Kansas City FilmFest International

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Arts & CultureKansas City
DatesDates TBA · Usually MarchCheck locally before booking
DurationSpringEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival's origin is unusually
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Kansas City FilmFest International in Kansas City

Kansas City FilmFest International is an annual juried film festival that began in 1997 as the Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee, founded by local filmmaker Fred Andrews. Now screening feature films, documentaries, and shorts each spring at AMC Ward Parkway 14, it added International to its name in 2018 and has awarded more than $260,000 in cash and prizes to filmmakers over its history.

Kansas City FilmFest International traces back to a single organizer's hunch that Kansas City's filmmaking community deserved a stage.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's origin is unusually grassroots: founder Fred Andrews had never attended a film festival himself when he organized the first Kansas City Filmmakers Jubilee in 1997, funding the inaugural event entirely from $270 in entry fees and screening ten short films to a packed house at UMKC's Royall Hall

02

The mystery stays covered

That scrappy beginning grew through a 2008 merger with a rival event, FilmFest KC, which brought in the Reel Spirit children's film competition and expanded the lineup to feature-length films and documentaries from around the world

03

The city starts moving

Distinct programs have grown up alongside the main festival over the decades, including Crosscut, a symposium spotlighting women filmmakers launched in 2002, and KC FilmCinemaJAZZ, a collaboration with the Mutual Musicians Foundation and American Jazz Museum pairing jazz-inspired films with live jazz performances

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival has long paired film with other art forms

Water and renewal

Living ritual

most notably through KC FilmCinemaJAZZ

The sacred route

Living ritual

which screens jazz-themed and jazz-scored films alongside live jazz performances in partnership with the Mutual Musicians Foundation and American Jazz Museum

The local code

Living ritual

The Crosscut program continues to spotlight women filmmakers through panels and curated screenings

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and the Reel Spirit competition keeps a standing focus on youth and family filmmaking within an otherwise adult-oriented festival

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually March

Getting around

Getting to Kansas City FilmFest International works best when the return plan is settled before arrival.

What to wear

No special attire is required for an indoor movie theater festival; casual clothing works throughout, with a light layer for air-conditioned auditoriums even during the festival's typical...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kansas City.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.10 N, 94.58 WOpen in Google Maps

Kansas City, MO

Nearest airportMCI — Kansas City
TransportGetting to Kansas City FilmFest International works best when the return plan is settled before arrival.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Kansas City.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kansas City via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kansas City, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for March.Compare faresFestival gearNo special attire is required for an indoor movie theater festival; casual clothing works throughout, with a light layer for air-conditioned auditoriums even during the festival's typical spring dates in Missouri, when outdoor temperatures can still swing cool in the evenings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kansas City FilmFest International?

Kansas City FilmFest International is listed for March · Spring. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kansas City FilmFest International take place?

The festival is listed in Kansas City, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Spring is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kansas City, MO

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLkcfilmfest.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually March
Source statusOfficial source linked
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