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Phone | 434.982.5277
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A program of

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 34 years of the Virginia Film Festival this October 27-31, 2021 in Charlottesville!

How to Submit Your Film

The 2021 Call for Entries is now open!

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. 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

Submit to Film Freeway

Deadlines & Submission Fees

Dates
Regular Deadline – June 14, 2021
Extended Deadline – July 5, 2021
Notification Date – September 13, 2021

Features (50 min. and above)
$35 – Regular Deadline
$50 – Extended Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools

Shorts (under 50 min.)
$15 – Regular Deadline
$25 – Extended Deadline
FREE for Virginia residents and students at VA schools

Discounts for Students & VA Residents

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 21VAFF34studentcv21 when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway.

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 2021VA34VAFFresident when you complete your submission on FilmFreeway.