The Chandler International Film Festival is a non-profit diversified and pioneering film festival located in Chandler, Arizona. CIFF is going screen over 200 films from more than 30 countries! Our four-day (January 18-21, 2019) festival will include Red Carpet, Opening Ceremony, World Premiers, Audience Choice Awards, Film Auction, Film Market, Award Ceremony, Networking, Workshops, Q&A and After Parties.

Chandler International Film Festival is merging with the 23rd Chandler Multicultural Festival where over 5,000 attendees will watch a special outdoor screening on the Chandler Downtown Stage on January 19, 2019.

We provide excellent customer service to filmmakers as each filmmaker is part of our growing CIFF family and we are happy to assist from stage of submission to the end result at the Annual Event. We will try to be in touch with you within 24 hours to resolve any queries related to your film or submission. We are very excited to review your film and observe the detailed creativity of your work.

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.

Submission & Evaluation Process:
We create an opportunity for filmmakers to get their films judged and let them compete with other filmmakers. We perform a comprehensive evaluation process and select only high-quality films.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes:
We award the best independent filmmakers after a comprehensive evaluation process.
Official Selection of CIFF receive an Official Selection laurel.
All "Category Winners" and "Award Winners" receive laurels and optional trophy and certificate for purchase.

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

2. Feature films are 45 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 45 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, 2016.

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.

About our Waiver Policy:
We believe in a fair policy to 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.

81 Reviews
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    Eric Schumacher

    What a wonderful festival. Really good people running it. Very responsive. Great films, great fellow filmmakers. I have n doubt i will get even better from here. A blast.

    January 2018
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    Javier Reyna

    Mitesh is a great director with a big vision. This festival is only going to get better. Overall communication was always great. It was a great experience to be able to attend. Thank you!!

    January 2018
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    Jim Politano

    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.

    January 2018
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    Alexander Helisek

    Before this film festival, I have never heard of Chandler Arizona to be honest. I've only been to Phoenix and Mesa.

    After attending The Chandler International Film Festival, I fell in love with the town, the films, the experience, and everything that was offered.

    The film festival is run wonderfully for only it's second year, and the experience was very worthwhile!

    I met so many filmmakers from all over the world as we celebrated 150 films in multiple different screening rooms, as well as after parties, red carpet photos and interviews, and amazing bars and restaurants super close by.

    All of us kept saying that this festival will grow, and grow quickly. This town is a booming city, and I recommend for all to submit, and attend, The Chandler International Film Festival!

    January 2018
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    David Van Wie

    Incredible festival! Very well executed with lots of networking, interviews, and awesome awards show. Highly recommend.

    January 2018
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