6 Best Independent Film Festivals to Visit from July 2025 Onwards

For indie filmmakers and enthusiasts planning their festival circuit from July 2025, several top-tier events around the globe offer a platform for bold storytelling, networking, and cinematic discovery. Here are six of the best festivals for independent films happening from July 2025 onwards:

Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czechia)

• Dates: July 4–12, 2025

• Why Visit: One of Europe's oldest and most prestigious festivals, Karlovy Vary is renowned for championing independent cinema, especially from Central and Eastern Europe. It offers a diverse program, industry networking, and a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Fantasia International Film Festival (Canada)

• Dates: July 16–August 3, 2025

• Why Visit: Based in Montreal, Fantasia is a global leader in genre cinema, spotlighting independent horror, fantasy, and experimental films. It's a must for fans of innovative storytelling and cult classics.

HollyShorts Film Festival (USA)

• Dates: August 7–17, 2025

• Why Visit: Held annually in Hollywood, HollyShorts is an Academy Awards-qualifying festival dedicated to short films (40 minutes or less). With over 400 films from around the world, industry panels, and networking events, it's a launchpad for emerging talent and a showcase for the best in short-form independent filmmaking.

Personal Pick from Nick Sadler: Having followed HollyShorts closely over the years, their evolution has been remarkable. They just celebrated their 20th year and have recently leveled up their standing by becoming a better-qualifying festival, all while being run by a top-tier team. That credibility, paired with their supportive, filmmaker-focused culture, makes them not just a festival but a platform. You see it in how the community talks about them and the caliber of films that get selected.

HollyShorts is renowned for its diverse programming, star-studded events, and its role in advancing filmmakers' careers, making it one of the most significant events on the indie short film circuit.

Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland)

• Dates: August 6–16, 2025

• Why Visit: Locarno is celebrated for its avant-garde programming and strong support of emerging filmmakers. The festival's open-air screenings and international competitions make it a hotspot for discovering boundary-pushing indie films.

Bournemouth International Film Festival (UK)

• Dates: October 3–4, 2025

• Why Visit: A new but ambitious festival, BIFF is dedicated to emerging filmmakers and independent voices. With screenings, workshops, panels, and a screenwriting competition, it's a launchpad for fresh talent and a celebration of bold, original stories.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (UK)

• Dates: August 14–20, 2025

• Why Visit: As the world's longest continually running film festival, Edinburgh is a major showcase for independent films, with a focus on new talent and innovative voices from the UK and beyond.

Making the Most of Your Festival Experience

For any indie filmmaker, my advice is to pick one major festival each year and go all-in on the experience. Not just to screen but to truly attend. Show up, network hard, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Build relationships, ask questions, and learn from the panels. You never know which moment will spark the next opportunity. That one trip can fuel an entire year of momentum.

Whether you choose the prestigious atmosphere of Karlovy Vary, the genre-focused programming of Fantasia, or the short film excellence of HollyShorts, the key is full engagement with the festival community and its growth opportunities.