Call for Entries
Every Fall, the VAFF showcases celebrated new narrative and documentary features, independent and international projects, fresh perspectives on timeless classics, and local filmmakers from throughout Virginia. Each year, VAFF brings in a fascinating selection of guests, from internationally acclaimed directors and actors to professors and leading cultural experts who lead discussions that stimulate, educate, and engage. Today, the VAFF stands as one of Virginia’s most important cultural landmarks and one of the most respected regional destination film festivals in the United States.
We are looking forward to celebrating 36 years of the Virginia Film Festival October 25-29, 2023 in Charlottesville!
How to Submit Your Film
Final (extended) submission deadline is July 17.
To be considered, you must submit your film through our Film Freeway portal linked below.
While the VAFF is primarily a non-competitive Festival, we do offer category-specific awards, including our Programmers’ Awards and our Audience Awards for which moviegoers vote via ballots.
If a film is accepted, press materials for the film will be required in a timely manner, which can include but may not be limited to: high-resolution publicity stills, filmmaker bio, or online trailer.
Feedback: Due to the volume of submissions, the Virginia Film Festival does not offer “notes” or specific critique of any films not accepted for exhibition, and reserves the right to not accept a submission for any reason.
If you have any questions about submitting your film, please email vaffsubmissions@virginia.edu
Deadlines & Submission Fees
Dates
Early Bird Deadline – May 22, 2023
Regular Deadline – July 5, 2023
Final (extended) Deadline – July 17, 2023
Notification Date – September 12, 2022
Features (31 min. and above)
$30 – Early Bird Deadline
$50 – Regular Deadline
$60 – Extended (Final) Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools (see below)
Shorts (30 min. and under)
$10 – Early Bird Deadline
$25 – Regular Deadline
$30 – Extended (Final) Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools (see below)
Discounts for Students & VA Residents
STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF VIRGINIA
Students outside Virginia are able to submit projects in all categories for a discounted rate of $10. In order to qualify, you must upload a scanned valid student ID with your project and enter the discount code 23VAFF36studentscv23 when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway.
VIRGINIA RESIDENTS
Virginia residents (including students at VA schools) are eligible to have their entry fee waived. In order to receive the VA resident fee waiver, the address you list in your submission must be in Virginia, and you must enter the code 2023VA36VAFFresd when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway (the code is good for one submission per applicant).
Proof of current residency may be requested by VAFF and is required if submitting using this code
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