Chelsea Film Festival (CFF) was selected in the "TOP 10 BEST FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA" (#6) by USA Today in 2019 among 19 other film festivals in the USA.

CFF is an organization dedicated to supporting films and the artists who create them by providing a creative forum for exchange and discovery.

The Festival attracts filmmakers, artists and audience members from across America and the world. It premieres independent narrative features, documentaries, short films and TV series focusing on global issues.

Chelsea Film Festival is an international film competition that aims to discover upcoming talents by raising awareness about American & foreign independent films.

Awards & Prizes

There are 20+ awards in each category Short, Feature-Length and TV Series (Best actor, actress, supporting actor, actress, screenplay, documentary, director, Best Picture).

Rules & Terms

2024 CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY - 12th Annual Chelsea Film Festival

By using this website and submitting your entry on FilmFreeway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of Chelsea Film Festival, Inc. as provided on our website. Submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these Entry Rules & Guidelines (by you and your agents). Please review this document carefully by clicking on the "Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy" link on our website : www.chelseafilm.org/rules-and-guidelines

_______________________________________________________

SHORTS, FEATURES, DOCUMENTARIES, INDIE EPISODICS:

• Entries must be New York City premieres and have been completed in 2023 or 2024. Films shown in other festivals or public screenings in New York City are not eligible for consideration. Contact us directly at info@chelseafilm.org if your film is a WORLD PREMIERE
• Work can only be submitted via streaming video
• Exhibition Format authorized: DCP
• Feature-length Films and Documentaries must be between 90 minutes maximum and not less than 60 minutes
• Short Films must be under 20 minutes maximum
• Indie Episodics must be under 40 minutes maximum
• Films must not have been released on any online platforms prior to the Festival (i.e. Online Film Festival, Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.)
• Films in any language other than English must be subtitled in English
• Theme: Global Issues
• Submissions are not refundable
_______________________________________________________

Force Majeur Clause: Due to Covid-19 pandemic and unforeseen outcome, the Chelsea Film Festival reserves the right to postpone or move the event to a digital platform if necessary.

159 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anthony Marinelli

    Chelsea has always been one of my favorite film festivals and this year was no exception. It has grown significantly since the first time I had a film in back in 2014 but that has not diminished the care and attention every filmmaker gets from founders, Sonia and Ingrid. I look forward to entering again in the future!

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • Zayanfim Zayanfim

    Best international short "petite prix"
    Best Actress

    Thank you ! we're so proud to have our film display in New York City. Next year, there will be another film, but we're looking to come and meet you all...

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Gal Genossar

    I extend my heartfelt thanks for showcasing my film The Monopol during a challenging time. Your support and dedication to diverse cinematic stories provided not only a platform for my work but also a beacon of hope and solidarity.
    The warm reception and professionalism of your team offered a platform that fostered invaluable networking and collaboration with fellow professionals in the industry. This experience has been invaluable to my journey as a filmmaker.

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Dan Eason

    The Chelsea Film Festival hit all of the marks in planning, communicating, and bringing value to the entire experience for filmmakers. Ingrid and Sonia and the team really hit the mark. Thank you for having us, and hosting such a wonderful festival!

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Cat White

    A brilliant festival run by the incredible Ingrid and Sonia! Quality of films was great and it was so well organised. Will definitely bring films back in the future and was very proud for Fifty-Four Days to have its New York premiere there.

    November 2023
    Helpful