Animation Festivals Directory

DCIFF was launched in 1999 to nurture independent film. It is a FORUM-style event, with focus on discussion, exchange and meetings. We have a dedicated animation section celebrating creative animation across the genres focusing on short animation, but we welcome feature submissions in our feature category. We do not focus on animation designed only for young children, we celebrate the child in all of us. We encourage art and experimental presentations. In 2024 we established a dedicated Animation Day as a precursor to creating an independent animation festival in 2026.

All submission fees (which are low) are used to bring filmmakers and artists to join us at the festival. We aim to encourage all finalists to attend and to engage by going masterclasses, taking part in panel discussions and special events for the general public.

As a competitive festival, all films are Washington DC premieres and many are U.S. and world premieres. As the oldest independent film festival in the nation’s capital, the DC Independent Film Festival has a storied history of presenting extraordinary films. We have showcased cutting edge features, shorts and documentaries on every subject from every country with every budget and subject imaginable. By sponsoring discussions with the United States Congress, DCIFF also gives independent filmmakers opportunities for their voices to be heard in a way that no other festival can provide.

Year established: 1999

Is this festival exclusively animation?: No - this is a film festival but with a specific animation category

Is there a marketplace at this festival?: No

Physical event or online?: Physical Festival