Fresh Films.

Thoughtful Curation.

Unforgettable Stories.

At Cindependent Film Festival, we know that great films don’t just entertain—they make you feel, think, and see the world in new ways. That’s why our curation goes beyond the expected, bringing together a lineup of bold, contemporary, and deeply resonant films that stick with you long after the credits roll.

From eye-opening documentaries to inventive indie gems, we handpick each selection with care, ensuring a festival experience that’s engaging, surprising, and full of discovery.

Watch the 2024 Cindependent Film Festival Trailer.

Led by Cindependent’s Curation Director, Jonny Shenk, we retain almost 30 curators who ensure each project is given the proper love, care and consideration it deserves.

Our festival programs shorts and features in two-hour blocks, starting at 10am daily. A full festival schedule sees films programmed 10-12pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm, and 8-10pm.

We recommend shorts are under 20 minutes (although we do accept and consider up to 40 minutes in length.) Features must be under 120 minutes to be fully considered.

Films are in competition for a number of awards:

  • Best Student Film

  • Best International Short

  • Best US Short

  • Best Ohio Short

  • Best Family Short

  • Best Comedy Short

  • Best Drama Short

  • Best Off-Kilter Short

  • Best Experimental Short

  • Best Documentary Short

  • Best Feature Film

  • Best Actor

  • Best Actress

  • Best Director

  • Kirk M Weber Fan Favorite Film

  • Founder's Film