The best film festivals in the United States offer an exciting way to check out some of the season’s best motion pictures. Festivals feature glitzy premieres, classic films, cult favorites and never-before-seen footage, as well as insightful Q&A sessions with some of the industry’s most influential filmmakers. Festivals have meticulously curated screening schedules, and all-access passes provide a convenient way to make the most out of the experience. Check out the top five film festivals in the United States.
Sundance Film Festival
Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival
Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States. The event is dedicated to the art of independent storytelling, and it is produced by the Sundance Institute®, a nonprofit organization that provides and preserves creative space for artists in film, theatre and new media. The Sundance Film Festival has introduced global audiences to notable works, including Jordan Peele’s Get Out, John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, among many others. The institute continues to set new standards for supporting provocative and thoughtful motion picture development.
January/February in Park City & Salt Lake City
Extra — Hit the slopes at Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.
Tribeca Film Festival
Courtesy of TFF
The Tribeca Film Festival was created to help spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The event was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001. It aims to bring artists and audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music and online work. With its roots in independent film, the festival highlights the strength of the New York City art scene and its dedication to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
June in New York City
Extra — Spend some time reflecting on the tragic events of September 11, 2001 at the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan.
Fantastic Fest
Courtesy of Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest has a cult following for good reason. It was founded in 2005 by Alamo Drafthouse founders Tim and Karrie League, Ain’t It Cool News founder Harry Knowles, producer Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and writer/director Tim McCanlies. The event is the largest genre film festival in the United States specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action films from around the world. With secret screenings and costume-encouraged themed parties, the festival offers a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience. Organizers do a great job of sourcing and spotlighting lesser-known projects, as well as films with unusual provenances in an effort to expand views’ general knowledge and appreciation of cinema.
September in Austin, Texas
Extra — Enjoy the brisket at Terry Black’s Barbecue. Then, head over to the bar at the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt near Rainey Street for a spicy margarita.
AFI Fest
Photo by C. McCain
AFI Fest offers the perfect combination: Hollywood and the American Film Institute (AFI), an organization dedicated to documenting, archiving and celebrating motion picture history. AFI Fest showcases the best festival films of the year and provides a stage for seasoned filmmakers and emerging artists to come together to discuss their process, passion and inspiration. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI Fest as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category for the annual Academy Awards®. Don’t miss the A-list celebrity sightings during the pre-show red-carpet entrances.
October in Los Angeles, California
Extra — Head over to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.
TCM Classic Cruise
Courtesy of TCM
This is not your typical film festival. For starters, the annual Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Classic Cruise takes place on the open waters. Attendees enjoy five nights of classic film screenings while onboard a cruise ship. Film industry legends are there to share behind-the-scenes stories and answer audience questions. TCM hosts discussions about some of the best films ever made. From outdoor screenings to themed events, this festival cruise is a carefree way to celebrate classic films in style.
October from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico
Extra — Take a dip in the pool and unwind with a book on the sundeck.
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