Founded by Chris Scioli and Gregory Lamberson,[1][2] the festival runs for 10 days [3] which and shows films from around the world.
[4][5] The festival is described as seeking "bold, original and edgy films that are well made"[6] and to help film makers from Western New York screen their work.
[10] Screenwriter and film producer Roy Frumkes judged the unproduced original screenplay competition for the 2016 season.
[12] The 2017 special award winners were Adrian Esposito (Filmmaker of the Year), Devi Snively (Lois Weber Award), Fred Olen Ray (Living Legend Award), Jon Keeyes (Dedication to Excellence in Filmmaking), and Christopher Olen Ray (Indie Genre Spirit Award).
[13] The 2018 special award winners were Brett Kelly (Filmmaker of the Year), Sophia Cacciola (Lois Weber Award), Michael J. Epstein (Dedication to Excellence in Independent Filmmaking), and Sam Qualiana (Indie Genre Spirit Award).