Ashland Independent Film Festival

Ashland Independent Film Festival Our Mission: Celebrate the diversity of human experience through the art of independent film by enriching, educating and inspiring all audiences.
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Founded in 2001, the Ashland Independent Film Festival screens films at the intimate art-deco Varsity Theatre and the AIFF Film Center with special events at Ashland Springs Hotel, Science Works, and throughout in Ashland. Documentaries: short and feature length, Feature Length Narrative Films, Short Narrative Films, Animation, Student Films, Local Films.

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film...
10/09/2024

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film Festival!

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
Deep In My Heart Is A Song
Directed by Jonathan Pickett

Jurors Randy Cordray, George Eldred, Todd Looby, and Laura Thielen shared their thoughts:
“Based on the life of cowboy musician Johnny Bencomo, this is a moving reflection on how Bencomo lives the life he sings of. A simple story lovingly told, Deep In My Heart Is A Song is this year’s winning entry.”

Congratulations to Jonathan Pickett and his team for this heartfelt achievement!

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film...
10/09/2024

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film Festival!

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The Last Observers
Directed by Maja K Mikkelsen

Jurors Greg Finton, Chris Lucas, and Kathy Roselli shared their thoughts:
“A tribute to the power of patience and quiet observation, The Last Observers draws us in with its cinematic yet intimate storytelling. Filmmaker Maja K Mikkelsen unfolds the life story of her dedicated parents, Sweden’s last real-time weather observers. With skillful editing between past and present, she reveals a layered love story reflecting her parents’ deep connection with each other and with nature.”

Congratulations to Maja K Mikkelsen for this beautifully told story!

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film...
10/09/2024

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film Festival!

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
Queen of My Dreams
Directed by Fawzia Mirza

Jurors Jacy Mairs, Cheryl Nichols, and John Ptak shared their thoughts:
“A good feature film is not made by one individual, but by the collective efforts of a team of craftsmen. This year at Ashland, one film set itself apart with its outstanding creative collaboration. The earnest script, the vibrant production design, the inspired cinematography, the authentic performances—all led by the hearty vision of Fawzia Mirza—earned Queen of My Dreams our award for Best Narrative Feature.”

Congratulations to the incredible team behind this film!

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film...
10/09/2024

JURY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s jury prizes at the Ashland Independent Film Festival!

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Porcelain War
Directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev

Jurors Gina Leibrecht, Betsy McLane, and Darrel Pearce had this to say:
“This expertly crafted film celebrates the transformational power of art and nature, even in the midst of war. The purity of the profiled artists’ work, and their dedication to the freedom of Ukraine merge in a sensitive mix of sounds and images that acknowledges reality while renewing hope. With simplicity and beauty, Porcelain War transforms the everyday into the extraordinary.”

Congratulations to the filmmakers for this incredible achievement!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who made the Ashland Independent Film Festival 2024 such an unforget...
10/07/2024

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who made the Ashland Independent Film Festival 2024 such an unforgettable celebration of cinema. To our amazing volunteers, the Varsity Theatre, the talented filmmakers who brought their stories to life, and the Ashland and Southern Oregon community who continue to embrace and support independent film—you are the heart of this festival. To our sponsors, our incredible screens, and every single person who came out to watch and be inspired by these films—THANK YOU.

Your love and passion for storytelling made this year’s festival truly special. Stay tuned to this channel for highlights from AIFF 2024, updates on what all of our brilliant filmmakers are up to, special events at our AIFF Film Center, and exciting news about AIFF 2025! We can’t wait to see you again next year.

Let’s keep the indie film spirit alive! 🎬

We’re down to the final screenings and events of the Ashland Independent Film Festival! There’s still time to catch some...
10/06/2024

We’re down to the final screenings and events of the Ashland Independent Film Festival! There’s still time to catch some amazing films before the curtain falls on this year’s festival. Check out the schedule and grab your tickets before they’re gone!

