Welcome to the East Palestine Environmental Film Festival, a thought-provoking and inspiring in-person cinematic event in Ohio that aims to shed light on pressing environmental issues through the powerful medium of film. This festival, established in the wake of a significant train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, serves as a poignant reminder of the local community's environmental challenges while also addressing global concerns.

The festival provides a platform for filmmakers of all genres to showcase their creativity and passion for environmental storytelling. From short films to feature-length productions, each selected work shares a common thread – a dedication to raising awareness about the environmental challenges our world faces today.

Through captivating narratives, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, the East Palestine Environmental Film Festival aims to engage and educate its audience on issues such as sustainability, conservation, climate change, pollution and the delicate balance between human activities and the environment.

Beyond the cinematic experience, the festival fosters a sense of community by bringing together like-minded individuals, environmental activists, filmmakers, and local residents. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, creating an enriching and immersive experience that goes beyond the screen.

By combining the local context of East Palestine with a global perspective, the festival serves as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging dialogue, action, and a collective commitment to a more sustainable future. The East Palestine Environmental Film Festival is not just a celebration of cinematic artistry; it's a call to action, reminding us all of the importance of environmental stewardship in East Palestine, Ohio, and around the world. Join us on this inspiring journey as we explore, reflect, and inspire change through the lens of environmental cinema.

Best Short Film
Best Local Short Film
Best Music Video or Experimental Film

- This production (narrative short or documentary, or other media) is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation.
- I am duly authorized to submit this production to the competition;
- I hold the The East Palestine Environmental Film Festival (EPEFF), its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry.
- I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the production.
- I give permission for the EPEFF to use excerpts of up to three minutes of the production for promotional purposes, unless otherwise noted in attached writing and submitted with entry.
- I give permission for the EPEFF to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the production for promotional purposes.
- I give permission for the EPEFF to screen the production at the HTFF event.
- Submitter must own all copyrights; (If requested) must be able to provide model/actor release verification if requested; must be able to provide music, product and other copyright licensing verification if requested. Submitter/Producer agrees to take on all copyright liability in regard to submitted film.
- I give my permission for the EPEFF to share my film and contact information with EPEFF festival partners unless I specify otherwise.
- Entry does not guarantee acceptance into EPEFF festival or other EPEFF events.

- MULTIPLE ENTRIES are allowed.
- PRODUCER / FILMMAKER / COPYRIGHTS: submitter (filmmaker or producer) will be referred to as producer or submitter. Producer must own all copyrights; must be able to provide model/actor release verification if requested; must be able to provide music, product and other copyright licensing verification if requested. Producer agrees to take on all copyright liability in regard to submitted film.
- ENTRY FEES: View the "Call for Entries"; to note fees and deadlines. Entry fees are non-refundable. If your entry fee is not received with or prior to your submission, your entry may be deemed disqualified at the discretion of the EPEFF.
- PRESENTATION FORMAT: If accepted into the HTFF, producers must be able to provide a file for digital presentation. Other formats may be permitted.
- DATE OF COMPLETION : Open to ALL years.
- PREMIERE/DISTRIBUTION STATUS: We accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere; submissions may have distribution agreements already in place.
- ROUGH CUTS AND INCOMPLETE PROJECTS: Always try to send the best representation of your project. Rough cuts can be entered in contest, but must be completed and received within four weeks.
- EPEFF MARKETING: By submitting producer is consenting for use and copying of accepted projects for the purpose of promoting the Hilltop Film Festival and future festivals. Producer is giving HTFF permission to use up to three minutes of submission to promote the festival.
- EPEFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: By submitting to the festival, if chosen as an official selection, Producer is hereby granting permission for the HTFF to exhibit Producer's submission in the festival event.
- EPEFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: By submitting, Producer acknowledges that the
number of films the festival selects and exhibits may vary from year-to-year based on, but not limited to, total number of entries, quality of entries, final sponsorship revenue, and venue availability. Decisions are final and at the discretion of the EPEFF.
- EPEFF EXHIBITION AND SCREENING: Producer further understands that there is no monetary compensation for entering, exhibiting or being chosen as an official selection to the festival.
- SCREENERS AND JURY: All screening, selection, and jury decisions are final. Our panel of jurors and our screening committee use a rating system on entries and official selections. They screen many fine films; however, as with all festivals there is limited programming availability. By entering the EPEFF and any of its contests, Producers are verifying that you understand entry does not guarantee a screening. Additionally, being chosen as an Official Selection does not guarantee a screening in the theater either. Decisions are final and at the discretion of the EPEFF.
- OFFICIAL SELECTIONS: If chosen as an official selection, the EPEFF will request acknowledgment of your acceptance and additional materials. If any of the requested materials are not received by the festival in the time allotted, it is at the discretion of the festival to keep or remove the project as an Official Selection.
- Must be 18 years or older to enter this competition. Parents or Legal Guardians can enter on their child's behalf.
RULES:
a. Any genre can be entered.
b. Multiple authorship is allowed.
c. Multiple entries are allowed, but each entry must be accompanied by their own completed entry form and their own appropriate entry fee. You are allowed to mail them to us in one package.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I would like you to publish the place, the full address where the videos were shown, for everyone to see. Thank you. It should even appear in the rules. Thank you.
    Please publish the second festival on your website, with the titles of the videos, their directors, and a still, as you did with your first festival. Thank you. If you don't publish it, we don't exist, and you've used our videos for your own benefit.

    February 2025
  • Kevin Lucero Less

    Thank you so much East Palestine Environmental for selecting my film "Remediate" into your fantastic and benevolent film festival. It was a real honour to be involved. Highly recommended. Cheers!

    February 2025
  • Padma Chebrolu

    Great festival - Wonderful experience - Thank you

    July 2024