Sundance . . . Cannes . . . Albany!

Albany FilmFest is a showcase for original, compelling, independent short films from emerging and established Bay Area, national, and global filmmakers.  

Dedicated to building community, we’re a place to see movies not readily available elsewhere and to hear voices that are often under-represented. Place, climate, human relationships, music, resources, refugees, gender, age, income, housing, art . . . all receive fresh, creative, and insightful exploration. 

We nurture an atmosphere that encourages filmmakers and audience members to connect and engage. Filmmakers consistently praise Albany FilmFest as friendly, warm, and well-organized, calling our event “one of the best festival experiences I have had.”  

Albany’s position as a small town in the midst of an urban region rich in diversity, resources, and challenge is a tangible metaphor for the creative nexus that Albany FilmFest aspires to be. We are grateful for the valuable support of local citizens, business and government that welcomes unique perspectives. 

Our mission is to bridge business, community, and the arts, and to encourage diversity, originality, creativity, and open and free communication.

We accept digital submissions only through FilmFreeway.

Important things to know about Albany FilmFest:

We're in California

Albany FilmFest was founded in in Albany, California -- not New York. In fact, we are located at the heart of Northern California’s San Francisco Bay Area, directly across the bay from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. (FYI, there are 37 cities named Albany worldwide. Ours could possibly be the coolest.)

WE WATCH EVERY FILM

Our screening team watches every film that is submitted before selecting finalists. Our stellar panel of judges is composed of award-winning filmmakers and industry professionals, including the late, great documentary filmmaker Les Blank.

We support young filmmakers

We have two youth filmmaker categories, support youth media education in our community, and do all we can to encourage aspiring young filmmakers to explore and develop communication, storytelling, and creativity through film, video, and media. Before the pandemic, our annual children's matinee screening was an integral and popular part of Albany Filmfest that we hope to bring back soon.

We cELEBRATE Community

Albany FilmFest nurtures community and conversation powered by our dedicated team of volunteers. We welcome film-goers of all ages, and we try to keep our prices low so that everyone can attend.