In 2020, we present FirstGlance Los Angeles Film Festival 20 and FirstGlance Film Fest Philadelphia 23, with plans of big expansion next year, with multiple genre events.

All of our theaters are THX calibrated with 5.1 surround sound. Our projection systems are capable of 3D projection, 2K and 4K. You will not find more comfortable venues to screen in. We screen on digital and offer all current formats including BluRay and DCP.

We offer filmmakers perks that no other festivals can. Profit Share, Social Marketing, Personal service, and the ultimate opportunity that all filmmakers are looking for, distribution. Both short and feature films are offered VOD and streaming distribution opportunities.

With thousands of film festivals out there, why should you choose FirstGlance?

FirstGlance has been producing film festivals since 1996 and since FirstGlance Films is run by indie filmmakers, we know filmmakers are looking for, resources for getting their projects completed and visibility for their projects!

FirstGlance works relentlessly with sponsors, partners and other professionals in the industry to get each filmmaker the attention they deserve. Our goal is to get everyone seen, whether it be at the festivals, on streaming, we are  always working hard to get you visibility!

FirstGlance Facts at a Glance

FirstGlance is the only festival that has two separate annual events, one on each coast, each with its own program. Call for entries twice a year allows FirstGlance the chance to bring more films to the theater and it provides an opportunity to build their website (www.firstglancefilms.com) as a community where filmmakers share ideas, and learn about film making and distribution, alumni can announce screenings, and indie trailers promoted.

FirstGlance accepts all genres and screens feature length, feature documentaries, short narratives, shorts too (under 10 minutes), mini-docs, student shorts, graduate student shorts, music videos, animation and web series pilots. FirstGlance programs multiple projects per screening, so you get a wide array of entertainment at a reasonable price.

FirstGlance holds an online shorts contest, a secure online theater where viewers can register, watch and vote on their favorite short films 24/7, allowing another 50 short films to be featured. The winning film gets a festival screening and over $2000 in prizes.

FirstGlance offers a number of special incentives for filmmakers.

FirstGlance invites all Official Selections to take part in a no-cost, non-exclusive streaming distribution opportunities through our partners.

FirstGlance gives personal attention to Official Selections by keeping them in the loop via email, all the way to the event and offers them complimentary All Access Passes.

FirstGlance will never ask Official Selections to pay for screening placement or booths and doesn’t charge exorbitant prices to either the filmmakers or the attendees at the festival. Entry fees start at $25.00 during earlybird submission period and fest tickets start at $10.00

FirstGlance offers Official Selections the opportunity to promote and co-op advertise their project with FirstGlance at a fraction of the cost they would pay on their own to advertise in local press.

FirstGlance invites all Official Selections to become a part of their free trailer network which has received over 6.7 million views since 2007.

FirstGlance has an in-house printer available to filmmakers that can help defray costs of posters and postcards and FirstGlance has also teamed with a marketing company to help filmmakers promote their specific title if they want to.

FirstGlance after parties allow filmmakers to mix and mingle and hold informal Q & A with fellow filmmakers and audience members.

For every 1000 entries we receive, $5,000 in USD cash will be awarded to the grand prize best of fest winner. FirstGlance awards every Official Selection with an awards package valued at over $150.00

FirstGlance cares about the projects we show and we have heard from both filmmakers and attendees that our festival is one of the best run, most organized, and most entertaining selection of projects they’ve seen and some filmmakers have been to hundreds of festivals.

Thank you for your interest in FirstGlance Film Fests.
Philadelphia’s Independent Film Festival since 1996 and Hollywood’s fastest growing indie fest!
by indie filmmakers, for indie filmmakers