ARLINGTON
Arlington International Film Festival
Independent films from around the world: documentary and narrative features, shorts, animation, and experimental. Panel discussions and post-screen parties with directors, producers, and actors.

• 2013 dates: October

BELMONT
Belmont World Film
Features narrative and documentary films from top international film festivals, a family film festival with animated and live action films, and special events.

• 2013 dates: international film series, March 11-April 29; family film festival, November.

BOSTON
Boston Film Festival
One of America's longest running and most recognized celebrations of film. Entertaining, insightful, educational, and cutting-edge films; lively question-and-answer sessions with directors and actors. Stuart Street Playhouse.

• 2013 dates: September

BOSTON
Roxbury International Film Festival
Films celebrating people of color. Film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions take place at the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall, and the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

• 2013 dates: June

BOSTON
Boston Irish Film Festival
Showcases films from Irish filmmakers around the world, films that expand the definition of Irish culture in the 21st century.

• 2013 dates: March
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BOSTON
Boston Turkish Film Festival
Features contemporary Turkish cinema and Turkish filmmakers. Many films are North American or U.S. premieres.

• 2013 dates: March/April

BOSTON
Independent Film Festival of Boston
Showcases the best independent films from around the world -- a mix of features, documentaries, and shorts. Panels and post-screen parties provide the opportunity to meet the directors, producers, and actors.

• 2013 dates: April 24-30

BOSTON
Boston International Film Festival
Brings together local, national, and international filmmakers. Screens independent and experimental films -- feature-length, shorts, and student works.

• 2013 dates: April 12-21

BOSTON, BROOKLINE & SUBURBS
Boston Jewish Film Festival
617-244-9899
The best contemporary films from around the world, which explore Jewish identity, the current Jewish experience, and the richness of Jewish culture in a diverse world. Features, shorts, documentaries, and conversations with visiting artists.

• 2013 dates: November

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston Asian American Film Festival
Thought-provoking, entertaining lineup of independent cinema; 14 films, 5 screening events; workshop on Asian Americans in Film.

• 2013 dates: October

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston Latino International Film Festival
Feature films, documentaries, and shorts showcasing Latino issues, culture, and the Latina community.

• 2013 dates:

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston LGBT Film Festival
International films of all lengths and genres that tell stories of the contemporary and historic experiences of lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.

• 2013 dates: May

BOSTON & CAMBRIDGE
Boston Underground Film Festival
BUFF seeks the alternative, the confrontational, the political and the controversial; films that celebrate alternative visions and sounds, offering a platform that encourages new ideas and work that pushes the envelope in style and content.

• 2013 dates: March

BOSTON, CAMBRIDGE & BROOKLINE
Boston Palestine Film Festival
617-642-9640
Showcases the extraordinary narrative of Palestinians through the medium of cinema.

• 2013 dates: October

BOSTON, HANOVER, NEWTON, SPRINGFIELD
ReelAbilities Boston Disabilities Film Festival
617-244-9899
Films about the lives of people with disabilities from a variety of communities.

• 2013 dates: January 31-February 5

CAMBRIDGE
Boston Bike Film Festival
617 -523-8388
Comedies, shorts, and documentaries.

• 2013 dates: October

CAMBRIDGE
The DocYard
Bi-weekly documentary film and discussion series at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge. In-person Q&As with filmmakers.

• 2013 dates: Two seasons: January-May; June-August

SOMERVILLE & CAMBRIDGE
Massachusetts Independent Film Festival
A truly independent film festival founded by filmmakers for filmmakers. Each year the festival has a section devoted to New England filmmakers, while also presenting the best in independent film from around the world. Networking opportunities are provided throughout the year with screenings, panel discussions, and parties where you can meet the filmmakers.

• 2013 dates: September

LAWRENCE
The Lawrence Film Festival
International features; discussions and Q&A sessions.

• 2013 dates: April

LOWELL
Lowell Film Festival
Documentaries from around the world focused on a specific theme. Guest speakers and panels.

