Long ago, in a city not far away, an independent film festival was born...

WorldFest's story began in 1961, when J. Hunter Todd established Cinema Arts, a film appreciation society in Atlanta. In 1968, the organization evolved into a competitive international film festival. After five years in the U.S. Virgin Islands and one year in Miami, WorldFest relocated to Houston in 1979 and has remained here ever since. Our mission is to recognize and honor outstanding creative excellence in film, to validate brilliant abilities, to educate young people in the cinematic arts, to develop film production in the region, and to add to the rich cultural fabric of the city of Houston.

WorldFest-Houston is owned and operated by Houston International Film Festival, Inc., a Texas nonprofit corporation recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN/Charity ID: 74-2168997.

Our programs include the annual WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, independent-film screenings, filmmaker awards, educational seminars and workshops, and opportunities designed to support emerging filmmakers.

Celebrating Houston's Cultural Impact Through Film

WorldFest Houston International Film Festival plays a pivotal role in enriching Houston's cultural landscape. By showcasing diverse films and supporting filmmakers, we contribute to the city's vibrant artistic community and tourism.

Honoring the Heritage of Houston's Cultural Influence in Cinema

WorldFest Houston International Film Festival leaves a lasting legacy that bridges the visionary work of Steven Spielberg to the next wave of filmmakers. By highlighting diverse films and nurturing emerging talent, it enriches Houston's cultural landscape while shaping the future of cinema in our city.

Our Vision to the Future

Our leadership team envisions a future where independent cinema thrives and filmmakers are empowered. Join us in exploring the dedicated individuals who are committed to shaping WorldFest into a beacon of creativity and innovation.

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Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support is vital to the success of the festival. Join our community by donating, sponsoring, volunteering, or becoming a member.

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Become a Festival Sponsor

Explore sponsorship packages that offer great benefits.

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WorldFest Houston Memories

Explore captivating moments of our organization's history.

Group of seven people posing indoors behind a table with five trophies and awards, with two TVs and a poster on the wall behind them.
Eight people, a mix of men and women of diverse ages and ethnicities, smiling and seated around a white-tableclothed table with plates, bowls, wine glasses, and bottles in a cozy restaurant setting with wooden shelves and yellow walls.
Two men standing in a theater; the man on the left holds a microphone and wears a dark shirt, the man on the right wears a brown suit, patterned tie, blue cap, and a VIP badge.
Group portrait of seven people, four standing and three seated, holding Remi Award statuettes, in front of a stone fireplace with a mirror, framed pictures, and coiled cables on yellow walls.
Two men standing against a plain light background; the man on the left wears a tuxedo and holds a trophy, the man on the right wears a black cowboy hat, glasses, and a suit, holding a microphone.
Four people standing inside a small theater with red curtains and dark wooden walls; one man in a light blue jacket holds a framed certificate with a star and film clapboard design, while another man in a black shirt gestures toward it; a woman with white hair and glasses and another man wearing a blue cap and holding a microphone stand behind them.

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WorldFest-Houston is owned and operated by Houston International Film Festival, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN/Charity ID: 74-2168997.
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