A cinematic journey through some of North America’s most dynamic, inspiring must-attend film festivals
By Courtney Lind, Contributing Writer
North America’s film festival scene is rapidly evolving, with new events entering the scene each year and longstanding favorites adapting to industry changes. As more events are added to the film festival circuit in 2025, more diverse voices, stories and landscapes will shine on the big screen. These festivals are also where film location trends are launched. Destinations used in festival entries are seen by producers, directors, cinematographers, and decision-makers, inspiring future on-location choices. Additionally, regional film commissions and tourism boards may be in attendance to promote their location as film-friendly, making this a great networking opportunity between scouting professionals and local support in various burgeoning destinations.
This year, Destination Film Guide sought nominations from over 100 festivals and asked them what makes their event exceptional. The results show a tapestry of celebrations as diverse as the landscapes of North America. Here are our picks for the top film festivals in 2025 throughout North America.
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1. Santa Fe Film Festival
Santa Fe, New Mexico (February)
For five days in February, Santa Fe is transformed into a hub of screenings, panels, workshops, and lively parties across iconic local venues, making it one of the top film festivals in 2025 to watch. Nearly 80 films are screened during the Santa Fe Film Festival, with filmmakers hailing from a diverse list of over 30 countries, including Peru, China, Bulgaria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ukraine, and Iran. It’s a celebration of the state’s thriving local film industry, where filmmakers join locals to celebrate the power of storytelling and the locations behind the lens.
“I don’t know if even our most enthusiastic supporters could have envisioned two major movie studios and multiple productions being staged in our town or being named the best place to shoot in the entire country. We have more independent movie theater seats per capita than practically anywhere else nationwide. During our history, we’ve been blessed to be able to show the best of local, national, and worldwide features, shorts, and documentaries.” – Festival Director NaNi Rivera
2. Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival
Riviera Maya, Mexico (March)
Discover the boutique Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival experience where over 70 films from 29 countries are screened alongside beautiful beachfronts and scenic marinas. Highlights include a drive-in cinema experience via golf carts and filmmaker Q&As with the regional premiere of Greenpeace Mexico’s “Voices of the Mayan Jungle.” This immersive celebration unites the film industry in a vibrant and tropical cinematic experience.
“Perfectly situated between the posh energy of Tulum and the laid-back vibes of Playa del Carmen, PAIFF is an ideal destination festival setting where filmmakers and cinephiles connect on a deeper level. With exclusive access, luxury accommodations, and a welcoming local vibe, it’s primed to scale into one of the most sought-after cultural getaways on the international festival calendar.”
3. Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (April)
Nestled along South Carolina’s sun-kissed shores, MBIFF is known for its relaxed yet inspiring setting where filmmakers and attendees connect amidst the ocean breezes and Southern hospitality. Festival organizers work hard to make this a community-focused event, prioritizing accessibility and support so that creativity can thrive without barriers. Screenings take place at the state-of-the-art Grand 14 Cinema, paired with panels and events at iconic local venues. All this makes for an intimate atmosphere that fosters creativity and camaraderie.
“What sets MBIFF apart? It begins with our unwavering commitment to independent voices. We champion bold and innovative films from around the globe, showcasing features, shorts, and documentaries each year. Our programming spans genres and perspectives, from thought-provoking narratives to experimental gems, ensuring a filmmaker’s passion for storytelling finds a home.”
4. Julien Dubuque International Film Festival
Dubuque, Iowa (April)
Each spring, the charming town of Dubuque, Iowa, is on display as thousands of festivalgoers travel from across the world to attend the celebrated Julien Dubuque International Film Festival. Alongside screenings of narrative features, docs and shorts, JDIFF is known for its networking opportunities. This is presented in the form of panels, workshops, Q&As, and engaging social events. JDIFF continues to serve as a champion for emerging talent, cultural exchange and the creative community in the Midwest and beyond.
“JDIFF is all about the independent filmmaker and film enthusiast and truly geared toward creating the best experience. Film enthusiasts and attendees will meet people from around the world, watch amazing independent films, participate in evening events and experience a town full of beauty, history, and excitement.”
5. Out On Film
Atlanta, Georgia (September)
One of the world’s only Oscar-qualifying LGBTQ+ film festivals, Out On Film, blends cultural significance with community celebration. This powerhouse event screens over 150 films annually and features a popular screenplay competition with cash prizes. Out On Film continues to redefine visibility, amplify underrepresented voices, and create space for bold, unapologetic storytelling.
“Several aspects of Out On Film makes us stand out. We are one of the only Oscar-qualifying LGBTQ film festivals in the world. Last year, we began offering a Queer Summit as part of our festival, featuring four days of industry engagement and panels on all aspects of filmmaking, marketing, writing, and producing. We have been named to Movie Maker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee twice, including in 2025.”
6. Puerto Rico Film Festival
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico (September)
The Puerto Rico Film Festival is a cinematic movement shaping the future of Caribbean storytelling. Celebrating its 16th edition in 2025, PRFF has grown into the most important film festival on the island, receiving over 1,200 films from more than 65 countries and drawing thousands of passionate viewers, creators and industry professionals.
