The Hollywood International Film Festival 2025

in Washington DC is a celebration of diverse global cinema, proudly presented by the non-profit Hummingbird Art and Culture Foundation LTD. Our mission is to uplift filmmakers from around the world and provide a platform for their stories to be seen and heard.

Discover Films from Around the World at HIFF 2025

At the Hollywood International Film Festival 2025 in Washington DC, we showcase a diverse selection of the latest and most exceptional films from across the globe. More than just a screening event, the festival is a journey of discovery. Audiences have the opportunity to learn about new cultures, explore thought-provoking themes, and hear firsthand insights from the filmmakers. Every experience is designed to enrich and inspire.

Explore Global Cinema at Washington DC’s Premier Film Festival

Join us at HIFF 2025 as we celebrate the art of filmmaking and inspire a deeper understanding of the world through the power of cinema. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a fan of global cinema, this festival offers an incredible opportunity to experience films that highlight both emerging and established talents.

Hollywood International Film Festival 2025 awards in Washington DC

Submit Your Film to HIFF on FilmFreeway

The Hollywood International Film Festival 2025 proudly accepts entries on FilmFreeway, the world's #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Washington DC's premier global cinema event.

Submit to the Hollywood International Film Festival on FilmFreeway

Our Story

``Storytellers enlarge our ideas; they captivate, challenge, inspire, and eventually unite us.`` – Umar John, President and Founder.

At the heart of the Hollywood International Film Festival is a profound belief in the power of storytelling. This core philosophy, articulated by Umar John, drives the festival’s mission. Organized under the non-profit entity Hummingbird Art and Culture Foundation Ltd., the festival aims to promote and protect the work of filmmakers and episodic storytellers who are committed to sharing their unique tales.

Juries

A diverse group of accomplished industry leaders entrusted with selecting the best films at the Hollywood International Film Festival.

Films

A curated selection of feature-length and short films representing the pinnacle of storytelling and artistic vision.

Program

A meticulously crafted lineup of films showcasing a diverse range of genres, styles, and perspectives.

Awards

Honoring outstanding achievements in filmmaking with prestigious accolades and recognition at the Hollywood International Film Festival.

HIFF 2024

Meet The Jury

The jury of the Hollywood International Film Festival is composed of accomplished industry leaders from around the world. With their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, they have the important task of selecting the best feature-length and short films of the year. These jurors, who have made significant contributions to the film industry, will carefully evaluate each entry and choose films that showcase excellence in storytelling and artistic vision. Their discerning taste and passion for cinema make them the ultimate arbiters of quality in filmmaking. The Hollywood International Film Festival serves as a platform for filmmakers to share their work and be recognized for their artistic contributions.

Javed Sheikh

Works in Lollywood and Bollywood. He is best known for working in the Hindi films Om Shanti Om, My Name is Anthony Gonsalves.

Javed Sheikh
Actor | Film Director | Producer

Since her 1990 début, she's acted in more than 200 films and been praised for her talent. She won the 2019 Pride of Performance Award for Pakistani film.

Reema Khan
Film Actress | Director | Producer
Faisal Qureshi

Faisal Qureshi is a prominent media professional with 28 years of experience as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He founded GAMEOVER PRODUCTIONS and is known for his innovative UFONE ads and his directorial debut with "Money Back Guarantee." Faisal continues to bring creativity and innovation to the media industry.

Faisal Qureshi
Actor | Writer | Director | Producer
Ustad Ghulam Ali

Ghulam Ali is considered to be one of the best ghazal singers of his era. His style and variations in singing Ghazals has been noted as unique, as he blends Hindustani classical music with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer.

Ustad Ghulam Ali
Pakistani Ghazal Singer
Noor Naghmi

A Pakistan American actor, producer, and director, is a member of SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood recognition with his acclaimed film "Angels Within," which was a contender for an Oscar nomination.

Noor Naghmi
Actor | Film Director | Producer

Kelly Goldberg, whose powerful storytelling in media and film bridges cultures, creating a connected global family. Her expertise is invaluable to our festival's jury.

Kelly Goldberg
Cultural Storytelling Pioneer in Film and Media
Rida Bilal

Rida Bilal is an accomplished TV scriptwriter and a jury member at the Hollywood International Film Festival. Known for her work on Be Inteha and the award-winning Khudgharz, she has earned recognition for her storytelling, including a Lux Style Award for Best Emerging Talent. Rida holds a degree in Film and Television from SZABIST and has extensive experience in the TV industry.

Rida Bilal
Screenwriter

Mushtaq Khan is an Indian film and television actor and comedian who has worked in several Hindi films in a career spanning three decades.

Mushtaq Khan
Indian Film Actor

Connie Lamothe is an award winning filmmaker, director, producer, screenwriter, and actress. Her career began over 25 years ago in modeling and acting.

Connie C Lamothe
Actress | Manager | Producer
THE 2025 HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, APRIL 11 – APRIL 13

Spectacular Films & Awards

To provide international filmmakers with exposure to excellent examples of World and American cinema, the esteemed Hummingbird Art and Culture Foundation will host the Hollywood International Film Festival (HiFF-DC) in 2025, screening outstanding award-winning films by students, emerging auteurs, and established masters. Through the Hummingbird Art and Culture Foundation Awards, HiFF-DC will continue to further the goals of its parent organization by celebrating exceptional talent in the film industry.

"Filmmaking is more than just crafting a story—it's about capturing emotions, shaping perspectives, and connecting with audiences on a deeper level. Every frame has the potential to inspire, move, and transform lives. At its core, cinema is a powerful tool for storytelling that transcends borders and cultures."

– Umar John, Founder, Hollywood International Film Festival –
Movie, TV Show, Filmmakers and Film Studio

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© 2024 Hollywood International Film Festival | Made with ❤️ in Washington, D.C.
A proud initiative of the Hummingbird Art and Culture Foundation Ltd.