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 9-day (January 21-29, 2023) 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 28th 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 an Oscar Qualify festival. I'm glad 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, 2021.

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.

139 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jean Buschmann

    Thank you so much for honoring my short film "The ORDER."

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Bill Zahn

    Thank you so much to everyone at the Chandler International Film Festival! It was truly a wonderful experience for our whole family. We met so many people who we now call friends, and Mitesh and the whole team were so welcoming and supportive every step of the way. Chandler’s a fantastic town and they couldn’t have picked better venues for the films and the after parties. We would highly recommend this festival!

    February 2022
    Helpful
  • Mike Rose

    Thank you, Chandler, for including my Screenplay "Twelve Arrows" as a Nominee at your Festival. Excellent communications! Hope to be there next year.

    February 2022
    Helpful
  • Pat Battistini

    A wonderful and amazing festival. Great communication, crowds, networking, and the theater was awesome. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers. We had a great time! Mitesh really knocked it out of the park!

    February 2022
    Helpful
  • Kenny Rice

    Chandler was truly a treat. They are the fasting growing AZ Fest for a reason. Mitesh and his crew are top-notch from communication to execution. Chandler was a good luck charm for me too as my screenplay "Act Naturally" not only won but, on that day I received a call to option it for development. Being originally an AZ kid, this was an honest to God homecoming for me and everyone I met was truly kind and supportive. Submit to this festival, you won't regret it.

    February 2022
    Helpful