6 U.S. Film Festivals Bringing Stories to the Big Screen

In the home of Hollywood, movies are more than an art form; they shine the spotlight on true stories, big ideas and creatives from around the world. From short films to superhero blockbusters and quotable comedies, movies bring people together and inspire us to chase adventures of our own (ever heard of set-jetting?). Film festivals are a major part of movie culture, connecting fans with filmmakers and rising stars in all genres. Of the hundreds held annually in the USA, many have been around for decades, launching hit movies and evolving into immersive pop culture experiences. Get ready to laugh, cry, cheer and maybe spot a celebrity or two. Here are six can’t-miss film festivals in the USA.

Sundance Film Festival

A ticket to the Sundance Film Festival includes the thrill of predicting which flicks will make it big. Sundance audiences have been among the first to experience box-office hits like “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “CODA.” A tradition in skier’s paradise and resort town Park City, Utah, since 1981, the Sundance Film Festival is now the largest independent film festival in the USA, offering over a week of star-studded interviews, movie screenings and awards every January. The festival is moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027, giving attendees new places to shop, dine and explore between sessions.

Tribeca Film Festival

Bright lights and big personalities make Manhattan a cultural capital. And a film festival co-founded by Robert De Niro? That’s quintessential New York. The Tribeca Film Festival is named for its hip hometown in Lower Manhattan – a syllabic abbreviation of “Triangle Below Canal Street.” One of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City, the setting itself feels straight from a screenplay. It has old iron buildings, cobblestone streets and small restaurants perfect for a post-movie meal. The Tribeca Film Festival hosts over 600 screenings each spring, but its offerings aren’t limited to film; the lineup also includes music, audio storytelling, TV shows and game demos, attracting diverse creators and audiences alike.

Atlanta Film Festival

Atlanta is sometimes called the “Hollywood of the South,” so it’s no surprise Georgia‘s culture-rich capital city hosts an established film festival every spring. One of just a few festivals that are Academy Award-qualifying in all three short film categories (Narrative Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short), the Atlanta Film Festival is a must-attend for movie fans. Its action-packed lineup is enough to thrill even the most devoted movie buffs. Still, you can dive deeper into the local movie scene by visiting filming locations around Atlanta. “Marvel” fans will likely recognize more than a few spots.

Chicago International Film Festival

In Chicago, Illinois, autumn leaves signal the return of the Chicago International Film Festival. The October event is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, where Martin Scorsese showed his first feature film. See cinematic history in the making at screenings, premieres and red-carpet events, then live your own movie-star moment among Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers, waterfronts and art-filled neighborhoods. Hundreds of projects are filmed here each year, including major motion pictures like “The Blues Brothers,” “The Dark Knight” and “The Fugitive.” 

SXSW Film & TV Festival

Austin, Texas, is always exciting – it’s called the “Live Music Capital of the World” for its booming music scene – but when SXSW (short for “South by Southwest”) rolls around in early spring, the energy is downright electric. Musicians, movie stars and tech pioneers converge on the city, sharing their passions with over 300,000 attendees. The SXSW Film & TV Festival is a pillar of this week-long celebration, which also uplifts music and interactive media. Screenings, expos and celebrity appearances bring movie magic to venues citywide, immersing attendees in Austin’s legendary entertainment. Great news for budget-conscious travelers: SXSW is lowering badge prices to keep its events accessible for years to come.

Seattle International Film Festival  

In the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its creative culture, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) puts on a show every spring. From opening night events at the historic Paramount Theatre to the closing night film and party 10 days later, festivalgoers get all the best parts of a major film festival with a side of Seattle’s signature flair. Local eats, secret shows and the Golden Space Needle Audience Awards showcase the city’s thriving food and drink scenes, eclectic neighborhoods and community atmosphere. If you can’t make the main event, you can catch year-round programming at four SIFF cinemas in Seattle, Washington.