5 Indie Film Festivals for Animation Filmmakers
Festivals where the craft is the entire point.
Chicago Underground Film Festival
Chicago, Illinois
Known as the longest underground film festival in the world, CUFF was founded in 1993 and accepts animation across every format: CGI, stop-motion, clay, hand-drawn, cut-out, and hybrids. The festival is built specifically for work that steps out of the box, shying away from fitting the mold of conventional categories, which makes it a natural home for experimental animation. The festival takes place in late September, therefore, submissions have closed but will be reopening soon after it concludes its 2026 edition.
Lake Effect Film Festival
Erie, Pennsylvania
Taking place in February 2027, Lake Effect actively programs animation alongside narrative and experimental work. The festival was built for the animators whose work pushes the boundaries and shies away from the model of larger commercial festivals. The winner of Best Film receives a cash prize, a festival-launched promotional campaign, and a custom trophy. Submit to Lake Effect Film Festival on The Circuit today through the end of September!
Animation Block Party
Brooklyn, New York
Founded in 2024, the Animation Block Party is now in Year 23 and has expanded into one of the most sought after animation-only festivals in the US. The festival screens over 100 films each year, drawing over 2500 attendees with all genres accepted. This year, the festival is expanding outside of Brooklyn to Miami and Los Angeles. Running from August 22 through September 27.
Ottawa International Animation Festival
Ottawa, Canada
The five-day Ottawa International Film Festival is the largest animation festival in North America and takes place every fall. Drawing 30,000 attendees, the festival accepts all forms of animation and requires that there be some level of human involvement in their work. From over 2,000 submissions, 150 films are selected and Grand Prize winners automatically qualify for the Annie Awards without entry fees.
Animation Is Film Festival
Los Angeles, California
Held every Fall in Los Angeles, this Oscar-qualifying festival is dedicated entirely to the art of animation. Animation Is Film Festival programs animated features, shorts, and works in progress from filmmakers across the globe. Grand Prize winners qualify for Annie Award submission without entry fees. Past selections have included films from acclaimed houses like Pixar and Studio Ghibli.
Animation filmmakers have an extremely dedicated circuit to navigate and the form is starting to be taken more seriously by programmers and buyers than ever before. The Circuit is here to help you find the festivals, even animation-specific, that align with your work giving you the power to manage all your submissions in one place.
