Various Artists independent Film Festival

Overview

Welcome to VAiFF, the 10th Annual Various Artists independent Film Festival! Whether you’re an emerging creator or a seasoned professional, we have opportunities for you. • Up-and-comers can submit films year-round in our Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer seasons, leading up to our live Finale in Chicago, Illinois, and our virtual festival to our global fans from around the world. • VAiFF runs quarterly competitions, with each submission getting a trailer and a shot at the Finale Competition—where your full project could be screened live or virtually. The festival also features performances, workshops, panels, networking, and job opportunities. • Seasoned professionals seeking recognition (not competition) are welcome to submit for festival laurel consideration, with screenings in our live or virtual programs. Our categories are as varied as the content creators that produce them. We have 14 categories for submissions: • Animation • Black Voices • Children/Family •Comedy • Documentary • Drama • Experimental • Faith-Based • Fan Films • Horror/Thriller • International (subtitled) • Music Video • TV/Web series • Woman Voices VAiFF has no 2-year project stipulation rule, and any completed project can submit, regardless of the completion date. All entries must be 60 minutes or under, and we screen all submissions in their entirety. Throughout our history, our judges' panel has included esteemed Academy and Emmy Award Winning and Nominated artists to working professionals in the industry today, including but not limited to Carl Jones ("The Boondocks", "Black Dynamite"), Anjul Nigam ("Grey's Anatomy"), Bob Gale ("Back to the Future" trilogy) and more. When you submit to VAiFF, you become eligible for additional advantages, including personalized crystal awards for the Best Film in each category, a FREE COPY OF HARMONY Animation software for the "Best of Animation" winner, and a chance to be selected for a PAID INTERNSHIP on a new Carl Jones project. You must follow all entry terms and conditions. Each quarter will accept the first 100 entries per category, and late entries will be considered for the next quarter's festival. By submitting your film, you grant us the right to use excerpts for promotional purposes. You agree to provide the necessary screening materials if your film is nominated.

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

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• Filmmaker

  It was an exciting and great experience to attend and participate in this event, which was accompanied by the festival's great support and encouragement to promote the filmmakers' works in the best possible way, and I am happy that my film was recognized at the festival.

• Filmmaker

  This festival is the best! Professional and they really care about filmmakers! So glad that my short, Rock Island Prison 1864, made it into their fest! Can't wait to submit another film!

• Filmmaker

  It was a good festival and an interesting experience.

• Filmmaker

  Thanks about festival.This festival is Importand in the world.

• Filmmaker

  We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” (https://www.instagram.com/theredmarketfilm/) featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

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