Delaware Film Festival
Delaware's most important film festival, held annually in Wilmington, presenting independent American and international cinema to the First State's largest and most culturally active city.
Overview
The Delaware Film Festival is Delaware's most important film festival. Founded in 2008 and held annually in Wilmington -- Delaware's largest city and a former industrial center on the Christina and Delaware Rivers near Philadelphia -- the festival presents independent American and international cinema to the First State's most culturally active community.
Delaware's status as a small state with a large corporate identity (more than half the Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware for tax and legal reasons) belies a genuine community cultural life. Wilmington's transformation from a DuPont company town into a more diverse and culturally engaged city has included the development of arts institutions and creative communities that support the film festival.
The Philadelphia proximity (Wilmington is 25 miles south of Philadelphia) creates a Mid-Atlantic film culture connection that gives the festival access to resources and audiences beyond Delaware's borders.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Program -- independent American and international features
- Delaware Film Showcase -- films by Delaware filmmakers
- Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
- Family Film Program -- films for family audiences
What Filmmakers Should Know
The festival accepts open submissions. For Delaware filmmakers, this is the state's primary platform. The Philadelphia proximity creates useful industry and audience connections across the Delaware Valley region.
Major Awards
- Best Film -- jury prize
- Audience Award
Festival History
Delaware Film Festival was founded in 2008 and has operated as Delaware's primary film cultural event.
See Also
For Mid-Atlantic festivals, see Film Festival Strategy. For independent filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies.
