top of page

THE

FESTIVAL

AT THE AMSTERDAM INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, WE FOCUS ON FILM. THE FIFTH EDITION WILL BRING INDEPENDENT ARTISTIC VISIONS TO AN AUDIENCE THAT DEMANDS A MORE FULFILLING EXPERIENCE THAN THE LATEST HOLLYWOOD FARE.

The glitz and glamour of showbusiness in the mainstream film festival circuit can sometimes detract from the true purpose of the event — the celebration of creative film-making. While the red carpets, the champagne parties, and the high admission prices may be good for grabbing headlines and driving profits, they may also prevent the dissemination of art to the audience.

 

We take pride in our astute selection process. The Amsterdam Independent Film Festival is known for discovering hidden gems that later go on to successfully thrive at A-list festivals, with some films even catching the eye of the Academy Awards. In 2021 for example, we selected 'Ala Kachuu – Take and Run', directed by Maria Brendle, which was nominated in 2022 for an Oscar in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

 

At the Amsterdam Independent Film Festival, we focus on film. The festival will also bring independent artistic visions to an audience that demands a more fulfilling experience than the latest Hollywood fare.

In Amsterdam’s LAB111 — a cult cinema located in a former anatomical pathology hospital — we’ll be screening selections of remarkable independent films from all over the world free of charge, giving film-makers the widest possible exposure and freedom from commercial constraints.

No red carpets. No elitist audiences. No distraction from the art itself. The Amsterdam Independent Film Festival will provide an intimate environment for film-makers and film lovers to come together and share in the beauty of artistic expression.

Awards

The selected films will compete for the following awards:

Best Narrative Feature Film 
Best Documentary Feature Film 
Best Animated Feature Film 
Best Narrative Short Film 
Best Documentary Short Film 
Best Animated Short Film 
Best Experimental Film

Best Music Video

Previous editions

Find out more about the previous editions of the Amsterdam Independent Film Festival:

PrOUD PARTNER OF THE BIGGER SCREEN

Amsterdam Independent Film Festival is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organization that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive. 

​

Supporting Film Festivals: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour.

 

Connecting Cultures Program: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission.

 

Local Filmmakers Program: We understand that the cost of making a film can be taxing, so to encourage rising talent, we waive the festival submission fee to local talent. With numerous worldwide locations for festivals, this provides great opportunity for filmmakers around the world to enter the international film scene. This opportunity opens the world of film. Think global, act local, right?

 

Inclusive Audience Program: Our screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status.

 

The Tarkovski Grant: All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $250. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length.

bottom of page