DC Independent Film Festival / DCIFF

DC Independent Film Festival / DCIFF

Also known as: DCIFF, DC Independent Film Forum, DC Independent Film Festival Annual Forum
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The DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF) combines competitive screenings with extended conversations about filmmaking in Washington, DC. Its Annual Film Forum format, in place since 2022, connects film presentations with professional development, workshops and filmmaker discussions. The programme includes international and American fiction, documentary, animation and experimental work, with dedicated animation and late-night horror programming. Congressional “On the Hill” briefings connect independent filmmakers with lawmakers.

DCIFF dates back to 1999 and operates largely through volunteers. Films enter through reviewed submissions, and selected filmmakers are expected to attend or send a key cast or crew member. The 2027 Annual Forum is entirely in person in Washington, DC, with dates of 10–15 February 2027.

Country

United States (USA)

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Feature, Short, Web and New Media

Dates

10 February 2027 — 15 February 2027

Awards and prizes

The 2026 Annual Forum award categories include Best of Fest, Best Feature Film, Best Feature Documentary, Best International, Best of DMV, Best Animation (Juried), Best Animation (Audience), Best Short, Best Short Documentary, Best Web Series, Impact Award and Staff Choice. The 2027 submission listing confirms awards but does not yet confirm the final categories or cash amounts.

Festival rules

2027 Annual Forum: narrative features and shorts, documentary features and shorts, animation, experimental films, web series and vertical films are eligible; works in progress have a separate submission category. Metro Washington, DC theatrical premiere status is required. Films must be completed within 12 months of submission. Prior online festival screenings are permitted; films freely available online must be removed for six weeks up to and including the forum. Selected filmmakers are expected to attend or send a key cast or crew member. The festival does not pay screening fees. Applicants must hold the necessary rights and permissions. AI use must be disclosed; the published policy excludes AI-generated storylines and scripts, avatars replacing actors, material flagged as intellectual theft, and documentary content using AI. Y-CAM high school submissions use a separate application portal and festival.

Contacts

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