Best Film Festival: Ann Arbor Film Festival

The Ann Arbor Film Festival, one of a handful of Academy Award-qualifying festivals in the country, got its start showcasing 16mm films. The program has since expanded to include more than 100 screenings in juried competitions, as well as panel discussions, gallery installations and filmmaker retrospectives.
Photo courtesy of Ann Arbor Film Festival

The reputable Santa Barbara International Film Festival has found its home in Santa Barbara, Calif., since the mid-80s. The 11-day-long event brings hundreds of films from around the world to historical theaters. The more than 85,000 participants also check out 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 Santa Barbara International Film Festival

This weeklong event in the Sierra Foothills of California has screened more than 2,000 movies over its 19 years. It has grown to become one of the most artist-friendly and fun festivals in the nation, with film topics like Expanding Gender, Late Night Popcorn Shorts and In Pursuit of Dreams. Workshops cover topics like film editing for storytelling and creative distribution.
Photo courtesy of Kial James / Nevada City Film Festival

The Austin Film Festival comprises four days of panels and workshops and eight nights of film screenings and parties. Films that have screened at this October event include A Hidden Life, Ford V Ferrari, Harriet, and Just Mercy.
Photo courtesy of Austin Film Festival

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 Washington West Film Festival

“Defiantly independent since 1998,” the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles screens some 200 films each year, ranging from narrative features to documentaries, 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 DWF LA

The 10-day Atlanta Film Festival highlights a diverse lineup of creative media, including virtual reality films, episodic content and music videos, alongside more traditional offerings. The 2020 installment will include 40 panel discussions and nearly 200 films from across the globe. It’s also an Academy Award-qualifying festival.
Photo courtesy of Atlanta Film Festival

The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is more than just a film festival. The nine-day event celebrates the spirit of adventure through film, as well as lectures, guided sunrise hikes in the mountains, gallery hops and family programming. It also includes a book festival.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Wittman / Banff Centre

Founded in 1996, The Nantucket Film Festival honors the best in screenwriting and storytelling in film and beyond. As a premier destination film festivals, visitors flock from all over to experience and enjoy the best films, unique events/programs and standout hospitality on an island rich with history, a friendly atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches. NFF celebrates 25 years this June.
Photo courtesy of Nantucket Film Festival

Started in 1964, the Chicago International Film Festival highlights the best in international cinema. Festival attendees have a good chance of meeting the directors, producers, writers and actors face to face, as more than half of all screenings each year include discussion sessions.
Photo courtesy of Chicago International Film Festival