We are thrilled to announce the second Castine Film Festival!

Our inaugural festival in 2025 featured 12 films from six countries. Our audience delighted in the broad range of topics and genres from both established and emerging filmmakers. Our program included comedic and dramatic shorts, animated shorts, short and feature-length documentaries, and a dramatic feature film.

For 2026, we hope to showcase another stunning collection of films and look forward to receiving your submission!

Castine is a charming village on the coast of Maine near Acadia National Park with a deep history of arts enrichment. We are excited to connect film lovers and filmmakers in September, and we are happy to help curate your visit to the area. Come for the films, stay to enjoy beautiful autumn in New England.

Awards & Prizes

We will be awarding at least $3,500 in prizes, with the allocation to be determined by our 2026 jury!

For reference, our 2025 prize allocation:

– Best Feature ($750)
– Best Documentary Feature ($750)
– Best Short ($750)
– Best Documentary Short ($750)
– Best Student Film, grades K–8 ($250)
– Best Student Film, grades 9–college ($250)

Rules & Terms

We are committed to an inclusive event for everyone involved and welcome films of all genres. Films in a language other than English must have English subtitles. Films must be substantially complete at time of submission. Films made since 2021 are eligible. Films that have been previously submitted to / screened at other festivals or have been available in theaters or on streaming services ARE eligible for 2026 submission.

Each filmmaker is invited to submit one short and one feature film. If more than two films are submitted, we will review the first two films received. If you submit a film in error or have any questions, please contact us.

By entering your work, you certify that you hold all relevant intellectual property required and accept full legal responsibility for public display of the work. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Castine Film Festival and all associated parties for any claims that arise related to the work, including but not limited to issues related to copyright, credits, or trademark.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pranav Bhasin

    This is easily the best festival we’ve had our film (Taylor’s Version) screen at. The communication is impeccable. I couldn’t attend in person, but Sarah made us feel welcome and included. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! Our audience so enjoyed your film!

  • SELENITES FILMS

    Amazing short-film fest — super welcoming crowd and tons of inspiring chats.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you! We were so honored to showcase your film!

  • Louis Norris

    Incredibly proud to have been part of the inaugural edition of this lovely festival, and honoured to win an award! Communication was fantastic throughout.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We loved having you as part of the festival!