WorldFest Houston

🎬 60 years of independent film discovery, and the next chapter starts with you.

WorldFest 60 is officially open for submissions, and this anniversary edition is unlike anything we've done before.

New for this year: a Vertical Storytelling category built for mobile-first creators, the International Autistic Filmmakers Showcase launching in partnership with Spectrum Fusion (), and newly streamlined categories designed to make entering easier than ever. ✨

Since 1968, WorldFest Houston has been the launching pad for visionary storytellers at every stage of their journey. From legends who got their start here to today's emerging creators finding their voice, this is where independent cinema comes to life.

📅 Festival Dates: April 30 – May 8, 2027
⏰ Early Bird Rates end August 31
🎥 60 years of championing the stories that matter

Your story belongs on that stage. Submit now and be part of 60 years of discovery. 🌟

Link in bio to submit.

Freedom started with a story. It still does.

Today wraps Juneteenth weekend and Katy Lea Cannon's final day at IND/EX in Chicago. Four days of conversations about the future of indie film, audience development, and community building alongside art house cinema and film festival professionals from across the country. The kind of conversations that shape what's next.

And there's a lot coming next.

WF59 was a success. Our jury brought incredible depth and heart to every screening room. Now we're looking ahead to WorldFest 60, April 30 to May 8, 2027. Sixty years of independent film discovery. Submissions open mid-August 2026.

A few things that need your attention before the month is out.

The Garden Oaks Theater must be secured by June 30. Houston is about to lose one of its last historic cinemas. WorldFest stands behind saving it, and so do Wes Anderson and Richard Linklater. Be a founding angel of the arts at Garden Oaks.

Award winners, duplicate pricing goes up July 1. Order your statuettes and certificates by June 30 to lock in current rates.

There's still a $14,000 gap to close from WF59. Every dollar through the Hunter Todd Legacy Fund goes directly toward filmmaker programming and community events. Fully tax-deductible.

Want to stay close to the work this summer? The WorldFest office is open every Tuesday and Thursday in July. Come in, volunteer, and help us build WF60.

The story isn't over. It's just getting started.

Support WorldFest and submit your film for WF60 using the link in our bio.