positive response encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries when it comes to what our attendees can expect in terms of film technology and new ways of experiencing film. Learn more about this unique film project here and on the DCIFF blog.

We’re excited to announce our new involvement with D.C. based productions to help our alumni filmmakers bring their feature projects to life. Please email admin@dciff.org for more information about how you can invest in local film projects as DCIFF morphs into a festival with a production wing. Being part of a filmmaking venture can be the thrill of a lifetime, a chance for exposure and a runaway media success.

What else is DCIFF doing in 2015? Link to our Facebook page to stay updated about our other scheduled events for this year, including “Going to the Movies” where author and D.C. area cinema historian Robert Headley will talk on the now-closed landmark Sheridan Theater (April 18th, 2:30pm at Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library) and the place of movie theaters in D.C.’s cultural history. Later in the year look for our summertime eco-drive-in movie extravaganza.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this year’s event one to remember! Stay updated on DCIFF news and events by visiting our website and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.