We are Cincinnati’s Home for Independent Filmmaking

Cindependent is a filmmaker-focused festival, dedicated to empowering and providing career development resources for accepted artists during our event. We welcome storytellers at all levels of their careers including student, emerging, mid-career, professional, experienced and celebrity.

We host live screenplay readings for accepted screenplays and 12 hours of film exhibition each day.

Submit here: https://filmfreeway.com/Cindependent

At Cindependent, every submission is watched in full by our programming team - no shortcuts, no robots, no “eh” piles.

We provide a careful, human-centered review process designed to champion bold voices and emerging storytellers.

All official selections are announced on August 1 at our annual Cindependence Day lineup pool party, where we unveil the full festival slate for our community. You are welcome to attend but we understand it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

From there, selected filmmakers receive a detailed welcome packet, access to their dedicated hospitality liaison, invitations to filmmaker-only events, and early planning guidance for screenings, Q&As, travel and press.

We’re here to make your festival experience feel thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely memorable from the moment you hit submit.