The Massachusetts Independent Film Festival (MassIFF) is a program of the Shawna E Shea Memorial Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) arts and educational nonprofit.

Our goal is to showcase films made locally and from around the world made by truly independent filmmakers. We want to show the best of contemporary independent filmmaking in all genres(drama, experimental, comedy, horror, slow cinema, sci fi, fantasy, animation, documentary, and more).

Best Feature:
Best Short:
Best Documentary:
Best New England Film:
Best Massachusetts Film:
Best Worcester Film:
Best Feature Screenplay:
Best Short Screenplay:

RULES:

All films must have been produced after January 2020. Short length films are considered 45 minutes or under. Features over 45 minutes up to 120 minutes.

We have a live festival component in Worcester, Massachusetts and a virtual component through the Shawna Foundation's Patreon Page that will only be available during the film festivals dates.

Please submit a synopsis and film poster or stills. We hold the right to reject films that don't have a basic press kit after being selected.

All submissions material must have updated contact information.

Please only submit an online copy. Vimeo or FilmFreeway. Send password if needed.

Foreign language films must be made available with English subtitles or dubbed.

Only completed films may be submitted. (No rough cuts).

If your film is selected please make sure an online copy of your film is still available until the festival is over for the jury.

There is a non-refundable processing fee for all film & script entries.

Filmmakers attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

If your film is selected please provide a downloadable copy. Please do not send a film size of epic proportions.

It is up to the filmmaker to keep on top of all notifications and emails sent about the festival. CHECK YOUR SPAM!

Your film being a premiere is not required. Although it would be cool.

No feedback on submissions will be given.

Terms and Conditions

By submitting your film for consideration to the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, you are telling us that you have full authority to do so, that the film is cleared for potential festival exhibition, and that you accept full legal responsibility. MassIFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes only. You shall also indemnify and hold harmless the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving the copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening films entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Patrick Rahall

    This was my first time attending this event, and it was another fantastic job by the hosts, of course, I expected nothing less! Great networking event, with excellent film selections, and just a great time overall!

    May 2024
  • Cool festival. Good networking event also.

    May 2024
  • Kim Christel

    It was such an honor to have my film accepted by MASSIFF. What a wonderful, intimate festival run by great people!

    May 2024
  • Excellent film festival. Everyone was so communicative and the film selection was great. Lots of different styles and genres. It was also wonderful to network with some local filmmakers and talent. Truly independent filmmaking supported at the heart of it all.

    May 2024
  • Oliver Brubaker

    Great festival!! The venue was very nice, as were the organizers and attendees! Loved the film selections as well. I would definetely recommend submitting to the Mass Indie fest- and of course, thanks for the award!

    May 2024