🎬 Above the Trees – 3:45 PM
🎬 Paint Me a Road Out of Here – 4:20 PM
🎬 Giant’s Kettle – 4:10 PM
🎬 Jean Cocteau – 4:30 PM
🎬 TalkBack: Animating in Oregon – 4:30 PM
🎬 Short Docs: Resilience – 7:00 PM
🎬 Zurawski vs. Texas – 7:00 PM
🎬 The Queen of My Dreams – 7:20 PM
🎬 Lavender Men – 7:10 PM
🎬 We Are Guardians – 7:30 PM
🎉 Closing Night Awards Party – 8:30 PM @ Larks
🎬 Short Stories 2 – 9:30 PM
🎉 AfterLounge – 9:30 PM @ Billy’s

A huge thank you to the amazing Ashland community, local businesses, and everyone from Southern Oregon who made this festival possible! We couldn’t have done it without your incredible support.

🎟 Get your tickets online at Ashlandfilm.org, the AIFF Film Center, or the Varsity Theater box office (card payments only). Let’s close out this year’s festival strong as we look ahead to AIFF 2025!

We’re heading into the homestretch of the Ashland Independent Film Festival, but there are still a few more screenings a...
10/06/2024

We’re heading into the homestretch of the Ashland Independent Film Festival, but there are still a few more screenings and events lined up for this afternoon and evening! Don’t miss your chance to join us as we close out what’s been an incredible four days of films, community, and creativity. Some tickets are still available, so be sure to grab yours while you can!

🎟 You can get tickets at:

• Online at Ashlandfilm.org
• The AIFF Film Center
• The Varsity Theater box office (card payments only)

Let’s end this year’s festival strong as we look ahead to AIFF 2025! Thank you to everyone who has made this festival unforgettable. See you at the movies!

Edivan dos Santos Guajajara, one of the directors of We Are Guardians, is pictured here at the Ashland Independent Film ...
10/06/2024

Edivan dos Santos Guajajara, one of the directors of We Are Guardians, is pictured here at the Ashland Independent Film Festival, preparing to share the critical story of the Amazon Rainforest and the Indigenous forest guardians fighting to protect their ancestral lands. Edivan speaks with passion about why it’s more urgent than ever to bring this message to the world, as deforestation and illegal invasions threaten the Amazon’s health and future.

We have one final screening of We Are Guardians at the festival! Don’t miss this powerful film on environmental activism and Indigenous resilience. The previous screenings sold out, so secure your tickets now and join us in making a stand for the Amazon.

📅 Final Screening:
Sunday, October 6th, 7:00 PM @ Varsity Theater (5) (IN RUSH)

🎟️ Get your tickets at Ashlandfilm.org before they’re gone!

At AIFF, we believe in the power of film to inspire activism and create meaningful social and environmental change. Let’s come together to support these voices and protect our world.

🌍🌱

Yesterday’s TalkBack was a powerful and inspiring moment at this year’s festival, where we dove deep into the intersecti...
10/06/2024

Yesterday’s TalkBack was a powerful and inspiring moment at this year’s festival, where we dove deep into the intersections of film and diversity. With incredible discussions led by OSF’s Kamilah Long and AIFF guest curator Maya Cade, we explored the impact of Black female representation on screen and the importance of amplifying these narratives. From rediscovering feminist film classics to celebrating Black female independence, this conversation reminded us of the transformative power of cinema. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in these meaningful discussions so far.

Today is your last chance to experience the magic of cinema together at the Ashland Independent Film Festival. There’s s...
10/06/2024

Today is your last chance to experience the magic of cinema together at the Ashland Independent Film Festival. There’s something truly special about seeing a film with others at a festival like this—it’s not just about watching movies, it’s about sharing stories and building community. Don’t miss out on the final screenings and events happening today! You can grab your tickets a few different ways:

🎟 Online at Ashlandfilm.org
🎟 At the AIFF Film Center box office
🎟 At the Varsity Theatre (card payments only)

✨ Let’s celebrate the love of cinema one last time this year.
🎬 See you at the movies!

Don’t miss today’s screening of North of Blue at 10:10 AM! 🎥 Join us at the Varsity Theater for this captivating Oregon ...
10/06/2024

Don’t miss today’s screening of North of Blue at 10:10 AM! 🎥 Join us at the Varsity Theater for this captivating Oregon animation, featuring special guest artist Joanna Priestley in attendance.

