Fairfield County, Connecticut

Westport
International Film Festival

Reigniting the rich tradition of Westport and Fairfield County as an epicenter of cultural vitality.

When September 2028
Duration 4 Days
Location Westport, CT
Our Purpose

Festival Mission

"A bold new vision for celebrating cinema, creative expression and innovation in a town where the performing arts are at the heart of the community's identity."

I
Celebrating History
Honoring Westport's rich performing arts heritage and excellence.
II
Involving Community
Creating meaningful connections between filmmakers, artists, and local audiences.
III
Supporting Voices
Amplifying underserved and emerging artistic talent from diverse backgrounds.
IV
Promoting Expression
Championing innovative formats and new frontiers in visual storytelling.
Overview

A Groundbreaking
Approach to Cinema

The Westport International Film Festival honors traditional cinema while embracing emerging digital formats and strengthening community bonds through the arts.

①
Unique Vision
Celebrating both legacy cinema and new forms of expression, bridging the performing arts with modern filmmaking.
②
Westport Heritage
Tribute to performers excelling in film and stage, with awards named for Westport theatrical legends and expert panels exploring the intersection of stage and screen.
③
Oscar-Qualifying Goals
Long-term pursuit of Oscar-qualifying status alongside scholarship programs for underserved communities and expanded content distribution marketplaces.
✦Diverse international representation
✦Expanded content distribution marketplace with alternative funding models
✦Community impact and education initiatives
✦Scholarship programs for underserved communities
Schedule

Festival Programming

A carefully curated four days of cinematic experiences, networking, and celebration.

4
Days
Opening Night Reception
Red carpet premiere event launching the festival with glamour and anticipation.
Film Screenings
Diverse programming across multiple venues showcasing competition entries and special presentations.
Workshops & Panels
Expert-led sessions on filmmaking craft, industry insights, and artistic development.
Networking Events
Strategic opportunities connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, and funding sources.
Awards Gala
Closing celebration honoring excellence and recognizing outstanding achievement across all categories.
Competition

Competition Categories

Our competition structure honors traditional filmmaking while embracing digital innovation, creating space for emerging formats and time-tested cinematic excellence.

1
New Media Features & Shorts
Innovative formats including vertical films, smartphone content, and emerging digital storytelling.
2
Family Focused Features & Shorts
A celebration of cinematic storytelling that families can enjoy together.
3
Documentary Features & Shorts
Non-fiction storytelling that illuminates truth, explores issues, and captures reality.
4
Branded Creator Films
Creator films that feature a product or service as a focal point of the narrative.
5
Live Action Features & Shorts
Narrative filmmaking showcasing compelling stories and dramatic performances.
6
Animation Features & Shorts
Animated artistry across all styles, from hand-drawn to cutting-edge CGI.
7
Student Features & Shorts
Emerging talent from film schools and educational programs worldwide.
7 Competition
Categories
Student Award: All student categories are eligible for special juried awards recognizing emerging cinematic voices.
Market Analysis

Market Opportunity

Replacing Community for Commuting

As key culturally hungry populations have migrated from NYC to southern Connecticut, there exists a major opportunity to provide world-class arts and cultural events in our backyard — replacing community for commuting.

Community Strengths
Passionate arts community with deep cultural engagement
Rich heritage of performing arts excellence
Strong local support for creative initiatives
Sophisticated audience hungry for quality cinema
Infrastructure Advantages
Thriving hospitality sector with new hotels
Diverse restaurant and dining options
Accessible location with regional appeal
Multiple quality venue options
Get Involved

Join the Movement

Westport International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to celebrating cinema, supporting emerging voices, and building cultural community across Fairfield County.

✦   501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization   ✦
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Brand Sponsorships
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Endowments
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Volunteering
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Other Ways to Help
Contact Us — info@wiffct.org
September 2028  ·  Fairfield County, Connecticut
Questions? info@wiffct.org
© 2028 Westport International Film Festival. All rights reserved. A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.