In addition to the main Festival program, there are special film sections that add interest and diversity to the overall Festival and help attendees navigate the offerings. These special categories include:

10% Cinema:
These gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films range in subject, style, and tone, but they have one thing in common: they’ve been audience favorites for years! Thanks to Case Western Reserve University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center for their sponsorship.

American Independents:
With big dreams and small budgets, these films represent the finest in contemporary American cinema. This year’s competition in celebration of independent films made in the United States will yield a $2,500 cash prize winner determined by audience vote.

Central and Eastern European Film Competition:
Thanks to Cleveland State University for their sponsorship.

Cinema en Español:
This eclectic array of Spanish- language films explores a multitude of subjects ranging from the culturally specific to the universal. Thanks to Cleveland State University for their sponsorship.

Family Films:
You can take a family trip around the world without leaving the city. Be sure to bring the kids (we recommend ages ten and older) to these family-friendly films! Thanks to Pinxav for their sponsorship.

Film Is Art:
Art school isn’t only for the naturally gifted. Learn about artists and the artistic process in this group of films. This sidebar generously supported by Toby Devan Lewis

Illuminating Hope:
We are proud to present this new sidebar encompassing stories that celebrate the human experience as an inspiration for hope. Thanks to Community West Foundation for their sponsorship.

It's Easy Being Green:
We are proud to present these films to bring awareness and support to the environmentally friendly movement to save our planet. Thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Company for their sponsorship.

Jewish and Israeli Visions:
These films from or about Israel and the Jewish diaspora will enlighten the audience about this unique cultural perspective. Thanks to Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage for their sponsorship.

Local Heroes:
Our annual recognition of films made about Cleveland, in Cleveland, or by Ohioans, continues this year. Thanks to Cleveland State University for their sponsorship.

Music! Movies!:
For those who love music just as much, or even more (gasp!) than film, we invite you to enjoy these selections. This sidebar generously supported by Jules and Fran Belkin

OPENING NIGHT:
Thanks to Dollar Bank for their sponsorship.

Pacific Pearls:
Journey to the Far East. In these films from Asia and the Pacific Island, we pay tribute to some of the most innovative films today.

Pan-African Images:
These remarkable films hail from both Africa and the United States, featuring stories made by and about Africans and African-Americans. Thanks to Cleveland State University for their sponsorship.

Tour of Duty:
This collection of films brings to the forefront stories of conflict —both past and present—the lessons learned, and the desire for resolution.

Women Of The World:
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find out what it means in these films about and by empowered women for the third year in a row. Thanks to Cobalt Group for their sponsorship.