A showcase of experimental films from across the world. Now open for submissions for 2024.

The International Avant-Garde Film Awards was born from a series of underground film screenings in the 2010s. It has now grown into an annual event at one of New York City's most iconic arthouse theaters.

We’re interested in the types of films that Hollywood studios fail to see. Films that push creative boundaries, explore rare or controversial subjects, tell compelling stories from a unique angle, or have a bold artistic sensibility. This year we're particularly interested in films that explore questions related to—or use filmmaking techniques in connection with—artificial intelligence. We’re also interested in films that connect humans to the natural world or bend our sense of reality.

Shorts, features, documentaries, animated films, and music videos are all welcome. The only thing we don’t accept are superhero movies. The top films are screened at Quad Cinema—a mainstay of avant-garde cinema in NYC since 1972.

As indie filmmakers ourselves, we also understand the value of publicity for innovative filmmakers and their films. Awards are given out in 17 different categories. We also publish interviews with each winning filmmaker on this website. Check out our interviews with the award-winning directors from 2023.

What We’re Looking For

  • Films that push artistic boundaries.

  • Films that explore artificial intelligence, either in the filmmaking process or as a philosophical issue.

  • Films that tell meaningful stories in unique ways.

  • Narrative films framed by the natural world.

  • Documentaries that aren’t preachy.

  • Films about the changing world we live in.

  • Films that reveal hidden aspects of our world.

  • Mind-bending films that alter the way we think/feel/perceive.

  • Films that highlight big ideas about how we can navigate the many challenges we face as a species and as a society.

  • Unconventional environmental films.

  • Art films that are compelling to watch.

  • Music videos that take an innovative visual and/or narrative approach.

How to Submit

For more information on submission criteria, award categories, and deadlines, go to Submissions or visit our page on FilmFreeway.