Where to find the best independent film festivals
If you’re anything like me, you love a good independent film. Where better to find out about them than one of the many independent film festivals. Yes, yes the odd Hollywood blockbuster is great as well. But there’s something about a well thought out, lower budget film isn’t there?
The lower budget stimulates creativity, often there’s a new voice in terms of writing, a less experienced director and perhaps some unknown actors getting a break.
The writing can be more thoughtful, the subject matter a little more edgy or challenging.
So with that in mind, here are some of the top independent film festivals for you to enjoy. Many have a good amount of online content if you’re unable to visit in person.
Tokyo International Film Festival
Annual film festival held since 1985. Held Every year, this year’s festival is at the end of October 2022
Tokyo Filmex
The focus of this festival held since 2000 is Asian films. The 2022 festival is also at the end of October 2022
Sundance
Probably the most famous of the independent film festivals. Sundance has been around since 1981 and was founded by the acting great, Robert Redford. The next festival will take place in January 2022.
Raindance
Another of the oldest and better known film festivals. Raindance was founded in London in 1993. Offering a lot of online content and courses, the next scheduled festival is at the end of October / beginning of November 2022.
Toronto International Film Festival
Founded in 1976 this is one of the largest (highest attended) film festivals in the world. They state, ‘TIFF is a charitable cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world, through film.’ Plenty of online content, the next festival is at the beginning of September 2022.
Tribeca Film Festival
Famous for the involvement of Robert De Niro, this festival was founded in 2001. The next festival is the beginning of June this year. It’s possible to stream the films , ‘We’re redefining home movies with a curated a selection of narrative films, documentaries, and short films that will be available exclusively online for U.S. audiences through the Tribeca At Home platform, available June 9 through June 26.‘
London International Film Festival
Focussed on interesting limited budget films, this is one of the more interesting independent film festivals to catch up and coming writers, directors and actors. The 2022 festival has just finished, 2023 will be held in April of the same year.
