Indie Film Festival Recommendations?

Hey everyone,

What are the indie festivals you would recommend? I'm not talking about the big names or Academy qualifying festivals. Just what are some festivals that are fun and well-produced for filmmakers just starting out?

Bonus points for festivals in NYC/Philly area.
 
If you like making genre films, I've really enjoyed Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, both as a shorts filmmaker and as an attendee. It's a young festival, but the offerings have gotten better and better over the 3 years I've attended and, IMO, are strong. If your film shows, the organizers are lovely, as are most of the filmmakers, and, as far as I can tell, they present a broad range, from all kinds of horror (psychological, supernatural, slasher, B-movie, horror comedy and parody etc) to films that lean more towards suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and experimental.
So that's my rec.
 
If you like making genre films, I've really enjoyed Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, both as a shorts filmmaker and as an attendee. It's a young festival, but the offerings have gotten better and better over the 3 years I've attended and, IMO, are strong. If your film shows, the organizers are lovely, as are most of the filmmakers, and, as far as I can tell, they present a broad range, from all kinds of horror (psychological, supernatural, slasher, B-movie, horror comedy and parody etc) to films that lean more towards suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and experimental.
So that's my rec.
Awesome, thank you!
 
Personally, I think that The International CINDY Awards are probably the most respected and oldest festival for up and comers. here's their description: "Since 1959, the coveted CINDY Award has been presented to thousands of producers worldwide." It focuses on future producers and directors who get their start in independent films and commercials. It's also both regional and international so the NYC/Philly area is covered. Hope this helps.
 
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