The CAPITAL CITY FILM FESTIVAL's (CCFF) mission is to celebrate artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for our community. Our festival is a 10-day party with opportunities to connect with artists from around the world *and* Michigan filmmaking legends at mixers and Q&As throughout. We showcase an eclectic mix of traditional and experimental films, telling stories ranging from the dramatic to the fantastic. Live musical performances, interactive media, and many other art forms are painted throughout our program. Every year, the Capital City Film Festival creates memorable and enriching experiences for our audiences, artists, and volunteers.

The 16th annual CCFF takes place April 8-18, 2026 in several venues across Lansing, MI and kicks off with a dynamic Red Carpet Premiere Party. Come be part of the Midwest's best!

*Oh yea - we're on that hotlist: "25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World": https://www.moviemaker.com/the-25-coolest-film-festivals-in-the-world-2018/9/
*Our website: www.capitalcityfilmfest.com
*2024 CCFF Recap: https://vimeo.com/1000916618
*2024 CCFF Sizzle: https://vimeo.com/924633746

We offer juried prizes for the top selection in three categories:
*Best Narrative Feature
*Best Documentary Feature
*Best Short Film

The Fortnight Film Contest gives Michigan-based teams two weeks to create an original short film, 10 minutes or less. We play the top films during a screening at the festival and give away $5,000+ in cash prizes. A "don't miss" event at the Capital City Film Festival!

Please DO NOT submit your film in the Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature or Non-student Short categories if it is a student-produced work. Please see the Student submission category for full guidelines.

-Works in progress are not accepted.
-Submissions must have been produced since January 2024 and be a mid-Michigan area premiere (films that are Michigan-wide premieres may be preferred.)
-Submissions received without the proper entry fee will not be considered.
-Entries must be in English or subtitled in English.
-See submission category guidelines for details on genre and length requirements for submission.

Other Details:
-Screening copies of selected films (digital files, Blu-Rays or DVDs) MUST be received at least 4 weeks prior to the festival, which begins April 8, 2026.

Submitting this project means I have read all of the Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) rules. I understand and have complied with these rules.

I warrant the submission of my original work and there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the submission. I also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and I fully indemnify CCFF against any claim made for such violations of law.

To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements herein are true and correct.

I understand that failure to adhere to CCFF's rules will result in disqualification and no refunds of any kind will be made.

I agree to hold CCFF harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any film submitted to CCFF. I understand that a high quality festival screening copy of my film must be provided no later than 4 weeks prior to April 8, 2026.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jazmine Broe

    Capital City did a great job exhibiting our film. Everyone was kind and professional and the video and sound quality were on point. I definitely look forward to going back next year.

    May 2025
  • Rob Hatch-Miller

    This year CCFF programmed a feature I produced. No one from our team was able to attend, but we were able to do a Zoom Q&A. The screening was totally packed and we even won a jury prize. Thanks Payal and team for showing our movie at your fantastic festival!

    May 2025
  • Kristin Tieche

    I felt very welcomed by Capital City Film Festival. Inviting a local poet to compose and recite a poem about my film at the screening was a special touch. Thank you!

    May 2025
  • Sara Nimeh

    Such a fantastic festival! Our team had a wonderful screening and were grateful to share our film with such a passionate and engaged audience.

    May 2025
  • Bravo CCFF for a fabulous festival this year! The staff and volunteers were so welcoming and the audience responses so thoughtful. I loved the creative touches like bringing local poets into the film commentary. --Jan Haaken

    April 2025