The Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) is a premier platform for independent filmmakers looking to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and connect with a global audience. Here’s why submitting your film to CIFF is an opportunity you don’t want to miss:

1. A Growing, Prestigious Platform:
Since its inception in 2016, CIFF has become one of Arizona’s most recognized film festivals, drawing filmmakers and audiences from around the world. Being part of CIFF means showcasing your work in a festival that values diverse voices, creativity, and meaningful storytelling.

2. Industry Exposure & Media Reach:
CIFF collaborates with top PR and marketing agencies, generating over 50 million media impressions across TV, radio, print, and social media. This level of exposure significantly increases the visibility of participating films, helping filmmakers gain recognition from audiences, distributors, and industry professionals.

3. Filmmaker-Focused Experience:
At CIFF, filmmakers are not just participants—they’re family. The festival prides itself on providing exceptional support from submission to screening, ensuring filmmakers have a seamless and rewarding experience.

4. Networking & Industry Connections:
Filmmakers have the chance to engage with fellow creatives, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. With educational workshops, discussion panels, celebrity appearances, and a film market, CIFF fosters meaningful connections that can help propel your career forward.

5. Exciting Festival Atmosphere & Multicultural Collaboration:
Set in downtown Chandler, CIFF offers a dynamic, 10-day festival experience (January 23 - February 1, 2026), featuring a wide range of events. This year, the festival is merging with the 31st Chandler Multicultural Festival, further amplifying its reach and cultural significance.

6. Awards & Recognition:
Every year, CIFF honors outstanding films and filmmakers with a prestigious awards ceremony. Winning or even being an official selection at CIFF can elevate your film’s credibility and open doors for future opportunities.

If you’re looking for a supportive, high-exposure platform to showcase your work, CIFF is the perfect festival for you. Submit your film today and become part of an inspiring celebration of independent cinema!

For any inquiries, contact info@chandlerfilmfestival.com

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 an Oscar Qualify festival. I'm glad that I have been selected to screen in the annual event." - Han Zhang

Awards & Prizes

All Official Selections will be screened at the event
Official Selections will receive 2 complimentary All-Access Passes.
Official Selections will receive an Official Selection laurel.
We award the best filmmakers after a comprehensive evaluation process.
All winners receive a laurel and trophy.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements:

-We prefer world premieres but all films must have never been screened in the Phoenix metro area.

-We accept films in any language, from anywhere in the world. If your film is not in English, make sure it has English subtitles where necessary.

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

Submission Guidelines:

-The CIFF requires the director, producer, cast, crew or any representative of the film to attend their film screening to participate in the Q & A.

-Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.

-All non-English speaking films must be presented in their original version with English subtitles.

-Feature screenplays must be between 46 and 130 pages in length. Short screenplays must be between 1 and 45 pages in length.

-Entries must have been produced after January 1, 2023.

-You may submit multiple entries to different categories but must pay an entry fee for each.

-Acceptance of a film does not guarantee airline or hotel accommodations for talent or production crew.

-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.

-CIFF confirms that the festival has permission to exhibit your film(s) during the festival.
Submission of a work implies that the Festival can employ moving image excerpts and reproduce stills of exhibition promotion. The Original copyright holder retains all rights to their work.

-All submissions for CIFF are to be paid through the FilmFreeway platform. The submission fee is non-refundable.

-The submitter can not withdraw the film after the final official selection.

- The filmmaker must either attend the festival to represent the project or send someone in their place.
191 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Keeley Walter

    I’m so grateful to have been nominated at this wonderful festival. It was such an honour to have Avocado Heart Girl recognised, really appreciate this.

    Being a nominee truly meant a lot to me, and I’m so proud to have been part of such an inspiring event.

    A huge thank you to the organisers for all their hard work.

    April 2025
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  • Asit Vyas

    The Chandler Film Festival is a fantastic platform for independent filmmakers, offering excellent organization, great networking opportunities, and a warm, supportive atmosphere. Honored that Paper Flowers won Best Film!

    March 2025
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  • Jeffery Lane

    Mitesh and the entire CIFF Team,
    Thank you for choosing LADY DOCTOR as one of the Best Films under the New Filmmakers (shorts) category. It was a very well organized festival and a great venue to network. I was thrilled that our movie poster was a part of the Guinness World Record. Looking forward to entering our newest film next year.

    March 2025
    Helpful
  • Vigil Chime

    The Chandler Int'l Film Team were awesome! First, they were great with communicating with me about my film and the process at all times. A shoutout to Bailey!

    When I got to Chandler, and presented myself for the screening of my film, I was also pleasantly surprised at their professionalism. Everything started on time and everyone was so kind and supportive. I felt very well taken-care off, especially during the Q&A afterwards.

    The awards night was something else. The two hosts were lively and entertaining, and the event itself was really wonderful to have been a part of. Though my short MEKAKU did not win, I still enjoyed seeing the joy on all the winners' faces. It was truly a magical night.

    Thank you for a great experience!

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Paul Sutton

    Wow. What an experience! The town of Chandler was lovely (Who knew?) and the location (Dine-In Theaters) was second to none. Mitesh and his crew were spot on with all activities. Our film, "From Pen to Paper," won best short documentary, which capped our wonderful week there! Thanks to everyone!

    February 2025
    Helpful