FirstGlance Film Festivals: Free Indies

FirstGlance Film Festivals, running since 1996, holds events in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, showcasing a mix of shorts, web series, and feature-length films. They aim to unite indie filmmakers and audiences, providing distribution opportunities and personal attention. The 29th annual Philadelphia festival will occur May 7-10, 2026, at the Film Society Bourse. The festival accepts various genres and skill levels, promoting diversity and inclusion. This year's festival introduces categories for animated, international, and AI shorts. To celebrate Philadelphia's 250th anniversary, a $250 cash prize will be awarded to the "Best of Fest" winner. FirstGlance has screened over 3,000 films for 290,000 attendees and boasts a 99% distribution rate for feature films screened over the past 12 years. The festival has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine and Time Magazine.