A showcase of experimental films from across the world.
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, and tell compelling stories from a unique angle. We’re especially 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.
As filmmakers ourselves, we understand the value of publicity for innovative filmmakers and their films. Awards are given out in 16 different categories. The winning film in each category will be featured on this website, including a published interview with the filmmaker. The top films are screened at Quad Cinema—a mainstay of avant-garde cinema in NYC since 1972.
Check out our interviews with the award-winning directors from 2023.
What We’re Looking For
Films that push artistic boundaries.
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.
