1. Sundance Film Festival – Arguably the most popular modern film festival, this event attracts top Hollywood film executives, actors and actresses. Since 1978, Sundance has set the stage for some of the industry’s up-and-coming filmmakers. This independent film festival is the largest of its kind in the United States and takes place every January in Park City, Utah. Click here for more information.

2. Seattle International Film Festival – For more than 30 years the Seattle Film Festival (SIFF) has been a staple to the Pacific Northwest region. This festival has been billed as the largest film festival in North America, taking place over several weeks weeks every May through June with a diverse film selection. For more information, click here to visit the SIFF website.

3. New York Film Festival – This Big Apple festival started in 1962 and is one of the oldest film festivals in America. It also is said to be one of the most important film festivals in the world. Many new filmmakers are discovered and recognized by the Film Society of Lincoln, which selects each film for the annual festival. The New York Film Festival is held in early autumn (September to October). Click here to learn more.

4. Tribeca Film Festival – The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff as a result of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center. Rosenthal, De Niro and Hatkoff had a mission to revive the TriBeCA neighborhood in lower Manhattan,and they delivered. The inaugural festival was a roaring success, bringing in more than $10 million in revenue for the local economy. Today, the Tribeca Film Festival is one of the most respected and important film festivals in the world. Many filmmakers, directors, actors and actresses have the opportunity to make their mark at the festival. Learn more about the Tribeca Film Festival here.

5. Nashville Film Festival – This award-winning film festival takes place every year in April. Marked one of the oldest film festivals in the South, the Nashville Film Festival has been showcasing films since 1969, when it was known as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration. Since then, the festival has changed names and generated international attention. For more information about the Nashville Film Festival, click here.

6. San Francisco International Film Festival – This springtime film festival is said to be the oldest festival on the continent. Irvine Levin founded the festival in 1957 with the intention of putting San Francisco on the arts and entertainment map. Each year, the festival features a variety of work, including documentaries, short films, action movies and animated features. The San Francisco International Film Festival also provides workshops and seminars offering expertise and insight from directors, actors, writers, cinema photographers, and other film professionals. Click here for more information about the San Francisco International Film Festival.

7. Chicago International Film Festival – For the past 45 years, the Chicago International Film Festival has combined the works of filmmakers and performers from around the globe, honoring them for their achievements. Each year in October, the festival presents a variety of awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, of which Steven Spielberg was the 2006 recipient. In 2003, an International Connections Program was created to educate Chicago’s diverse population about the importance of international films. The program is also said to encourage diversity and attendance at the annual festival. For more information about the Chicago International Film Festival, visit their website.

8. L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival – Looking for a good laugh? The L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival is sure to offer a chuckle or two. This festival is new to the film festival circuit and made its inaugural appearance in March 2009. There can never be too many comedians, and festival judges are always on the prowl for a witty personality. This fresh festival is scheduled to provide laughs for years to come. Check out the website; it’s a gas.

9. Cucalorus Film Festival – For the past 15 years Wilmington, North Carolina, has been home to the Cucalorus Film Festival. The annual festival, held in November, showcases more than 140 documentaries, features and short films. With its location along the Atlantic, Wilmington offers a spectacular location for a film festival. The city is home to EUE Screen Gems Studios, a well-known player in the movie production business. For more information about the Cucalorus Film Festival, click here.

10. San Diego Film Festival - This film festival has been held in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego’s entertainment district every September since 2001. The five-day celebration features more than 100 documentaries, short feature films and more. The festival also offers conferences and seminars where attendees can learn innovative industry techniques from directors, screenwriters and performers. The San Diego Film Festival is known for its chic parties. For more information about the San Diego Film Festival, click here.

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