North of Blue is a mesmerizing, non-narrative exploration inspired by the chilling winter landscapes of the Yukon. Bursting with vibrant colors and dynamic shapes, the film deconstructs familiar silhouettes to offer a dreamlike journey through abstract art, freeing the mind for a subjective and imaginative experience. This is truly a symphony of sight and sound, sure to resonate with the explorer in us all.

Tickets are still available! Purchase through Ashlandfilm.org, or head directly to the Varsity Theater box office.

We can’t believe it’s already the last day of the 2024 Ashland Independent Film Festival! 🎥✨ But don’t worry, there’s st...
10/06/2024

We can’t believe it’s already the last day of the 2024 Ashland Independent Film Festival! 🎥✨ But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to catch some amazing films and events today. Here’s today’s lineup:

Morning:

• The Ride Ahead – 10:00 AM, Varsity (1)
• DRIVER – 10:20 AM, Varsity (3)
• North of Blue – 10:10 AM, Varsity (4)
• Naked Acts – 10:30 AM, Varsity (5)
• Cinespace (Family) – 10:00 AM, Science Works

Afternoon:

• Triptychs – 1:00 PM, Dance Space
• Skin of Glass – 1:20 PM, Varsity (3)
• Porcelain War – 1:00 PM, Varsity (1)
• Musica! – 1:10 PM, Varsity (4)
• Demon Mineral – 1:30 PM, Varsity (5)
• Big Kid Flicks (Family) – 1:00 PM, Science Works
• Triptychs – 3:00 PM, Dance Space
• Above the Trees – 3:45 PM, Varsity (1)
• Paint Me a Road Out of Here – 4:20 PM, Varsity (3)
• Giant’s Kettle – 4:10 PM, Varsity (4)
• Jean Cocteau – 4:30 PM, Varsity (5)
• TalkBack: Animating in Oregon – 4:30 PM, AIFF Film Center (TalkBack)

Evening:

• Short Docs: Resilience – 7:00 PM, AIFF Film Center
• Zurawski vs. Texas – 7:00 PM, Varsity (1)
• The Queen of My Dreams – 7:20 PM, Varsity (3)
• Lavender Men – 7:10 PM, Varsity (4)
• We Are Guardians – 7:30 PM, Varsity (5)
• Closing Night Awards Party – 8:30 PM, Larks (Events)
• Short Stories 2 – 9:30 PM, AIFF Film Center
• AfterLounge – 9:30 PM, Billy’s (Events)

⏰ Don’t wait—grab your tickets now at Ashlandfilm.org or at the door! Let’s make this final day unforgettable! 🎬

Words cannot fully express the gratitude we feel after tonight’s screening of Including US. A huge thank you to filmmake...
10/06/2024

Words cannot fully express the gratitude we feel after tonight’s screening of Including US. A huge thank you to filmmaker Brandon Givens and the incredible stars of OSF’s Hairspray—your courage, talent, and perseverance continue to inspire us all. The journey you took us on was nothing short of extraordinary, reminding us of the power of inclusion, representation, and the transformative magic of theater and cinema.

Each of you has touched our hearts in a way that will stay with us forever. Your stories will inspire so many to dream bigger, love deeper, and believe that no barrier is too high to overcome.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for sharing your light with the world. 💫✨

Tonight was truly historic. There wasn’t a dry eye in the SOU Music Recital Hall, as we witnessed the profound impact of...
10/06/2024

Tonight was truly historic. There wasn’t a dry eye in the SOU Music Recital Hall, as we witnessed the profound impact of Including US. The emotion in the room was palpable—this evening will be remembered as a milestone moment in both Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Ashland Independent Film Festival history.

The journey of these inspiring young actors, who broke barriers in Hairspray, touched every heart, and we are so honored to be a part of this incredible story of inclusion and courage. From the stage to the screen, their voices continue to resonate, reminding us all of the power of representation and the transformative magic of theater and cinema.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening. Southern Oregon, this is a moment that will live on for years to come.

