About
Since 1999, the DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF) — the oldest independent film festival in Washington, DC — has showcased cutting-edge feature films, animation, experimental films, shorts, and documentaries on every subject, from every country, and with every budget imaginable. Transformed beyond a film festival into a multi-dimensional Annual Film Forum in 2022, DCIFF links filmmakers with audiences in deep conversation, timely professional development, networking, and cutting-edge activities. We serve as a marketplace of ideas & opportunities as well as forward-looking action for the production and exhibition of the moving image in the Nation’s Capital. We celebrate the work that has gone before and our region’s talent alongside new international and national documentary, animation, fiction, and art projects.
2026 Annual Forum
Welcome to the 2026 DCIFF Annual Forum! This year’s festival will run from Wednesday, February 11, to Monday, February 16. We are excited to welcome over 50 filmmakers from around the world! This year, we’re showcasing over 60 films, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, web series, and animations—each with exciting filmmaker Q&As!
2026 Sponsors
Sponsorship allows DCIFF to provide hundreds of thousands of individuals of all ages with high-quality programming since 1999. Your help will keep the focus on emerging filmmakers, independent filmmaking, the power of visual literacy, arts, issues and original storytelling.
Festival Passes
Get ready for a week-long cinematic adventure at the 2026 DCIFF Annual Forum!
The DC Independent Film Festival Annual Forum is coming from February 11-16, 2026! Buy one of our 2026 passes & take advantage of this year’s exclusive perks beginning the day you choose! Plus, now we’re offering more pass options, including young adult & student passes, to help fit everyone’s budget!
Submissions
We are open to films of any genre except adult films and in any language (with subtitles). We do not have a section dedicated to family films, but love films that appeal to the child in us all. We always have a horror film section, in honor of a genre that has been an important launching point for independent filmmakers. DCIFF also welcomes open source films, art films and interactive films and the wide spectrum of documentary formats and issues including advocacy films. Please note: We expect all selected filmmakers to attend or send a key cast or crew member. We support some costs of attending to the best of our ability.
- Submissions are open from September 9 – December 11, 2026
- DC Independent Film Festival Annual Forum
Past Years
Press
