The DC Independent Film Festival is Washington, D.C.’s oldest independent film festival, founded in 1999. It celebrates unique and thought-provoking independent features, short films, documentaries, and animation, with a strong focus on new voices, career development, and films that explore important social issues.
And it’s coming around again.
Key details for the 2026 DC Independent Film Festival
• Dates February 11 to February 16, 2026
• Location Various venues across Washington, D.C.
• Example venues include E Street Cinema, MLK Memorial Library, and The Atlas Performing Arts Center
• Events Screenings, seminars, and masterclasses focused on filmmaking craft, sound, and the independent film business
• Tickets Individual tickets available starting January 15, 2026, with festival passes also on sale
The DC Independent Film Festival is honestly one of the coolest things happening in the city for anyone who loves movies. It’s an annual event where independent filmmakers from all over come to showcase their work, films that are very different from what you would usually see in mainstream theaters. What makes the festival stand out is the variety. You get everything from powerful documentaries to creative narrative films that take risks and tell stories Hollywood often avoids.
What really makes the festival special is how personal it feels. Many filmmakers attend their screenings, so you are not just watching a film but also hearing directly from the people who made it and learning about their process and inspiration. It is not just about watching movies. It is about celebrating independent voices and giving space to artists who are doing something authentic and original. If you are tired of the same generic blockbusters and want films that challenge you and show real perspectives, the DC Independent Film Festival is definitely worth checking out.