The Chandler International Film Festival is a diversified and pioneering film festival located in Chandler, Arizona. CIFF is going to screen over 120 films from more than 35 countries! Our 7-day (January 17-23, 2022) festival will include Red Carpet, Opening Ceremony, World Premiers, Award Ceremony, Networking, Workshops, Q&A and After Parties.

Chandler International Film Festival is merging with the 27th Chandler Multicultural Festival where attendees will watch a special outdoor screening on the Chandler Downtown Stage.

We provide excellent service to filmmakers as each filmmaker is part of our growing CIFF family and we are happy to assist from the stage of submission to the end result at the Annual Event.

Our Mission:
With a passion for the art of filmmaking, the Chandler International Film Festival aims to support independent filmmakers from all over the world and their filmmaking. We provide a platform through which projects are reviewed, judged, and honored for their uniqueness, creativity, and storytelling ability.

Reviews:
"Thank you very much for organizing an amazing festival. We had a wonderful time and met many nice people. Your festival was very professional and well attended. At times, I felt as if I was at the Academy Awards in Hollywood! I hope to see you next year as we have already begun our next feature." - Michael Domino

"I know it's weird to give five stars for everything, but I would give ten if I could. Chandler International Film Festival was one of the best festivals. Great programming, wonderful people, perfect communication, and a lot of fun. If you miss this festival you REALLY MISSED A LOT. Chandler really is a festival for filmmakers and people who love movies. Thank you for having me." - Bradford Uyeda

"Everything was top notch, from the communication to the movies, to the amazing award ceremony with those 30-pound trophies. I didn't win one, but it made me want to try harder next time, and there will be a next time." - Jim Politano

"Very good film fest, I think it will become a Oscar Qualify festival. I'm gald that I have been selected to screen in the annual event." - Han Zhang

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes:
We award the best independent filmmakers after a comprehensive evaluation process.
Official Selection of CIFF receives an Official Selection laurel. All Winners receive laurel and trophy.

Filmmakers will have access to the annual festival screening in January, Red Carpet Interviews, Awards Ceremony and Networking opportunities in Chandler, Arizona.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Regulations:
1. Premiere Requirements: All films must have never been screened in the state of Arizona.

1. The competition is open to International entries. Please check individual categories and submit suitable categories to your project.

2. Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length. We reserve the right to watch a minimum of 30 minutes of all films in order to reach a decision. All non-English speaking films must be presented in their original version with English subtitles. Feature screenplays must be between 60 and 130 pages in length. Short screenplays must be between 1 and 45 pages in length.

3. Entries must not have been publicly shown before January 1, 2019.

4. Films previously entered into and screened at our festival are not eligible for re-entry in subsequent years.

5. Films that are "Not Accepted" will not screen at the Annual Event or receive laurels. Only Official Selection WILL screen at the Annual Event.

6. Works in progress are accepted but are not encouraged. We cannot promise that we will be able to watch re-edited submissions. Please only submit works in progress if submitting close to the final deadline.

7. CIFF confirms that the festival has the permission to exhibit your film(s) during the festival and /or at any other Festival event. Submission of a work implies that the Festival can employ moving image excerpts and reproduce stills of exhibition promotion. Credit will be given to any filmmaker or screenwriter of such material is used in Festival promotion. The Original copyright holder retains all rights to their work.

8. You may submit multiple entries but must pay an entry fee for each.

9. Scripts are eligible to receive laurels and optional awards but do not show at the annual event.

10. No refunds will be given. The submitter can not withdraw the film after the final official selection.

About our Waiver Policy:
We believe in a fair policy for each and every filmmaker. We try to keep reasonable fees for all submissions and we offer regular discounts to students and new filmmakers, however, no waivers at this stage.

125 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marisa Merkl

    This festival was timely, attentive and an overall great thing to be connected to!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Marisa,
    We appreciate your review, and loved having your film in the festival!

  • Katrina Grey

    Thank you very much to festivals organizers. The communication was amazing! Highly recommending this festival, as they are very professional and also extremely well organized. Very honoured to be part of your official selection and also thank you for your recognition and acknoledging our hard work we put into our movie.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Katrina,
    Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you consider submitting to us in the future!

  • Bob Celli

    This festival touts itself on being about the filmmaker...And they deliver big time! Their communication and hospitality are stellar. This year they went froward with a live event, a drive in event and a virtual event and knocked it out of the park. We could not attend but the venues looked wonderful and they take care in making sure your film looks and sounds fantastic. This festival gets it right. Look forward to be there in person in the future!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Bob,
    Glad to hear that you enjoyed the festival as much as we enjoyed your film! Thank you for your kind words.

  • gareth brierley

    Highly recommend this festival! Great communication and they managed to host a great event during covid times which is impressive. Thanks for our official selection status for 138: LAST DAY.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Gareth,
    Thank you for your submission and support. We were happy to show your film at the festival!

  • Tom McPhee

    Dear Mitesh & the whole CIFF Team,
    It was a very bold move to hold a festival in the middle of a pandemic. I know Deanna & I travelled with just a little trepidation. And we are so happy that we did. A first class operation from start to finish. The volunteer base is strong, and engaged. The city of chandler has really gotten behind this event, the first person we were greeted by was Councilwoman Christine! A true champion of the city and this event. It was an honor to have our film, RUFF LIFE up for Best Documentary Feature. It was OK to lose to Woody Harrelson's Kiss the Ground - a great doc! We saw a number of fine films, in theater and online. 2 red carpets, and a beautiful award ceremony. You'd almost think, "what pandemic?" It was bold. It was beautiful. We were truly happy to be a part of it all. Great job team!
    Tom & Deanna McPhee
    Director, Producer
    RUFF LIFE Games Gaslighting & B******

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Tom,
    The CIFF Team wants to thank you for your submission. We hope you enjoyed your time at the festival!