6 Underground Film Festivals You Should Attend in 2025 – ListsLook

Kicking off our list is the Boston Underground Film Festival (BUFF), a haven for strange and unconventional cinema. Held in late March 2025, BUFF showcases defiant indie films that push boundaries in form and content. Think experimental narratives, avant-garde visuals, and genre-bending horrors—all screened in cozy venues like the Brattle Theatre. With over 20 years of history, this festival is perfect for those craving unique film events that defy mainstream norms. Filmmakers and fans alike rave about its primo programming and quirky vibe, making it one of the best indie festivals for discovering bold new voices.

Mark your calendars for June 2025, when the Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) rolls into town as the world’s longest-running underground film fest. This event is all about celebrating defiantly independent filmmakers who dare to dissent. From gritty documentaries to radical animations, CUFF screens works that challenge commercial expectations. Hosted at the Logan Theatre, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking unique film events with a raw edge. As one of the best indie festivals, it’s a launchpad for visionary talents who redefine storytelling—perfect for cinephiles hungry for the unconventional.

Set for August 8-10, 2025, at the Limelight Theater, the Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF) is a Southern gem for indie film lovers. Now in its 22nd year, AUFF thrives on showcasing experimental and avant-garde works that break free from Hollywood’s grip. Expect a lineup of 150+ shorts and features, plus late-night parties that make it a standout among underground film festivals. Its focus on bold storytelling and boundary-pushing art makes it one of the best indie festivals for networking with fearless creatives. If unique film events are your thing, AUFF is calling your name!

Head north to the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF), happening April 17-27, 2025. Known as Western Canada’s premier genre festival, it’s a wild ride of indie films that defy convention—think horror, sci-fi, and dark comedies with a twist. Hosted at venues like the Globe Cinema, CUFF pairs screenings with a vibrant cultural scene, making it a top pick for unique film events. With its 22nd edition promising fresh voices and unexpected narratives, it’s no wonder this ranks among the best indie festivals for adventurous film fans and creators alike.

Since 1997, the Denver Underground Film Festival has been a beacon for Colorado’s indie scene, and its 2025 edition (November 18-20) is set to shine even brighter. This fest spotlights local and global filmmakers with a knack for raw, unfiltered storytelling. From offbeat shorts to daring features, it’s hosted in intimate venues that amplify its underground charm. Perfect for those hunting unique film events, it’s a grassroots celebration of creativity that earns its spot among the best indie festivals. Bonus: the mountain backdrop adds a scenic twist to your film-going adventure!

Wrapping up our list is the Queens Underground Film Festival, a live virtual and in-person hybrid hitting New York in 2025 (dates TBD). This fest is all about diversity and audacity, featuring shorts, features, and even commercials from underrepresented voices. With red carpet interviews, live performances, and awards voted on by fans, it’s one of the most interactive underground film festivals out there. Its promise of distribution opportunities makes it a dream for filmmakers, while its eclectic vibe secures its place among the best indie festivals for unique film events that pack a punch.