AUSTIN, TX
NOVEMBER 15-16
AUSTIN, TX
NOVEMBER 15-16
AUSTIN, TX
NOVEMBER 15-16
What is IMI Fest?
IMI Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating independent media creators who share their work online. Produced by the Independent Media Initiative (IMI), it brings together a diverse group of creators, educators, and industry professionals across formats and genres for a weekend of discovery and connection.
Held each November, IMI Fest features workshops, exhibits, performances, and the presentation of the IMI Awards—honoring exceptional creators and the educational and artistic value of their work. This year’s festival takes place November 15-16th in Austin, Texas. Passes on sale now. Learn more about IMI at theimi.co.
Programming
Our programming schedule will update as new events are announced. Stay up to date by following us on Instagram.
Saturday, November 15th | Day Programming
Debate LIVE
Sabrina Cruz (Answer in Progress) and Destin Sandlin (Smarter Every Day) face off in a live, structured debate. Audiences will vote live to decide whether “hiding the vegetables” helps or hurts learning!
Saturday, November 15th | Day Programming
Joel Haver & Friends Roundtable
How do independent filmmakers turn collaboration into art? Joel Haver sits down with Eric Bernhagen, Brittney Rae Carrera, and Trent Lenkarski to discuss creativity, community, and leadership behind the camera.
Saturday, November 15th | Day Programming
Creator Studio
Explore interactive projects and installations that blur the line between digital and physical, creating a living gallery of independent creativity and curiosity.
Saturday, November 15th | Day Programming
Award Winner's Panel
Celebrate the voices shaping the future of independent media. A panel that features our 2025 award winners in conversation with each other.
Saturday, November 15th | Night Programming
IMI Award's Ceremony
Bringing together creators, partners, and audiences for a celebratory dinner and the live presentation of the IMI Awards.
Sunday, November 16th
Austin Independents Screening
A selection of new work from Austin’s independent creators. A celebration of the city’s creative scene and the artists shaping its next chapter.
Saturday, November 15th | Night Programming
Sloan Prize Announcement
In partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the announcement of the Sloan Science Prizes for YouTube. Learn more about the Sloan Prizes here.
Sunday, November 16th
Joel Haver & Friends Screening
From improvised comedy to intimate drama, this screening spotlights the inventive, collaborative world of Joel Haver and his longtime collaborators Eric Bernhagen, Brittney Rae Carrera, and Trent Lenkarski.
Applications open now.
Screenings
Screenings bring digital projects off the feed and into a room. Premiere your upcoming audio or video work live at IMI Fest 2025.
Applications open now.
Creator's Studio
Whether you think of yourself as a maker, artist, or engineer, Creator’s Studio is your chance to showcase your work in real life at IMI Fest. Together, these studios form a living gallery of independent creativity, curiosity, and vision.
Applications open now.
Application for IMI Discounts
Apply for a free year-long membership designed for independent creators. Members receive discounted pass pricing for IMI Fest and other benefits throughout the year.
Applications now closed.
Sloan Science Prizes
IMI, in partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, celebrates innovative YouTube projects exploring science and technology with two Sloan Science Prizes in documentary and narrative fiction.
Creator Opportunities
What to Expect
Join us November 15 & 16 for IMI Fest. Saturday features separate day and night programming, while Sunday offers a more laid-back experience.
FESTIVAL DAY 1 - DAY
Spend the day exploring our Creator's Studio, watching live performances, joining panel discussions, attending screenings, and enjoying live music.
FESTIVAL DAY 1 - NIGHT
The night continues with the festival dinner, the IMI awards ceremony honoring our 2025 winners, and a lively after party.
FESTIVAL DAY 2
Join us for screenings, live Q&As, local experiences, and a farewell hang.
IMI Fest at a Glance
Below are some of the highlights from past IMI Fests.
Award's Ceremony
A premiere dinner along with the presentation of awards.
Screenings
Exclusive video and audio screenings that are premiered live at IMI Fest.
Creator's Studio
Interactive, live exhibits that show off physical artwork and objects made by creators.
Performances
Presentations from creators we have partnered with including Audio Flux, Howtown, and Joe Posner.
Award Winner's Panel
A panel that features our award winners in conversation with each other.
Live Music
Concerts featuring local bands and artists.
PASSES
Find out more about PASSES OPTIONS
2025 Award Winners
Gawx
Your Space Reflects Who You Are.
Yowei Shaw (Proxy)
Brian Can't Stop Fact-checking His Mother-In-Law
Evan Ratliff
Shell Game
Grady Hillhouse (Practical Engineering)
1.5 Years of Heavy Construction in 1.5 Hours
Joel Haver
12 Movies in 12 Months
Poppy
Improbably Poppy
Frequently Asked Questions
This year, we are excited to offer discounts for creators. Apply HERE.
From the Festival to the Feed
Showcasing the projects and partnerships sparked by IMI Fest, where real-life connections turn into creative collaborations!
2025 Sponsors
