About

Festival Staff

Director and Head Programmer: David Colagiovanni
Associate Programmers: Terra Talamh, Josh Vieth
Assistant Programmers: Cait Rowe, Travis Eskins
Hospitality Coordinator: Kelee Riesbeck
Technical Direction: Conner Baker, Dan Bruell, Dan Moray
Design and Art Direction: Sogol Khorram
Social Media: Yana Durado
Screen Printing: Melissa Haviland
Merchandise Manager: Noa Rabkin

History

Established in 1973, the Athens International Film + Video Festival (AIFVF) has proven itself a premier platform for showcasing international cinema for over 50 years.

AIFVF is globally recognized for its dedication to films from underground cultures and communities. The festival stands as a beacon of perspectives, championing the voices of underrepresented artists and providing a global stage for moving image works that might otherwise be overlooked.

Throughout its five-decade history, AIFVF has embraced a wide spectrum of filmmaking, including experimental, narrative, animation, music video, documentary, and both short-form and feature-length works, representing unique approaches and forms from across the globe.

AIFVF provides filmmakers with a platform for public exposure and critical recognition. The festival fosters connections among filmmakers and audiences creating an environment that enables artists to forge relationships, and collaborate on future projects. The festival’s emphasis on artistic innovation and creativity ensures that films are celebrated for their artistic value rather than their commercial appeal or industry connections. This dedication to fostering artistic expression and community building makes AIFVF a vital institution, dedicated to elevating voices that contribute to a richer global cinema landscape.

The Competition Process

Each year, a screening committee comprised of artists, students, and community activists watch all the films entered in the competition. After all entries have been watched, the programming team evaluates all entries to determine films to include in public screenings.

Competition films are then programmed around various themes that emerge from the films selected; our intention is to group films into shows that reflect a common thematic thread. Each year between 2,000 and 3,000 films are submitted to the competition. Most recently; 211 films from 58 countries were chosen to screen at the festival.

Cash prizes are awarded by guest jurors, in four categories: documentary, experimental, narrative, and animation, as well as special named awards. Festival Jurors are announced just prior to the festival and awards are announced on the final day of the Festival.

Contact us:

Mailing Address:
Athens International Film + Video Festival
P.O. Box 388, Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740-593-1330
Email: athensohiofilmfest@gmail.com
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