Missouri’s Fantastic Film Festivals
By Missouri Film Office | April 6, 2022
Bring your movie binging to a new level. Step away from your streaming service of choice and check out the fantastic film festivals held in the Show-Me State each year. From horror flicks to introspective short films, these festivals cater to a wide variety of cinematic tastes and showcase films that will leave an impression that lasts long after the credits have rolled.
International
Kansas City Film Fest International
Kansas City Film Fest is a celebration of the power of storytelling. It has provided opportunities for local filmmakers to showcase their work alongside artists from the rest of the country and beyond.
St. Louis International Film Festival
Watch films that would otherwise never screen in St. Louis and explore the perspectives and cultures of people all across the world through cinema.
True/False Film Fest
Creative placemaking is the focus of the True/False Film Fest. Local artists transform downtown Columbia specifically for the festival to provide an immersive experience.
Regionally Focused
St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
St. Louis filmmakers are put in the spotlight for St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Both full-length and multi-film productions are presented at the event with a Q&A after each feature-length film.
Ozark Mountain WebFest
With a focus on films made in the heartland of America, Ozark Mountain WebFest aims build connections between filmmakers in the region.
Diverse Perspectives
QFest St. Louis
The LGBTQ community takes center stage at QFest. The productions presented at the festival include both documentaries and narratives – all of which have storylines that are relevant to LGBTQ audiences.
St. Louis Jewish Film Festival
The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival accepts both national and international productions that illustrate Jewish perspectives of universal issues.
Branson international Film Festival
This faith-based, family-friendly festival was created to give Christian filmmakers from across the globe an outlet to share their work.
Kansas City LGBT Film Festival
Films created by, for and about the LGBT community are showcased at this event, which gives special attention to native Missouri and Kansas filmmakers.
Specialty
Riverside Short Film Festival
Based in the New Haven’s Historic Walt Theatre, the films featured at the festival teach audiences about global perspectives while offering a platform for filmmakers to gain exposure to a wider audience.
Panic Fest
Horror lovers will flock to Panic Fest, a festival that focuses exclusively on projects of a darker nature. Hosted within a historic theater, the event includes live podcasts, panels and post-show Q&A discussions.
Rated SGF Film Festival
Films for Rated SGF are carefully selected to provide an experience that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Local artists perform songs and create movie posters inspired by the films.
Show Me Justice Film Festival
The films at the Show Me Justice Film Festival all have a common theme of social justice to empower communities to take action against injustices.
Student
Central Film Festival
Each year, Springfield hosts one of the only student-led film festivals in the country. Talented high school students submit their short films to the festival where they are screened and judged at a professional level.
Fault Line Film Festival
High school and university students submit narrative short films to this annual film competition held at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
National FilmFest 4-H
Youth filmmakers get the opportunity to display their talents and learn from industry professionals in a competitive and educational environment.
Truman State University Film Festival
Held in honor of late film legend Vincent Price, the festival was created to give undergraduate students a creative outlet and a platform to showcase their work.
