Explore the incredible Film Florida Member Film Festivals and Events happening soon! From captivating screenings to inspiring industry gatherings, there’s something for every film enthusiast. Don’t miss out on these must-attend events!
Global Peace Film Festival (Central Florida), September 15 – 27, 2026
The Global Peace Film Festival is story and community in action. As Martin Luther King, Jr posited, “Peace is not only the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice.” Since the search for justice resides in stories beyond war, GPFF seeks stories that make us laugh, think, cry, sit taller in our seats, then ask, “What can I do?” To answer that question, we pair films with post-screening discussions and events that inspire and catalyze our audiences to take positive, non-violent action. Beyond the program, GPFF collaborates with filmmakers, changemakers and organizations to model, inspire and track peaceful change on the personal, local, national or global level. Our motto is “It starts here” because the real work of our mission starts when the lights come up and our audience meets the inspiration of our programming with their own good works.
Melrose Film Festival (Orlando), September 26, 2026
Driven by innovation and creativity the Melrose Film Festival highlights the work of imaginative filmmakers across the globe since 2018. The annual festival, held at the Melrose Center in Downtown Orlando, is dedicated to celebrating the art of visual storytelling in short films, animations, AI, and documentaries. Join them as they celebrate the art of filmmaking with in-person screenings, Filmmaker Q&A Panel, and virtual screenings. Select films may also broadcast on local Orange TV. Official Selection: All films chosen to screen at the festival will receive one digital certificate with laurels. Category Winners: A single film in each of the five categories will receive a digital certificate with laurels.
ICVM Storytellers Conference (Central Florida), September 30 – October 3, 2026
The International Christian Visual Media Association annual Storytellers Conference brings together the Christian community of storytellers, scriptwriters, producers, directors, distributors, and investors for mutual encouragement, learning, and fellowship through the art of film and media. Registration includes all events, including the Christian Film Market, Script & Story Pitch-a-thon, Investors Lion’s Den, Actor’s Monologue Challenge, Keep It Reel Showcase, Crown Awards Finalist Celebration, all seminars, pre-release screenings of top movies and documentaries, and more! The 54th annual conference is September 30 – October 3, 2026 in Orlando, Florida at Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South.
South Florida Greek Film Festival, October 9 – 18, 2026
Hellenic Cultural Society’s Film Program celebrates and promotes the work and talent of established and emerging Greek, Cypriot and Greek/Cypriot Heritage filmmakers. At the South Florida Greek Film Festival and at Film Nights, screenings of full-length films, documentaries, shorts, discussions, provide opportunities to connect, to inspire, to entertain and to share the richness of the Greek culture. All screenings have English subtitles. A celebration of film as art by presenting an eclectic selection of films from recent movies that introduce us to contemporary images of Greece, and looking back on classic works of Greek/Cypriot Diasporic cinematographers.
Miami Film Festival GEMS, October 29 – November 5, 2026
The Miami Film Festival debuted GEMS, a fall presentation that served as a mid-season “Film Festival Fix” at MDC’s Tower Theater Miami in October 2014. The 7-day event showcased world cinema in a concentrated week of 10 red-carpet premieres, parties and in-person appearances with filmmakers. The following year, the festival rebranded it to GEMS Film Festival, a four-day event held in October to present “the jewels of the fall season.” GEMS distills the annual Festival experience of showcasing the best of world cinema, into a concentrated weekend of premieres accompanied by in-person appearances by visiting filmmakers, as well as seminars, parties and additional events.
Tampa Animation Festival, November 5 – 8, 2026
Launched in 2018, the Tampa Animation Festival brought together some of the most astounding animations from around the world. The Festival spotlights diverse animated shorts, features, and cutting-edge techniques. Join us for screenings, panels, and industry networking as we bring the festival back to its vibrant, creative roots—where storytellers and fans unite to celebrate the art of animation. All showings are free of charge and open to everyone. The festival is generously supported by Film Tampa Bay, the UT College of Arts and Letters, and UT’s Department of Film, Animation, and New Media. For more information, contact Gregg Perkins, chair and associate professor of Film, Animation and New Media, at gperkins@ut.edu or (813) 257-3427. The University of Tampa is a private, residential university located on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. Known for academic excellence, personal attention and real-world experience in its undergraduate and graduate programs, the University serves approximately 9,300 students from 50 states and 132 countries. Approximately 60 percent of full-time students live on campus, and more than half of UT students are from Florida.
