Great news for film lovers! The Florida Film Festival is officially calling all filmmakers: submissions are now open for its 36th annual edition, which will light up Central Florida from April 9 to 18, 2027.
Presented by the beloved Enzian Theater in Maitland, the festival is one of the country’s top showcases for American independent and international cinema. This year, MovieMaker Magazine named it one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” and it’s easy to see why. The 10-day celebration spans Narrative and Documentary Features, Narrative, Documentary, and Animated Shorts, plus an International Showcase, Spotlight Films, Midnight Movies, Music Films, Florida Films, secret screenings, tributes, panels, parties, and special guests.
The 2026 edition welcomed more than 200 filmmakers and over 17,000 movie fans, and the 2027 edition promises to be even bigger. Even better: the festival is accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in all three short-film categories, meaning Grand Jury Award winners become eligible for Academy Awards consideration. That’s the magic of Orlando — world-class cinema right in our backyard!
Filmmakers from around the globe can submit their latest work now through the festival’s website. Mark your calendars for April 2027 and get ready for 10 days of movie magic in Central Florida!
Photo: Enzian Theater