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Congratulations to John Boettner, the well-deserved recipient of the AIFF Citizen Activist Award! After these powerful s...
10/05/2024

Congratulations to John Boettner, the well-deserved recipient of the AIFF Citizen Activist Award! After these powerful screenings, the impact of John’s work is truly undeniable. Boettner has been a driving force behind the Teen Press program, bringing it to high school students in Medford and Ashland, and inspiring a new generation to engage with the world through thoughtful journalism.

The screening featured three extraordinary films showcasing John’s dedication:

• Teen Press (32 min) follows a semester at the Santa Barbara Middle School Teen Press program, offering an inside look at the selection process and interviews with celebrities and everyday heroes across the U.S.
• Gen End (15 min) is a powerful production by Ashland High School students involved in the Teen Press program.
• Cycling Without Age (27 min) directed by Isaac Seigel-Boettner, captures John’s unique approach to connecting with the elderly through pedal-powered rickshaw adventures, showing the joy and freedom of feeling the wind in your hair, no matter where you are in life.

Here at the Ashland Independent Film Festival, we celebrate films about activism, passion, and changing the world for the better. John Boettner exemplifies these values, and we’re so proud to honor his incredible contributions. Don’t miss your chance to see these inspiring films at AIFF! Get your tickets at ashlandfilm.org and join us in celebrating stories that make a difference. 🎥🌍

Volunteers are all smiles outside the Varsity Theatre as they cheer on the Pride Parade passing through downtown Ashland...
10/05/2024

Volunteers are all smiles outside the Varsity Theatre as they cheer on the Pride Parade passing through downtown Ashland! We’re here at the Ashland Independent Film Festival, proudly celebrating a lineup of films highlighting Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. Ashland is a truly special place that celebrates diversity and inclusion, and we’re honored to be part of it. Check out everything we have to offer at ashlandfilm.org, grab your tickets, and make sure to enjoy both the festival and the parade celebrations today!

📍 The Ashland Independent Film Festival in Ashland, OR is on the ancestral homelands of the Shasta and Latgawa peoples who lived here since time immemorial & were displaced between 1851 and 1856. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians identify their members as living descendants of the Takelma, Shasta, and Latgawa peoples of this area.

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Behind every great film festival are the incredible filmmakers who pour their hearts into their craft. 🎬 Here with The L...
10/05/2024

Behind every great film festival are the incredible filmmakers who pour their hearts into their craft. 🎬 Here with The Long Long Night team—Barret O’Brien (right), Rory Schmitt (middle), and Gary Lundgren (left)—who’ve created something truly special. You can catch these three again today during The Long Long Night (Part Two) at 4:00 PM at the Varsity Theater. Don’t miss out on Episodes 4-6 of this hilarious, heartfelt micro-budget series!

🎟 Grab your tickets:

• Get online: AshlandFilm.org (You may need to create an Eventive login if you don’t have one already)
• Purchase via our app: Download the “Ashland Independent Film Fest” app from the app store and login to Eventive within the app
• In person at the AIFF Box Office: (Cash or card) Open from 12 PM to 9:30 PM
• Varsity Window: (Card only) Open from 9 AM to 7:30 PM

📍 The Ashland Independent Film Festival in Ashland, OR is on the ancestral homelands of the Shasta and Latgawa peoples who lived here since time immemorial & were displaced between 1851 and 1856. Today, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians identify their members as living descendants of the Takelma, Shasta, and Latgawa peoples of this area.

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Address

389 East Main Street/PO Box 218
Ashland, OR
97520

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 2pm
Wednesday 12pm - 2pm
Thursday 12pm - 2pm

Telephone

+15414883823

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The Ashland Independent Film Festival shows on the five screens of the intimate art-deco Varsity Theatre with special events at the Historic Ashland Armory, Ashland Springs Hotel, and Ashland Street Cinemas. In addition to thirteen juried and audience awards, the AIFF holds Launch, a free film competition for students from across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Winners in each of the age categories are featured at the festival. Documentaries: short and feature length, Short Narrative Films, Feature Length Narrative Films, Animation, Student Films, Local Films, All films!!!


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