FLIFFShorts, November 5 – 8, 2026
Produced by the Broward County Film Society as a complementary event to the annual FLIFF, FLIFFShorts (stylized as the Savior-faire Shorts Film Fest) celebrates the power of storytelling in twelve curated programs. Dedicated to short-form 20-minutes and under, the festival brings together bold filmmakers, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable stories from around the world. From thought-provoking dramas and inventive comedies to documentaries and experimental works, FLIFFShorts offers audiences the chance to discover emerging talent and experience films that prove a great story doesn’t need a long runtime to make a lasting impact. The festival opens on Thursday Night with a special selection of films followed by a party in the Savor Cinema courtyard featuring live music and entertainment. Then for the next three days the festival features films and filmmakers from around the world, interactive discussions, and casual get-togethers. The final day, Sunday, November 8th, celebrates the filmmakers of the State of Florida. All films are screened at the historic Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale. With the exception of opening night, fimn programs are $10 and FREE to our members.
Key West Film Festival, November 18 – 22, 2026
The Key West Film Festival—where passion meets paradise—is an annual celebration of contemporary cinema in a historically rich, artistically vibrant, and culturally diverse island community. KWFF strives to showcase the best of Florida filmmaking talent, while highlighting visiting filmmakers and industry leaders through discussions and workshops, with access to some of the biggest names in the film business. The festival also looks to support the next generation of local student filmmakers with scholarships and other key awards. The Festival’s Critics’ Focus program, enhanced with the juried Critics’ Prize, together with the Costume Design Focus, marks the Key West Film Festival as a vital stop on the awards season’s fall festival circuit, with programs designed to support film criticism and craft while giving audiences greater context and perspective through public conversations guided by expert voices.
Saint Augustine Film Festival, January 6 – 10, 2027
Funded in part by The St. Johns County Tourist Development Council along with The Florida Arts Council, the St. Augustine Film Festival is held in historic St. Augustine, Florida. Known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches like sandy St. Augustine Beach and tranquil Crescent Beach, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. This four-day film festival showcases more than 30 independent and international films on numerous screens throughout the city.
Dunedin International Film Festival, January 14 – 17, 2027
Founded in 2018, the Dunedin International Film Festival (DIFF) is dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking and fostering a vibrant cultural exchange in the heart of Dunedin, Florida. Bringing together filmmakers, artists, and film enthusiasts from across the globe, DIFF showcases diverse, thought-provoking films that inspire conversation, creativity, and community connection. The festival is a platform for independent filmmakers to share their unique voices, while also creating opportunities for local talent to shine. DIFF is fueled by a passionate team of industry professionals, including production experts, directors, and artists, who are committed to growing the film industry in Dunedin and the surrounding areas. From the support of community-driven volunteers to the leadership of seasoned filmmakers and creative directors, DIFF is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and artistic expression. Whether you’re a filmmaker, an enthusiast, or simply a lover of great stories, the Dunedin International Film Festival invites you to experience the magic of cinema in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
ASFI Future in Films Festival (South Florida)
The Annual After School Film Institute (ASFI) Future in Films Festival is a single evening cultural event celebrating the artistic and technical achievements of young (13-18 years old) filmmakers from South Florida. Taking place in Miami, the event consists of an evening of short film screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and it will be an opportunity for young filmmakers to do networking. ASFI brings notable film professionals into middle and high schools around Miami-Dade County, introducing students not only to the tools and crafts involved in the modern, technically-complex craft of film making, but also providing mentoring to students with the aim of building life skills such as leadership, group dynamics, accountability, time and deadline management, as well as introducing them to modern tools which assist in organization building and project management.
Love Your Shorts Film Festival (Central Florida), February 4 – 7, 2027
The Love Your Shorts Film Festival is an epic annual showcase in the heart of Sanford, Florida, where short films from all over Florida, the United States, and the world come to life! Humble beginnings: an early screening of the festival Founded in 2010, this festival is all about embracing and appreciating the incredible art of the short film. From its humble beginnings at the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce building known as Monroe Hall, the festival has soared to new heights and now finds its home at the iconic 1923 Ritz Theater, one of Florida’s few remaining historic theaters. During this unforgettable event, film fanatics get to indulge in a kaleidoscope of captivating films, each lasting up to 30 minutes. With a wide array of categories to explore and inspiring film workshops to attend, there’s never a dull moment at Love Your Shorts. But it’s not just about the films. Sanford, the vibrant cultural and county seat of Seminole County, paints a picture of artistic wonder. Nestled along the majestic St. Johns River, this enchanting city boasts a downtown cultural corridor, a plethora of art galleries, an annual art festival, lively community folk performances, and an array of active community theater troupes.
