History of the Festival

Founded in 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Universal Film Festival has grown into an internationally recognized event, attracting filmmakers and audiences from over 130 countries. With over 3000 submissions annually, the festival features 40 screenings over three days in a historic downtown theater making it a key platform for emerging talent. The festival works to spotlight local artists. Committed to supporting independent filmmakers, the Universal Film Festival offers career-changing networking opportunities and exposure to global audiences.