East Lansing Film Festival (ELFF), the longest-running non-experimental film festival in Michigan, showcases films from around the world. We screen features, documentaries, many shorts and student films. The East Lansing Film Festival holds a contest for Audience Awards that awards cash Prizes for the Best Feature, Documentary and Short Film.

From October 22 - 27, 2026, ELFF will hold its final film festival which presents 3 extensive short film programs, international and US features and documentaries. The festival hosts parties and we invite directors to attend the film festival and hold Q & As with the audiences. Past visiting directors have included Michael Moore, Oliver Stone, Adrian Grenier and Bruce Campbell.

Since this is the last ELFF, we encourage you to submit your film and be a part of history. We expect enthusiastic audiences, parties and celebrated guests.

Any films from filmmakers who have been accepted in past ELFFs will receive a WAIVER upon request to Susan, susanw.woods@gmail.com

Awards & Prizes

EAST LANSING FILM FESTIVAL
$300 for Best Feature Film without major distribution.
$300 for Best Documentary without major distribution.
$300 for Best Short Film without major distribution.

Definition of major distribution: a recognized Distribution Company.
Self-distribution qualifies for the award.

Rules & Terms

Please read and follow the Entry Regulations carefully.

Entry Regulations:

1.Works in progress will NOT be accepted.

2. Submission will not be considered unless accompanied by appropriate fee, completed FilmFreeway online entry form, and a 25-35 word summary. Press and publicity materials are appreciated but only required after being accepted into festival.

3. All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.

5. if your selected film is a narrative or documentary film of over 60 minutes is selected for festival screening, you must supply a DCP electronically or on hard drive or a Blu-Ray copy of your film. DCPs are preferred for the Christie projection at Studio C. A DCP copy on a hard drive can be created for a nominal fee paid through PayPal.
If your selected film is a short film , it will be electronically copied onto a DCP hard drive for projection. Do not send the a DCP copy.

9.The festival director must authorize exceptions to the festival regulations.

SHIPPING:

The entrant must pay the cost of shipping an entry print to the festival.

FESTIVAL CONDITIONS / ELIGIBILITY:

-Entries must not have been previously submitted to the East Lansing Film Festival.
-Entries must be in English or subtitled in English.

Films or videos of any length (feature, short), style or genre (narrative, documentary, animation, etc.) are accepted (see appropriate category). If selected for screening, the filmmaker will be contacted by email by September 13, 2024.

Digital files must be received at least 21 days prior to the festival start date or a screening copy will be used.
30 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Anderson

    It's a shame to see this great festival tradition come to an end, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to exhibit and network with the amazing people there. Please support the East Lansing Film Festival, they are the same people!
    I also appreciate the free popcorn.
    Shane! Shane! Come back!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Michael Grynszpan

    Excellent film festival, super nice organizers. Thank you!

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Brian Walczybock

    I had a great time at the event. Unfortunately I ran into a communication issue but mistakes happen and can be forgiven. It was such an honor to be apart of this wonderful festival!!

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Oswmer Louis

    ELFF 2024 was hands down the best currated film festival I have ever had the pleasure of screening at. From the quality of films that played in the festival, down to the order that the films were played in, Susan Woods puts so much thought into crafting a great lineup of films. You can tell she is someone that honestly just loves movies.

    We would also like to shoutout Susan for her incredible hospitality, accomidating us as well as a few other filmmakers that made the trip to East Lansing for the fest.

    East Lansing Film Festival is truly a filmmakers festival and we cannot wait to submit our next project.

    March 2025
    Helpful
  • Paper Horse Pictures

    Being part of the East Lansing Film Festival/Lake Michigan Film Festival was a fantastic experience. Even though we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were really impressed by the level of support and dedication they showed to both the films and the filmmakers. Their professionalism truly stood out.

    March 2025
    Helpful