Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington Delaware skyline night

THE WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

  • Narrative Features
  • Compelling Documentaries
  • The 17th The Annual Film Brothers Festival of Shorts
  • Live Music
  • Film Industry Events

ENJOY THE FESTIVAL HUB AT: THE CHANCERY MARKET

This dynamic festival serves as a key networking event for filmmakers, passionate movie lovers, non-profits and businesses seeking impactful engagement opportunities. Attendees converge for a unique celebration encompassing:
INDEPENDENT FILM • LOCAL ARTISTS • LIVE MUSIC • WORLD CUISINES
making it much more than a movie festival.
It is an original cultural experience attracting a broad audience interested in film culture, arts and entertainment, and community events.

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FILM SCREENINGS ACROSS THREE DISTINCT VENUES
IN DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON AND THE RIVERFRONT

In addition to celebrating the imaginative capacity of fictional works, the festival recognizes the significant power of documentary filmmaking by presenting thought-provoking indie documentaries that investigate a broad spectrum of subjects and perspectives. The highly anticipated 17th Annual Film Brothers Festival of Shorts has an established dedicated platform for the dynamic art of short cinema, featuring innovative and engaging bite-sized morsels from around the world. Beyond the screenings, attendees can immerse themselves in the local arts community through curated art exhibitions and enjoy captivating live music performances spanning various genres within the Wilmington, DE area.

VIP ALL ACCESS PACKAGES AVAILABLE

An Individual VIP Pass grants you:

  • All FILM Screenings
  • Opening Night, Oct. 9 @ 5pm, for ‘Shelf Life’ with a Wine & Cheese tasting
  • Actor/Filmmaker Meet & Greet hosted by entertainment lawyer, Aaron Harburg
  • Sunday Award’s Brunch, Oct. 12 @ 11am, with WilmU Emerging Storytelling Scholarship, Screenwriting Contest Winners, and Film Awards

For film professionals and those seeking industry connections, the Wilmington International Film Festival offers invaluable film industry networking events. These include insightful panel discussions with filmmaking experts and opportunities to connect with film producers, film distributors, and other key players in the motion picture industry. This focus on professional development for filmmakers and film business networking in DE makes our festival a crucial destination for those serious about the craft and commerce of cinema in the Mid-Atlantic.

WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
STUDENT COMPETITION

Grand Prize: The President’s Emerging Storyteller Award – A Full Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship to Wilmington University.

Selected high school sophomores and juniors will create their own short films and have them shown on the BIG SCREEN! The winner will be awarded this coveted prize at the Sunday Awards Brunch on the last day of the festival. This will change a young person’s life!

Film Competition start June 16th. Follow us for updates HERE »

BOOK YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE FESTIVAL!

The Wilmington International Film Festival is strategically positioned within the growing film scene of Delaware, attracting attention from nearby cities: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC.

Treat yourself to a unique getaway with:
FILM • LIVE MUSIC • INTERNATIONAL FOOD • NETWORKING
Check out special rates at our feature hotels

BECOME A SUPPORTER

By supporting our festival, you or your brand gain significant visibility within a highly engaged audience of film enthusiasts, arts supporters, and local consumers in the area. Our comprehensive marketing efforts ensure strong brand visibility for our supporters across various platforms, reaching a diverse demographic interested in independent cinema, local events in Wilmington DE, and the arts community of Delaware.

In conclusion, the Wilmington International Film Festival offers a unique and multifaceted experience that extends far beyond traditional film festivals. It’s a vibrant intersection of independent filmmaking, local arts, live entertainment, and community spirit, making it a must-attend event. For film lovers, artists, music fans, nonprofits and businesses looking to connect with a dynamic and engaged audience, the Wilmington International Film Festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something truly original. Join us for a celebration of the vibrant culture of Wilmington, Delaware!

Global reach brings films from around the world that are showcased for your edification. This offers a window to a world of different times, cultures and regions with information and entertainment. You can travel the world by boat, by plane, or by the field of film and imagination as the world comes to you.

Wilmington University is offering a 4-year BS Scholarship in Film Production to a selected student filmmaker!  This is a unique opportunity for an aspiring creator in the film making arts.

Awards & Prizes

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
BEST SHORT
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT OR FEATURE
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
BRANDYWINE AWARD (DE, PA, NJ, MD STATES)
AUDIENCE CHOICE  (SHORT OR FEATURE)

Rules & Terms

Please note the following guidelines for submitting your film to WIFF:
  • The submission fee is non-refundable.
  • More than one entry may be submitted.
  • Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.
  • Films that have been publicly broadcast in the United States and/or films that are publicly streaming online before the January 1, 2024 film festival are not eligible.
  • Films screened at other film festivals are ok to submit.
  • Music videos or commercials are not eligible.
  • The filmmaker is responsible for shipping materials and eMarketing materials to WIFF, if the film is selected.
  • Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.
  • Not all invited films officially selected will be eligible for competition.
  • The selection committees’ and juries’ decisions are final.
  • Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films through U.S. and/or foreign customs officials.
  • WIFF reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or festival scheduling.

****Exception for BRANDYWINE AWARD
To be considered for the BRANDYWINE Award, filmmakers, writers, or (producer and/or director) must have DE/PA/NJ/MD residence OR more than 50% of the film must have been filmed in one of those regions.