Getting enough recognition for distribution and marketing? Should your screenplay be receiving more traction?

Charleston Film Festival is the solution for your feature, short or script!

CFF celebrates independent cinema in one of the most beautiful and artistically rich cities in America. Set against the backdrop of Charleston’s historic streets, warm culture and coastal energy, the festival highlights filmmakers whose work stands out for its craft, vision, and originality. Award winners will be linked to on IMDb.

The 2026 edition features in-person screenings (9/26), filmmaker gatherings (9/25 and 9/26), and an awards presentation (9/26 in the evening) in downtown Charleston. It’s an event built to connect storytellers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts in an atmosphere that values creativity and authentic conversation.

Charleston, South Carolina has long been a home for artists, and the festival continues that tradition by offering a platform where filmmakers from around the world can share their work, earn recognition, and engage with a growing creative community.

Whether you’re premiering your first short or showcasing a feature, Charleston Film Festival offers a cinematic destination where your work can be discovered, celebrated, and remembered! Yet another reason to visit the #1 city in the U.S. according to Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Awards & Prizes

THE CRESCENT AWARDS, decided by a jury of industry professionals, are for each submission category. There will be nominees announced for each film category as well as semifinalists for the writing categories.

Each Official Selection will receive a laurel.

Rules & Terms

By submitting to the Charleston Film Festival you agree to the following terms:

Eligibility & General: Works must be original or submitted with authorization. English-subtitled versions required for films not in English. Submission does not guarantee selection.

Publicity & Promotional Use: The Festival may use stills, excerpts, synopses, and bios for promotion and will credit filmmakers where practicable.

Content Warranty & Responsibility: Submitter warrants they own or have obtained all necessary rights and clearances and that the work does not infringe third-party rights or violate laws.

Indemnification: Submitter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival, its officers, volunteers, and partners against claims arising from the submitted work.

Grant of Rights & Exhibition License: Submitter grants the Festival a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to screen the work at Festival events and Festival-promoted presentations. All other rights remain with the submitter.

Technical Delivery & Screening Formats: Filmmakers must provide exhibition-ready files by deadlines. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal.

Liability Limitations: Festival liability is limited to the amount of submission fees paid. The Festival is not liable for incidental or consequential damages.

Cancellation & Force Majeure: Festival may modify or cancel events due to circumstances beyond its control and is not responsible for third-party costs incurred by filmmakers. The festival reserves the right to change dates, venue, or format if necessary.

Decisions by the festival and jury are final. Awards are subject to change.

Privacy: Submission contact and project information will be used to administer entries; data will not be sold. By submitting you consent to Festival communications.

Submission Fees & Refunds: Fees are non-refundable. If the Festival is cancelled, alternative exhibition options may be offered at the Festival’s discretion. Films can alternatively be screened online as part of the Festival.

Dispute Resolution & Governing Law: These Terms are governed by South Carolina law. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of South Carolina courts.

Acceptance: Submission confirms acceptance of these Terms on behalf of all rights holders.