The Indie Gathering International Film Festival

Overview

The Indie Gathering International Film Festival is entering our 22nd year festival in 2027. We moved to Columbus, Ohio this past year. Getting the opportunity to present your projects on the big screen is rare and precious. The Indie Gathering leveled up now that we are in 4 theaters in a real multiplex for 3 days, showing over 100 projects. This weekend long film festival is an in-person gathering for filmmakers young, old, student, amateur, or professional. This festival is for people who create because it is part of their soul. Those that need to make and to express themselves. No matter your budget or access, we celebrate the passion and dedication of artists and filmmakers who simply love and appreciate cinema and are dedicated to growing their skill set and overall knowledge of cinematic arts. Our mission is to provide an opportunity and safe space for filmmakers of any level or capability to showcase their work. Indie Gathering is an opportunity to engage filmmakers from all walks of life. We are building a community on the premise that bringing people up for their merits is greater than cutting with crushing critique. Indie Gathering is a place for filmmakers to better their skills, showcase their ideas, and build a community. We thrive on your inspiration not your flaws. We embrace experimental, animated, narrative and documentary, short-form and feature length films from every corner of the globe, offering filmmakers an environment that values artistry above marquee names and industry relationships. We are about fostering creativity and honing the craft. **PLEASE READ ALL RULES BEFORE SUBMITTING!** With competitions for films, scripts, film scoring, and acting/monologue, The Indie Gathering has a place for everyone! The weekend consists of three movie theater screens, vendors, film seminars/lectures, competitions, networking parties and more! If you are involved in, or interested in, any aspect of filmmaking, this festival is for you. Previously voted one of the Top 25 Film Festivals by MovieMaker Magazine as the Best Fest for Networking!

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

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• Filmmaker

  Review Festival Review

• Filmmaker

  It's well organised filmfreeway festival and I'm happy about it

• Filmmaker

  The Indie Gathering was my first film festival, and I learned so much. The staff member, Ross, was so friendly. I watched some amazing "Shorts" and connected with a producer who helped me see how much I still have to learn. I needed to shorten my loglines and pitch my script better. I'm heading to another festival next month, and I will be better equipped to present myself and my script next time. I'll be back next year.

• Filmmaker

  Indie Gathering is fantastic. The theater is wonderful and it is wonderful to see our films projected in a theater. Films looked and sounded great. Panels were informative and presenters shared information grounded in lived experiences. I met wonderful filmmakers and reconnected with film friends I admire. Indie Gathering is very worth submitting to and attending if selected. Thank you Indie Gathering!

• Filmmaker

  Great communication and lovely organization. It’s absolutely worth it.

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