USA TODAY 10Best
10 best film festivals in the US for 2023
Best Film Festival (2023)
Move over, Cannes! The film festival circuit in the United States is packed with fantastic events, from heavy hitters to up-and-comers screening tomorrow's biggest names in cinema. To find the best, we asked our panel of event experts to nominate their favorites, then our readers voted for the top 10. Here are the 10 best film festivals in the United States for 2023.
Photo courtesy of andresr // Getty Images
No. 10: Seattle International Film Festival - Seattle, Washington
The Seattle International Film Festival screens features, shorts and documentaries. Many of the films will not have theatrical runs in the United States, making it a place to discover underrepresented voices and the stories they tell. Post-screening talks with directors encourage the audience to reflect on and discuss a range of contemporary issues.
Photo courtesy of Kial James / Nevada City Film Festival
No. 9: Nevada City Film Festival - Nevada City, California
This three-day event in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California has grown to become one of the most artist-friendly and fun festivals in the nation, screening independent films from around the world. Festivalgoers also enjoy watching a movie under the pines on the largest outdoor screen in Nevada County.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Lau
No. 8: Frameline - San Francisco, California
With a modest beginning in a storefront in 1976, Frameline has matured into one of the preeminent events for LGBTQ+ films in the world, with a mission to spark change through the power of queer cinema. The festival is held in June to coincide with San Fransisco's Gay Pride Day, though there are screenings and events sprinkled throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of Geber86 // Getty Images
No. 7: Orcas Island Film Festival - Eastsound, Washington
The Orcas Island Film Fest takes place over five days each autumn, with previews of first-run feature films screened at venues with state-of-the-art projection systems. Attendees may enjoy panels and mingling with the filmmakers at intimate after-parties. Before and after the movies, enjoy the island's pristine beauty, peace and tranquility.
Photo courtesy of DANCES WITH FILMS
No. 6: Dances With Films - Los Angeles, California
“Defiantly independent since 1998,” the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles screens some 200 films each year, ranging from narrative features and documentaries to shorts and music videos. This is an 11-day festival of discovery, known for its friendly community and playful programming at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Photo courtesy of Matt Kroll
No. 5: Mountainfilm - Telluride, Colorado
Held in the peaks of Colorado, Mountainfilm's goal is to create a better world by showcasing documentaries on topics such as social justice, activism and the environment. Conversations with filmmakers, scientists, artists and adventurers are part of its Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series. 10Best contributor Corinne Whiting shares: "This inspiring gathering nestled into the mountains of Colorado features brilliant movies (long-form and short, screened inside and out), talks (at bars, cafes and other venues), plus performances of dance, music and other expressions of creativity."
Photo courtesy of Atlanta Film Festival
No. 4: Atlanta Film Festival - Atlanta, Georgia
The 10-day Atlanta Film Festival highlights a diverse lineup of creative media, including virtual reality, episodic content and music videos, alongside more traditional offerings. The event includes panel discussions and nearly 200 films from across the globe. It’s also an Academy Award-qualifying festival.
Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara International Film Festival
No. 3: Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Santa Barbara, California
This 11-day-long event brings hundreds of films from around the world to historical theaters in Santa Barbara. The 100,000 attendees also enjoy panels and educational programs featuring industry leaders. Lucky visitors may even catch glimpse of a star; in the past, this festival has recognized the likes of Cate Blanchett, Martin Scorsese and even Oprah Winfrey.
Photo courtesy of Washington West Film Festival
No. 2: Washington West Film Festival - Reston, Virginia
Film and philanthropy come together at this Virginia film festival, where all box office proceeds are donated to communities in need. The festival screens films, as well as hosts Q&A sessions and panel discussions with some of the industry’s top names.
Photo courtesy of Sher Pruitt / Out On Film
No. 1: Out On Film - Atlanta, Georgia
Out on Film was established in 1987 as one of the first film festivals dedicated to LGBTQ stories and artists. The festival now spans 11 days, with a full lineup of film screenings and premieres. Documentaries shine, many with a focus on timely issues, like discrimination, HIV/AIDS, religion and marriage equality.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she... Read More
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Corinne Whiting
Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has... Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and professional storyteller, she has covered topics that include wild Tahitian getaways; Sicilian wine trails, delectable Hawaiian food trends and luxury beachfront resorts. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Melanie Reffes
Melanie Reffes is a seasoned travel journalist... Read More
Melanie Reffes is a seasoned travel journalist specializing in the Caribbean. She is often circling the globe in search of a good story or racing through airports trying to make a flight. Melanie is a contributor to USA TODAY Travel and CaribbeanTravel.com, she covers the Caribbean for Montreal's The Suburban newspaper and she is the author of the blog The Caribbean Romance Report on MarryCaribbean.com and a contributor to the travel aviation publication Captain Jetson (captainjetson.com). When she's not taking five the under a palm tree, you'll find her at home on the sunny island of Montreal. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie Reffes is a seasoned travel journalist specializing in the Caribbean. She is often circling the globe in search of a good story or racing through airports trying to make a flight. Melanie is a contributor to USA TODAY Travel and CaribbeanTravel.com, she covers the Caribbean for Montreal's The Suburban newspaper and she is the author of the blog The Caribbean Romance Report on MarryCaribbean.com and a contributor to the travel aviation publication Captain Jetson (captainjetson.com). When she's not taking five the under a palm tree, you'll find her at home on the sunny island of Montreal. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.