At a Glance
Cindependent Film Festival presented with LADD returns September 16-20, 2026, at Memorial Hall and the Mariemont Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio!
One of FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals!
Cindependent Film Festival presented with LADD is an all-genre, 5-day festival, accepting short films, feature films, and screenplay submissions from all over the world.
We host 12 hours of film programming daily, networking events, live screenplay readings for accepted screenplays by local professional actors, VIP parties, and a filmmaker lounge for networking your film or screenplay.
We believe in the power of film to inspire, delight, challenge, and build a vibrant community. We value a diversity of voices across race, culture, gender, and orientation. Accessibility is a core value of Cindependent, and we are dedicated to amplifying disabled voices and stories.
Whether you’re a die-hard indie lover, a first-time festgoer, or someone who’s just looking for something to do in Cincinnati this September, Cindependent 2026 invites you into a world where artistry, curiosity, and community collide.
Tickets
Choose your experience at Cindependent! Be a part of the fun at Memorial Hall OR stream our film selection from anywhere in the world!
Choose from single-block CindeTickets, GA Day Passes, or VIP experiences.
In-Person Tickets
Get on-demand access to the 2026 Cindependent film selection from Sept. 17-Sept. 30.
Virtual Pass
Tickets for Cindependent Film Festival events are sold and managed through Memorial Hall’s official ticketing platform.
Festival Exclusives
The film festival is more than just screenings; it’s a celebration of storytelling and collaboration. Join in on unfiltered conversations, improve your craft, and experience storytelling at its earliest stages.
Plan Your Visit
Step into Cincinnati, where the city itself becomes part of your festival experience.
Between screenings, explore vibrant streets, discover local flavors, and soak in the art, culture, and energy that inspire the films on our screens. Every corner of the city offers a new story to complement the ones you’ll see at the festival.
We provide a careful, human-centered review process designed to champion bold voices and emerging storytellers.
Submit
Submissions now closed. View the Official Program!
All official selections are announced on August 1 at our annual Cindependence Day lineup pool party, where we unveil the full festival slate to the Friends of the Mariemont Theatremembers.
From there, selected filmmakers receive a detailed welcome packet, access to their dedicated hospitality liaison, invitations to filmmaker-only events, and early planning guidance for screenings, Q&As, travel and press.
We’re here to make your festival experience feel thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely memorable from the moment you hit submit.
Important dates and deadlines:
9/23/25: Submissions Open
2/1/26: Earlybird Deadline
5/1/26: Regular Deadline
6/1/26: Late Deadline
7/1/26: Extended Deadline
8/1/26: Public Notification
9/16/26-9/20/26: Event Date
Frequently Asked Questions
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All 2026 festival events take place at Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine, with select partner venues hosting after-parties and community events.
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The festival is accepting submissions to the 2026 season. Details on submitting to the festival can be found here on film freeway.
Our Adjudication Process finishes in Summer 2026. We announce the full festival line-up - film titles, screenplay titles and when/where every title plays - at Cindependence Day on 8/1/2026. Additional tickets to party at Cindependence Day are required. -
A film block is a curated 70–85 minute selection of short films and/or features grouped together by theme, tone, or vibe.
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Yes, you must have a seat assignment to watch any film in the festival. Masterclasses, Deep Dives and the Screenplay Speakeasy for pass holders are first-come, first served
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Currently, we do not have specific discounts or group rates available for tickets. However, we’re always looking for ways to make the festival accessible to a wider audience. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay updated on any upcoming promotions, early bird pricing, or special offers that may become available closer to the festival!
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Buy a bundle of 3, 5, or 8 vouchers now.
Once the lineup is announced on 8/2, redeem each voucher for the specific film blocks you want. Easy. -
September 16-20, 2026. Events begin around 9am each day and run through late-evening parties. A detailed schedule will be released on Cindependence Day (8/2).
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Exact comps will be announced with 2026 selections — typically a mix of CindeTickets or GA passes with upgrade options and hotel rooms/party access.
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We partner with local hotels and provide discounted rates. Travel subsidies are limited, but we strive to accommodate visiting filmmakers as best we can.
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Yes, this helps us plan seating, Q&As, and hospitality.
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Q&As occur immediately after the screening block. You’ll be contacted by the Filmmaker Liaison with details.
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Yes — Memorial Hall is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair seating.
You can select accessible seating when you redeem your ticket or request it at check-in.
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Email Katie Scarlett, Accessibility Liaison, at katie.scarlett.actor@gmail.com
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Yes! To stay updated on upcoming events, special screenings, workshops, and more, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter. That way, you’ll be the first to know about new programs, events, and exciting opportunities throughout the year!
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Yes, you can absolutely donate to support the Cindependent Film Festival! Your generous contribution helps us continue to champion independent filmmakers, bring unique stories to life, and make a lasting impact on the local arts community.
To make a donation, simply visit our Donation Page or reach out to us directly at allyson@cindependentfilmfest.org for more information on how you can get involved.
Thank you for helping us make the festival possible, your support means the world!