Natchitoches has a long and intimate history with American cinema. The Cane River film festival represents the latest chapter in that history and we are as diverse as the community that we represent.

Our mission is to showcase, nurture, and support the emerging creative International student and independent filmmakers stories. We want to share their films with an audience, seek opportunities for distribution and celebrate their achievement in telling their story that they want to tell.

The Cane River film festival is not just a film festival it's an experience.

Awards & Prizes

The Cane River Film Festival gives Independent and student filmmakers an opportunity to Network with Producers, Directors, Agents, Politicians and Sponsors in this fall's lineup making this event more interactive and engaging.
The recipient of the CRFF Award:
Some of the prizes include- Final selection in the 2027 CRFF lineup, $1,000.00 Cash Award , $500.00 travel expense grant, 2027 CRFF Award Certificate, film debut at Parkway Cinema 6 and advertising on event promotions. We will also have a plethora of Directors, Agents, Producers, Sponsors and Industry insiders that will attend and participate in the festival excited to meet new faces. Our 202 Judges are Producers & Directors in the Entertainment Industry .The Judges Top Five Winners, will consist of One Grand Prize Winner and Four Filmmakers , that will debut films and be featured in the event. We wish you all the best and look forward to supporting your art in the 2027 10th Annual Cane River film festival.

Rules & Terms

The Cane River film will Award Independent and student filmmakers films. Those eligible for entry in the student / independent film category will pay a $30-$40 submission fee.

Rules for submission:
In addition to eligibility requirements listed above, filmmakers must comply with the following submission rules to be considered as a finalist.
* The submitting filmmaker must be a film student/ independent filmmaker.
*Payment of the non-refundable entry fee must accompany the submission.
*Submit Poster Art for film.
* Submit Director contact information

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Auset Adams

    Loved the location and the people. Valuable information shared.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for coming and submitting your film. We all enjoyed you being apart of this year's festival full of new friends. Looking forward to our next times

  • Joey Stine

    We had an amazing time showing our movie on the big screen at Cane River and are extremely grateful to the festival for giving a platform to filmmakers across our state that otherwise may not have one. It’s a smaller festival, but there is a genuineness and a charm here that larger festivals lack, and the work put in by the host is felt all around. We are so thankful for the opportunity Cane River gave to us and we had a great time.

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Joey for your lovely comment we sure appreciate the love friend. It was our pleasure putting your amazing talent on the Big Screen..we truly enjoyed your company and are so proud to see many of you Directors working together after the film festival because that's what it is all about. Looking forward to seeing ya''ll in New Orleans. God bless your talents!

  • Anna Wright

    Such a great festival. Loved networking and seeing everyone's film. Such a fun time for our cast and crew to see all our hard work on the big screen.

    March 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Ann Wright and Congratulations once again on your Winning film Engaged-Ish...we share the excitement with and for you. Thanks to all of you for producing a film here in Natchitoches bringing our town to life in film was beautiful to see on the Big Screen. Keep pushing and making pure art.

  • Alan Bohl

    A wonderful event. The team that put the festival together did an excellent job. It's evident that they love cinema. I was honored to be a part and be in attendance. The after party was super and thoughtful. Thank you.

    March 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks very much for such wonderful feedback and support for the CRFF. We enjoyed having you and your film as a part of the film festival. We look forward to seeing you back for next year 2026 CRFF.

  • Giorgi Tkemaladze

    That’s awesome festival, so professional stuff, thanks you so much, go head save your professional team..
    All the best “l’m your “

    March 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your support we truly appreciate you friend,,,Congratulations on being apart of our 7th Annual CRFF Winning Directors we wish you all the very best.