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, February 19 – 27, 2027
Established in 1986, the Broward County Film Society reels out two annual film festivals. The Fort Lauderdale International (FLIFF) is celebrated each year in February with a slate of over 60 feature films and documentaries from around the world, the US and Florida. During the festival, celebrity and filmmaker guests create an aura of excitement as they arrive at their red carpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties, and greet movie-goers. FLIFFShorts, held each November, features over 100 international and US films. An entire day of the 4-day festival is dedicated to films from Florida. The Film Society also programs the latest American Indie and international films daily at Broward County’s only year-round arthouse theaters, Savor Cinema (Fort Lauderdale).
Boca International Jewish Film Festival, February 20 – March 21, 2027
Veteran Film Festival Directors Wendy Honig, Lesley Rich and Arleen Roberts invite you to join the new expanded International Jewish Film Festival that will be held in February and March with film programs planned year-round. Their large selection of exciting premiere films will be screened at Cinemark Palace 20 and Movies of Delray and Lake Worth. The Festival is a 501(c)3 charity organization formed as a celebration of Jewish / Israeli cinema. It is a gathering of filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and industry professionals who come together to appreciate and showcase the art of filmmaking. They reach out, excite and bring together the community with and through the power of films that showcase Jewish spirit, culture, traditions and humor.
FLOW Film Festival (South Florida), February 25 – March 1, 2027
FLOW (Florida Leaders Opening Worlds) Film Festival and Film Market is an international Film Festival that focuses primarily on promoting women in the film industry in non-traditional senior and leadership roles. Their mission is to encourage the growth of opportunities for women in important and male-dominated positions in the film industry, to fight gender bias and pave the way for an aspiring new generation of female film makers, through highlighting both their significant contributions and the films and film industry stakeholders who employ them.
Valencia College Film Celebration (Orlando)
Each year, Valencia College’s nationally recognized and acclaimed film program hosts an amazing event that showcases some of Valencia’s finest feature films, as well as short films made possible in part by our own film students. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the current film student’s short film productions and a scholarship fund for future students.
South Florida Film Forum
The South Florida Film Forum is a two-day event celebrating South Florida’s unique cinematic voices and tradition. Experience a host of technologically innovative panels and laid-back round table talks, reimagined to give guests an active role in crafting complex discussions with both local and visiting industry leaders. Catch a variety of films made by award-winning South Florida filmmakers. Meet South Florida creative. The largest room of the venue will be open Around the clock as a lounge area for guests to connect and chill. The South Florida film forum will include multiple sponsored receptions and theme cocktail hours. The South Florida Film Forum is made possible by Film Lauderdale and Broward County.
Miami Film Festival, April 1 – 11, 2027
Miami Film Festival is a world-class platform for International, American, and Ibero-American films. The Festival showcases the work of the world’s best emerging and established filmmakers to the diverse cosmopolitan community of Miami. Cash awards totaling more than $100,000 are given in competition categories. In recent years, the Miami Film Festival has attracted approximately 45,000 people a year, as well as 300 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals from around the world as it showcases more than 100 feature narratives, documentaries and short films of all genres, from 40 different countries. Major trade publications such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Screen and Indiewire attend for coverage and reviews of the films. Miami Film Festival has also made the prestigious “One of the 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee” list by Moviemaker Magazine in recent years.
Vero Beach Film Festival, April 8 – 11, 2027
The Vero Beach Film Festival is a non-profit arts organization that celebrates independent filmmaking and enriches our community, both culturally and economically. They love film because it introduces people to new places, touches hearts, and can help find solutions in these challenging times. The festival has hosted hundreds of filmmakers from around the globe and screened hundreds of films, from comedies and dramas to documentaries and shorts. During the festival the coastal town of Vero Beach offers red carpet screenings, well attended parties and filmmaker events that support both the independent and student filmmaker. And most important of all, the festival gives back to Vero Beach, with free community screenings and thousands of dollars in donations to local charities.
