CINEQUEST INTERNSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS

If you would like your support to be associated with one of these areas for further recognition, please email patrons@cinequest.org and we will make it happen!

ARTIST ADVANCEMENT—Industry Forums & Workshops
Equip artists with tools in AI, innovation, and storytelling.
You help artists gain the knowledge to navigate and lead the future of film

ARTIST CONNECTION—Artist Brunch Series… and of course you are invited! 
Where filmmakers, patrons, and industry connect.
You help create the relationships that lead to future collaborations and careers.

CAREER-DEFINING RECOGNITION—Artist Awards (Film & Screenplay) 
Support Jury Awards, Audience Awards, and Screenplay Awards.
You help create the recognition that opens doors to distribution, funding, and future work.

ARTIST DISCOVERY—Support a Genre / Section of the Festival Line-up... 
Documentary, Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Student, Short Films, Spanish Language.
You are the reason new voices are discovered and seen for the first time.

STORY DISCOVERY—Screenplay Competition Support 
You discover stories before they become films and help bring them to life.

INSPIRATION & LEGACY—Maverick Spirit Events 
You celebrate bold, visionary creators and inspire the next generation to follow their path.

1. DISCOVERY

Unearthing extraordinary new voices from around the world

• Open submissions drive over 90% of festival programming 
• Strong focus on first- and second-time filmmakers 
• Curated exposure (in-person and global) to audiences, industry, and press 
• Diverse programming across genres, cultures, and perspectives 

2. ADVANCEMENT

Providing artists with the tools, recognition, and connections to move forward

• Awards that elevate careers and visibility 
• Direct access to industry professionals and collaborators 
• Engagement with audiences and press 
• Platforms that extend artist visibility beyond the festival 

3. INNOVATION

Empowering creators through technology and forward-thinking storytelling

• AI and emerging technology forums 
• Leadership in storytelling evolution (digital cinema, mobile film, 3D, distribution, AI) 
• Hands-on workshops and future-focused conversations 
• Integration of creativity + technology — “The Future of Film” 

"I think the most important thing about Cinequest is it's definitely the first time I've ever come to a festival where my immediate reaction is, 'What do I have to do to be invited back?' and that's not normally my reaction. It's a perfect film festival in a glorious place."

"Move over Cannes! Of the more than 4,000 film festivals around the globe, more than half take place on U.S. soil, and many rank among the best of the best. Our panel of film experts, movie buffs and festival gurus were tasked with narrowing down the field to the best 20 film festivals in the nation before we turned it over to USA TODAY and 10Best readers to choose their favorites. After four weeks of voting, we have a winner. Cinequest Voted Best Film Festival!"

“Cinequest is the cure...while we're here, we're in a world that's different.”

"This festival is one that sets the trends and is actually ahead of the trends. Other festivals are copying Cinequest; I see it all the time."

“The film and technology forums delved into the important realms of integrating internet delivery into the home entertainment environment, creating true Internet revenue streams for film artists, and effectively leveraging the budding mobile marketplace.”

“Cinequest has consistently managed to pull in heavyweight guests.”

“Technology always drives the film business. In Cinequest, we have a good window on the future. I think they’re leading the world in this regard.”

"At Cinequest you often haven't heard of the film before you go see it, but the audiences come anyway. That's a testament to the festival -- that audiences are willing to take that leap of faith."