Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival
April 17, 18, 2026 | Fargo Theatre | Fargo, North Dakota.
https://northernplainsfestival.org/

The Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival invites Native American and Indigenous filmmakers to submit work for its inaugural festival, taking place April 17- 18, 2026, at the Fargo Theatre in downtown Fargo, North Dakota.

The festival is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Indigenous cinema while building a sustainable, regionally rooted platform for Native filmmakers. The festival centers Indigenous voices and perspectives and welcomes films that reflect the diversity, complexity, and vitality of Indigenous experiences today.

Eligibility

Films must be directed, co-directed, or produced by a Native or Indigenous filmmaker
Filmmakers from the Northern Plains, Midwest, and beyond are encouraged to apply
Both emerging and established filmmakers are welcome

Accepted Categories

Narrative Features
Documentary Features
Narrative Shorts
Documentary Shorts
Experimental and Hybrid Works

Programming Focus

The festival seeks films that:
Present Indigenous stories with authenticity and care
Reflect contemporary Native life, culture, and experience
Explore a wide range of genres, forms, and storytelling approaches
Contribute to dialogue within Indigenous communities and beyond Selected filmmakers will be invited to participate in post-screening conversations and professional discussions during the festival.

Submission Details

Submission platform: Digital link or physical media
Submission period: January 1st to March 30th, 2026
Notification date: April 1st, 2026
Screening format: DCP or high-quality digital file

Submission fees are $10 via FilmFreeway.

Filmmaker Support

The Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival is committed to ethical and respectful engagement with filmmakers. Selected films will receive:

Screening fees or honoraria (as funding allows)
Opportunities for filmmaker Q&As and professional dialogue
Promotion through festival marketing and press outreach

About the Festival

Founded in 2026, the Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival is an annual event based in Fargo, North Dakota. The festival provides a new home for Indigenous cinema in the Northern Plains while fostering community engagement and professional connections.

SUBMIT NOW