ESTABLISHED IN 2005, the Omaha Film Festival (OFF) began as a way for the Omaha community to experience the artistry of independent filmmaking through the exhibition of new films by aspiring artists that are otherwise unavailable for viewing in the area. The Festival showcases over 100 films during its annual event, selected from an average of close to 1000 annual entries that come in from around the world, offering a wide variety of independent cinema choices that includes regional and world premier films as well as advanced screenings of films that have already attracted wider distribution. Narrative features, documentaries, short films, and animated shorts are screened during the week-long Festival, with a special section for Nebraska-made films as well. The selected filmmakers are invited to attend the festival and are given the opportunity to discuss their films with the audience after each screening.
Premieres and award winning films that have shown at the festival include Hotel Mumbai, The Tomorrow Man, Borg vs. McEnroe, Beirut, The Lost City of Z, Personal Shopper, The Last Word, The Invitation, and The Lobster. Past guests have included Bill Plympton, Pamela Ribon, Shane Black, Mike Hill ACE, Tom Elkins, Maria Maggenti, Phil Hay, Dan Petrie Jr., Mauro Fiore ASC, David Fury, Famke Janssen, Jaime King, Chad Michael Murray, and Chris Klein.
Over the last 20 years, the OFF has made great strides towards becoming one of the most accomplished teaching festivals in the Central United States, offering opportunities for filmmakers, students, and those who value the artistry of film to learn more about the craft of filmmaking through panels, lectures, and workshops taught by seasoned professionals at our annual Filmmakers Conference.
