Film Festivals

BOSTON
Boston Film Festival
One of America's longest running and most recognized celebrations of film. Entertaining, insightful, educational, and cutting-edge films; lively question-and-answer sessions with directors and actors. Stuart Street Playhouse.
2012 dates: September

BOSTON
Roxbury International Film Festival
Films celebrating people of color. Film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions take place at the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall, and the Coolidge Corner Theatre.
2012 dates: July

BOSTON
Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People
Cinemagic educates, motivates, and inspires young people through film and televison. Screening of Irish-made film, A Shine of Rainbows; free film and television production workshops at Emerson College (March 1); workshops about music for movies and videos games at Berklee College of Music.
2012 dates: February/March

BOSTON
Boston Irish Film Festival
Showcases films from Irish filmmakers around the world, films that expand the definition of Irish culture in the 21st century.
2012 dates: March

BOSTON
Boston Turkish Film Festival
Features contemporary Turkish cinema and Turkish filmmakers. Many films are North American or U.S. premieres.
2012 dates: March/April

BOSTON
Independent Film Festival of Boston
Showcases the best independent films from around the world — a mix of features, documentaries, and shorts. Panels and post-screen parties provide the opportunity to meet the directors, producers, and actors.
2012 dates: April 25-May 2

BOSTON & BROOKLINE
Boston Jewish Film Festival
617-244-9899
The best contemporary films from around the world, which explore Jewish identity, the current Jewish experience, and the richness of Jewish culture in a diverse world. Features, shorts, documentaries, and conversations with visiting artists.
2011 dates: November 2-13

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston Asian American Film Festival
Thought-provoking, entertaining lineup of independent cinema; 14 films, 5 screening events; workshop on Asian Americans in Film.
2011 dates: November 10-13

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston Latino International Film Festival
Feature films, documentaries, and shorts showcasing Latino issues, culture, and the Latina community.
2011 dates: November

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston LGBT Film Festival
International films of all lengths and genres that tell stories of the contemporary and historic experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.
2012 dates: May

BOSTON, CAMBRIDGE & BROOKLINE
Boston Palestine Film Festival
617-642-9640
Showcases the extraordinary narrative of Palestinians through the medium of cinema.
2011 dates: October 21-30

CAMBRIDGE
Boston Bike Film Festival
617 -523-8388
Comedies, shorts, and documentaries.
2011 dates: October 15

LAWRENCE
The Lawrence Film Festival
International features; discussions and Q&A sessions.
2012 dates: June


LOWELL
Lowell Film Festival
Documentaries from around the world focused on a specific theme. Guest speakers and panels throughout the weekend.
2012 dates: April


NEWBURYPORT
Newburyport Documentary Film Festival
Feature-length and short documentaries that focus on social issues.
2011 dates: September

SALEM
Salem Film Fest
Best documentary films from around the globe that will “entrance you, trouble you, introduce you to new friends, and change your world.”
2012 dates: March

CAPE COD-PROVINCETOWN
Provincetown International Film Festival
508-487-FILM
Showcases American and international independent films, nurtures aspiring independent filmmakers, and honors industry luminaries.
2012 dates: June

CAPE COD-FALMOUTH
Woods Hole Film Festival
508-495-3456
Eight-day showcase of independent film featuring daily screenings, workshops, panel discussions, staged readings, special events, parties, and awards ceremony.
2012 dates: July/August

MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival
Four-day, fun-filled retreat dedicated to showcasing and honoring the works of independent and studio African-American filmmakers.
2012 dates: March 16-18


MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard Film Festival
508-645-9599
More than fifty films in a three-day immersion in film plus panel discussions and organic meals. Contiguous free children’s film festival at the Chilmark Library.
2012 dates: March

MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival
508-696-9369
Four days filled with the best feature and short films from top-notch festivals, such as Sundance, Berlin, and Cannes; great evening events; provocative forums; and live world music. Approximately 90 percent of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film.
2012 dates: September 6-9

NANTUCKET
Nantucket Film Festival
212-708-1278
The “screenwriters’ film festival.” Screenings consist of 35-45 independent, studio-produced, foreign, documentary, and short films in every genre, including premieres. Plus NFF Screenwriters Tribute, late-night storytelling, an informal morning coffee program with festival guests, and staged readings.
2012 dates: June



AMHERST
Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival
UMass Amherst’s Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies presents new groundbreaking works by both emerging and established international filmmakers. Focuses on a different theme each year, highlighting topical issues in politics and art. Film scholars and filmmakers introduce films and participate in Q&As. Screenings are free.
2012 dates: February/April

AMHERST, NORTHAMPTON & SPRINGFIELD
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film and Arts Festival
413-439-1984
Three-week festival explores contemporary Jewish culture, secular and religious life, history, and politics. 20+ award-winning films from around the world, plus speakers, theatre performances, exhibits, concerts, and special events.
2012 dates: March/April 7

GREAT BARRINGTON
Berkshire International Film Festival
413- 528-8030
Showcases the latest in independent feature, documentary, short, and family films plus lively panel discussions and special events focusing on filmmakers and talented artists from both sides of the camera.
2012 dates: June

WILLIAMSTOWN & NORTH ADAMS
Williamstown Film Festival
413-458-9900
Features drama, comedy, animation, and documentaries plus popular all-shorts programs. Panels, seminars, and Q&As with actors, writers, directors, and producers.
2011 dates: October 21-30

Don't see your film festival listed? Send information to culture@state.ma.us