“What makes us one to watch? Our unique blend of global vision and local soul. We not only highlight emerging and established talent from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean but also connect them with the international film industry through initiatives like masterclasses, industry days, student showcases, and now our official delegation to the Guadalajara Film Market. PRFF is where future voices are discovered, community meets creativity, and bold stories come to life.”
7. Atlantic International Film Festival
Halifax, Nova Scotia (September)
For over four decades, the Atlantic International Film Festival has been a cornerstone of Canada’s East Coast creative scene. As one of the top film festivals in 2025, AIFF is renowned for its warm and welcoming spirit, drawing both devoted cinephiles and casual audiences alike. It puts an essential emphasis on accessibility and regional pride, bringing it all together each September in one of North America’s most picturesque settings.
“AIFF is unique in that we represent not just one city or province, but the entire region of Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). We always have a strong representation of Atlantic Canadian films, typically ranging from 30% to 50%, screening alongside some of the best national and international films of any given year. The film community in our region is passionate, friendly, and inclusive.”
8. FilmQuest
Provo, Utah (October)
FilmQuest is one of the most talked-about festivals not only among genre cinema enthusiasts but also within the festival circuit as a whole. It has been named Utah’s Best of State Film Festival for eight consecutive years and is currently the #1 best-reviewed film festival in the world on the industry’s top film submission platform, FilmFreeway. FilmQuest is rapidly redefining the festival experience, with plans for a major expansion in 2026. This will take the festival into its next phase, with the planned introduction of the US’s first exclusively genre film market, additional venues, and more extracurricular events, labs, and filmmaker development programs.
“FilmQuest has become known as a “rock ‘n’ roll” festival amongst its peers. With daily networking parties and events, a party-like atmosphere at packed screenings, workshops, and labs all nestled in the heart of Utah’s gorgeous Wasatch Mountains (the mountains are literally on top of you), there’s no other festival quite like it.”
9. Festival du Nouveau Cinéma
Montréal, Québec (October)
Canada’s oldest film festival, the FNC champions auteur cinema, presenting over 200 works from 60 countries each October. It’s a haven for cutting-edge voices, reinforcing Montreal’s status as an international hub for creative storytelling. Attendees will experience a dynamic selection of boundary-pushing feature films, shorts, virtual reality experiences, and experimental media. Plus, lively Q&A sessions, industry panels and immersive installations make it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of storytelling.
“We’re a lively, bold, popular, innovative event! For more than 50 years, the FNC has been making national and international auteur cinema accessible, treating audiences to works of diversity and originality by emerging and major filmmakers. Our focus on the NEW is threefold: new creators, new approaches, and new technologies.”
10. Round Top Film Festival
Round Top, Texas (November)
Set in the heart of Texas, in a town nestled halfway between Houston and Austin, Round Top Film Festival is a community-oriented event where storytelling and creativity thrive. Founded by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Shanna and Skylar Schanen, the festival screens over 40 films, including features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos. Attendees can also enjoy filmmaker panels, live music, gourmet bites, and networking events, all in the festival’s charming, small-town setting.
“Round Top may be small, but it’s mighty in character—dubbed the ‘Aspen of Texas,’ it has a global soul and a front porch spirit. What makes RTFF stand out is our mix of smart, high-quality programming, wide-open countryside, and the kind of intimate, come-as-you-are atmosphere that turns strangers into friends and screenings into conversations. With each film, each Q&A, each shared sunset, we’re building a community where creativity thrives and stories matter.”
11. Anchorage International Film Festival
Anchorage, Alaska (December)
Now entering its landmark 25th year, AIFF is a cinematic adventure set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops on Earth. Their slogan says it all: Films Worth Freezing For. Each December, storytellers from some of the world’s largest festivals as well as bold, independent creators from around the globe descend upon Anchorage to share their work with an audience that braves the cold in the name of great cinema. The festival celebrates daring voices, underrepresented stories and the real-world impact of cinema, with award categories such as iPhone Shorts and Native Voices.
“What sets AIFF apart isn’t just the carefully curated lineup of over 100 films: it’s the unforgettable Alaskan experience. Where else can filmmakers spot moose on the way to a screening, chase the Aurora Borealis after a Q&A, take a glacier hike with fellow creatives, or participate in immersive Native Alaskan cultural tours? It’s equal parts film fest and frontier expedition. Anchorage may be cold, but the warmth of our community, the beauty of the wilderness, and the boldness of the programming make this one of North America’s most unique and unforgettable film festivals.”
DEBUTING THIS YEAR:
12. All Americas’ Independent Film Festival
Mexico City, Mexico (August)
This first edition of the All Americas’ Independent Film Festival in Mexico City is going to be one to watch, as audiences eagerly await the festival’s debut this August. It will be a celebration of the thriving independent film industry that transcends borders, using storytelling as a universal language. More than 50 films will be screened over three days, along with workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
The festival also has branches in Europe, Asia and Africa, and now looks forward to making its North American debut, showcasing the stories, themes and locations that make our countries unique.
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