Florida Film Festival (Central Florida), April 9 – 18, 2027
The Florida Film Festival is an Oscar®-Qualifying Festival, premiering the best in current, independent, and international cinema. Through 10 days of 160+ films and first-class events, film lovers mingle with filmmakers and celebrities over hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious menu at Eden Bar and inside Enzian Theater. Since 1992, Enzian has been the proud producer of the Florida Film Festival. As part of its mission to entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film, Enzian presents innovative and original cinematic programming not just during the Festival, but all year long. The Florida Film Festival is presented by Enzian, Central Florida’s full-time, not-for-profit independent cinema, which seeks to entertain, inspire, educate, and connect the community through film.
Sunscreen Film Festival (St. Petersburg), April 29 – May 2, 2027
The Sunscreen Film Festival boasts an annual attendance of over 10,000! and is organized and presented by the St. Petersburg-Clearwater Film Society, a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization, which is dedicated to educating the public about the art of visual storytelling, enhancing opportunities for filmmakers to develop their craft and art, and increasing the public’s awareness and support of filmmaking as a cultural asset. The annual Sunscreen Film Festival supports and enhances St. Petersburg’s economic profile by putting on an internationally recognized event to draw tourism and international media coverage to St. Petersburg, FL.
The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films, April 30, 2027
The Palm Beaches Student Showcase of Films (SSOF) is Florida’s largest statewide film competition and award show, spotlighting the next generation of student filmmakers, graphic designers, and digital media artists. Celebrating 30 years, the juried competition honors outstanding high school and college students with more than $30,000 in scholarships and awards across categories including Documentary, Music Video, Feature/Short, Animation, PSA, Screenwriting, and Poster Design. Honoring the late Burt Reynolds, the Showcase continues to endow a $5,000 scholarship in his name, recognizing his lasting legacy as a champion for arts education. Directed and hosted by two-time Emmy-nominated producer and entertainer Frank Licari, the red-carpet event has featured celebrity guests such as Vanilla Ice, Mario Lopez, Howie D, Montel Williams, Bruce Campbell, Martin Kove and Ice-T, inspiring Florida’s next generation of storytellers. A cornerstone of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission’s education outreach, SSOF fosters emerging talent statewide. Presented in partnership with local government and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, it has awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships and prizes to date.
ASFI Broward Student Film Festival
The Broward Student Film Festival is a single-evening cultural event celebrating the artistic and technical achievements of young (13-18) filmmakers from South Florida’s schools. The event consists of an evening of short film screenings and filmmaker Q&As, an opportunity for young filmmakers to network. In addition to acknowledging and celebrating South Florida’s up-and-coming cinematic talent, the event aims to connect the arts community and the local industry with the plethora of talented youth artists to create mentorship and development opportunities for young filmmakers interested in pursuing a career in the film industry. The event also aims to develop a network of young filmmakers with a passion and desire to create artistic cinema at a variety of levels, nurturing young filmmakers to follow this path and grow together across the county and showing parents the importance of community involvement and partnership in the development of their young artists. This film Festival is ONLY for South Florida Middle and High School Filmmakers.
Miami 4 Social Change Youth Film Festival
The Miami 4 Social Change Youth Film Festival is a media empowerment and social change platform to showcase and elevate the voices of today’s youth through film and inspire young people to create change using the art of cinema and filmmaking. Join us for a dynamic 2-days of a curated selection of stand-out youth films, workshops, master classes, keynote sessions, a pitch competition, laptop raffle, teen talk show, popcorn, and red carpet photos with celebrity guests. The festival enhances URGENT, Inc’s mission to empower young creative minds to transform their lives and communities. The transformational power of combining individual skill-building, education and the arts provide youth the opportunity to learn and demonstrate new competencies while positively engaging in their community. Moreover, youth are motivated and encouraged to learn and gain the information shared throughout the festival, raise awareness around community issues, and then share it with a broad audience of their peers.
Urban Film Festival (Miami)
Urban Film Festival is dedicated to educating, exposing and providing distribution opportunities for the new generation of filmmakers. At UFF we celebrate culturally driven content, and are proud to be a platform for up and coming urban filmmakers to share the stories of their communities. We are one of the largest international gatherings of urban film industry experts, content creators, and enthusiasts. Our workshops are designed to provide the new age filmmaker with tools and insight from industry professionals to enhance their productions. We provide our filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their masterpieces and provide them with the education and resources they need to monetize from their content. Urban Film Festival is truly dedicated to the creative and professional growth of the new generation of filmmakers.