Welcome to the 31st annual Washington, DC International Film Festival.
Come see great movies!

80 films • 45 countries • 11 days • 1 exciting festival

Tony Gittens, Festival Director &
Shirin Ghareeb, Deputy Director
(Photo by Chad Evans Wyatt)

For over 30 years, Filmfest DC has sought to keep pace with global cultural and social activities. Today we find ourselves in a conundrum of opposing beliefs and shifting governmental policies, which have often divided citizens and forged a culture of "us vs. them." As a reflection of our times, this year's festival has taken on a special focus on issues ripped from today's headlines in hopes of increasing clarity and civil discourse.

Our Opening Night feature, This is Our Land, looks at what can happen when a community faced with new immigrants and threatened job security becomes the target of right-wing operatives. The Justice Matters section of social issues films has been expanded and this year we have added Division & Debate, a new section exploring timely contentious issues.

The Lighter Side section of international comedies, Trust No One, our thriller and espionage section and the Global Rhythms music series continue to be festival staples, along with World View, the core of the festival's international program.

Filmfest DC would not be possible without the support of our Board of Directors, sponsors, staff, and hundreds of volunteers. Many people have generously shared their time and talent with us, and we want to deeply thank them.

Good movies make the world a better place. Please join us for debut works by gifted directors, and a broad array of award-winning films from around the globe. We invite you to our annual adventure. We are very pleased to bid you welcome.

Tony Gittens
Founder and Director
Washington, DC International Film Festival