• 2013 dates:

NEWBURYPORT
Newburyport Documentary Film Festival
Feature-length and short documentaries that focus on social issues.

• 2013 dates: September 20-22

SALEM
Salem Film Fest
Best documentary films from around the globe that will “entrance you, trouble you, introduce you to new friends, and change your world.”

• 2013 dates: March 7-14

NEW BEDFORD & FALMOUTH, CAPE COD
The Buzzards Bay Film Festival
508-999-6363
Features films about or shot in the Buzzards Bay watershed -- from Westport to Woods Hole, from the Elizabeth Islands to Plymouth. This year's festival includes a crowd-sourced film, The People's History of Buzzards Bay.

• 2013 dates: November

CAPE COD: PROVINCETOWN
Provincetown International Film Festival
508-487-FILM
Showcases American and international independent films, nurtures aspiring independent filmmakers, and honors industry luminaries.

• 2013 dates: June 19-23

CAPE COD: WOODS HOLE
Woods Hole Film Festival
508-495-3456
Eight-day showcase of independent film featuring daily screenings, workshops, panel discussions, staged readings, special events, parties, and awards ceremony.

• 2013 dates: July 27-August 3

MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival
Four-day, fun-filled retreat dedicated to showcasing and honoring the works of independent and studio African-American filmmakers.

• 2013 dates: August 6-10

MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard Film Festival
508-645-9599
More than fifty films in a three-day immersion in film plus panel discussions and organic meals. Contiguous free children’s film festival at the Chilmark Library.

• 2013 dates: March 15-17

MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival
508-696-9369
Four days filled with the best feature and short films from top-notch festivals, such as Sundance, Berlin, and Cannes; great evening events; provocative forums; and live world music. Approximately 90 percent of all film selections are non-US productions, helping to fulfill the festival mission of promoting cross-cultural understanding through film. 2010 festival named by MovieMaker Magazine as one of its top 25 festivals.

• 2013 dates: September

NANTUCKET
Nantucket Film Festival
212-708-1278
The “screenwriters’ film festival.” Screenings consist of 35-45 independent, studio-produced, foreign, documentary, and short films in every genre, including premieres. Plus NFF Screenwriters Tribute, late-night storytelling, an informal morning coffee program with festival guests, and staged readings.

• 2013 dates: June 26-30

AMHERST
Massachusetts Multicultural Film Festival
UMass Amherst’s Interdepartmental Program in Film Studies presents new groundbreaking works by both emerging and established international filmmakers. Focuses on a different theme each year, highlighting topical issues in politics and art. Film scholars and filmmakers introduce films and participate in Q&As. Screenings are free.

• 2013 dates: February-April

AMHERST, CHICOPEE, GREENFIELD, LONGMEADOW, NORTHAMPTON, SHELBURNE FALLS, SPRINGFIELD & WEST SPRINGFIELD.
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film and Arts Festival
413-439-1984
Three-week festival explores contemporary Jewish culture, secular and religious life, history, and politics. 20+ award-winning films from around the world, plus speakers, theatre performances, exhibits, concerts, and special events.

• 2013 dates: April 4-18

GREAT BARRINGTON
Berkshire International Film Festival
413- 528-8030
Showcases the latest in independent feature, documentary, short, and family films plus lively panel discussions and special events focusing on filmmakers and talented artists from both sides of the camera.

• 2013 dates: May 30-June 2

GREENFIELD
Brick + Mortar International Video Art Festival
Historic spaces meet cutting edge international art. Every year is different! 2012 will be curated by Denise Markonish, currently serving as curator at MASS MoCA

• 2013 dates: October

NORTHAMPTON
Out! For Reel
Features the best in LGBT films from around the world.

• 2013 dates: February, March, May

WILLIAMSTOWN & NORTH ADAMS
Williamstown Film Festival
413-458-9900
Features drama, comedy, animation, and documentaries plus popular all-shorts programs. Panels, seminars, and Q&As with actors, writers, directors, and producers.

• 2013 dates: October