The Aster Film Festival, formerly known as the Centrally Isolated Film Festival (CIFF), celebrates and connects emerging filmmakers who are pursuing post-secondary education. We welcome submissions from students from the U.S. across various disciplines, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental films, with a runtime of under 20 minutes.

Our two-day festival, held in-person in the vibrant community of Ithaca, NY, is curated by a dedicated team of Cornell University students. Films are carefully selected for screening, and a panel of non-student judges evaluates each submission, awarding the top films in their respective categories.

1st place (per category): $200
Audience award: $200

We accept submissions of narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental student films.

1. Film must be 20 minutes or less in length.
2. Film must be made while a student (proof of enrollment in year that it was made required) .
3. Maximum one submission per person.
4. Films must have been completed no earlier than Jan 1, 2023.
5. Earlybird submissions are guaranteed to be reviewed for the festival; any submissions after the Earlybird submission deadline will be reviewed at the discretion and availability of the screening committee.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michal Kracmer

    Basically a school festival with local importance run by students. They dont have updated web or IG or FB. No photos from the event. Neither the selected films nor the winners where ever announced, so there is no proof our film was ever screened there.

    June 2024
  • Great event, and we're happy to have screened at such an amazing festival!

    May 2024
  • Kofi King

    Wonderful staff, wonderful area. Fitting for the eclectic town of Ithaca.

    May 2023
  • Kate Darion

    Great festival with great folks, hope to be part of their event again in the future.

    November 2022