Cleveland Arthouse Film Awards ( CAFA) offers a high quality line-up of carefully selected fiction and documentary feature films, short films and media art. The festival’s focus is on recent work by talented new filmmakers. CAFA is a leading cultural platform accessible to all, that champions compelling cinema and audiovisual art. Through screenings, talks, exhibitions, and various networking opportunities, CAFA enables discovery, dialogue, learning and people coming together. We look where others don’t look, and through CAFA’s distinct programming, we open a space for ideas that captivate, engage and entertain, pushing creative boundaries that have the power to transform. CAFA supports independent storytellers and advances the impact of their work in the world.

Awards & Prizes

Best Indie Short
Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Best Student Short
Best Student Feature
Best Animation
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Romantic Comedy
Best Dark Comedy
Best Thriller
Best Action
Best Horror
Best Sci-Fi

Best Western
Best Women
Best LGBTQ
Best Screendance
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Microfilm
Best Music Video
Best Mobile Short
Best Producer
Best Director (Female)
Best Director (Male)
Best First Time Director
Best Student Director
Best Actress
Best Actor

Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Script
Best Production Design
Best Trailer/Teaser

Rules & Terms

Regulations :

– In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have permission from the owner.
– Any Foreign film that is not in English must have English subtitles.
– All fees are non-refundable.
– Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers will be given about not selected films.
–The festival can consider any film to be disqualified if the festival considers the content inappropriate. If you have any question regarding this decision you might contact us at our email address.
– Filmmakers can submit the film in multiple categories in order to become a multi-award film. Still, the decision about the selection is strictly determined by our judges’ team and no selection is guaranteed.
– Submitting your movie, you authorize the festival to use, distribute and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills in our social media.
– Films can be available online and still be entered in the competition for our festival.
– Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.
– Films must have been completed within the past 5 years.
– Shorts must be less than 50 minutes.
-We do not require premiere status.
66 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alain DUFAU

    Hello,
    We were truly delighted to learn that our documentary feature film, *Crushed Time*, has been selected as one of the “semifinalists” for the month of June. . Thank you a lot.
    Alain and Nadia

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Tom Viets

    We just loved being part of this festival and it was great being from cleveland area !

    July 2026
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  • KLEBER SABA

    It is a great honor to have my projects recognized at your festival. Cleveland is an important cultural city in America and a leader in art and music.
    Congratulations to the jury, the team, and the filmmakers for all of your hard work.

    July 2026
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  • MASOOD ALI

    "I was thrilled to see 'The Quran' receive an award at the
    Cleveland Arthouse Film Awards!
    I must commend the festival for its sincere and genuine approach to recognizing outstanding films. The exceptional judging panel's unbiased selection truly reflects the festival's commitment to excellence. May Almighty bless this festival and its future endeavors. Kudos to the team for maintaining such high standards!

    Masood Ali Hollywood 2 Bollywood Pictures"

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Sunil Datar

    Cleveland is a pace to be when you have an ARTISTIC Film receiving recognition and honor.
    Wonderful and Excellent Feeling.

    July 2026
    Helpful