The Easthampton Film Festival celebrates the work of emerging filmmakers in New England and around the world, with a particular focus on celebrating local talent and themes. We screen documentaries and narrative films, features and shorts. Filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in talkbacks.

Our focus is to have a great time, and we want to leave filmmakers and audiences alike with the warm feeling that they are a part of something really special. We host screenings, talkbacks, panels, workshops, networking events, and parties, and in 2024 we had a concert in which the titular band from one of the feature films we screened blew the roof off. It's been a little different every year - we started in 2022 - but we're always striving to create an incredibly personal, inspiring festival experience.

Nestled around a little lake at the bottom of Mt. Tom, local lore has it that Easthampton was the inspiration for Dr. Seuss's Whoville from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" With our many local farms, breweries, and dispensaries, however, some think The Shire of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth is a more apt comparison. Either way, it's a pleasant place to visit in the springtime, and (if we do say so ourselves) an excellent setting for an independent film festival.

In 2025 we awarded Best Documentary, Best Local Film, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and Best of Fest. Winners in each category received a custom-made ceramic trophy - this past season, it was a planter containing an (edible) sweet bay laurel plant! The awards are likely to evolve somewhat from season to season.

Regarding the use of AI: we recognize that artificial intelligence is an increasingly common and evolving toolset. However, this festival exists to celebrate the work of human filmmakers and performers. We do not program films featuring AI-generated human performances or synthetic actors in place of human performers. The use of AI-assisted post-production tools (such as audio cleanup, color correction, restoration, or workflow assistance) is not disqualifying. We strongly prefer work created through photography, performance, and traditional filmmaking processes over films relying primarily on generative AI imagery.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ben Guest

    Fantastic festival. Well-organized, filmmaker friendly, and great atmosphere and audiences.

    June 2026
  • Brian Jones

    If I could rate this festival more than 5 stars I would. Everything was so well done, from the quality of the films selected, to the venues, to the events and organizers. Thank you so much for having us, and for awarding Thickly Settled for Best Cinematography!

    May 2026
    Response from festival:

    It was so great getting to meet you and Jordan this season - we look forward to the next collaboration!

  • Meatgrinder Films

    What a wonderful festival! Everyone was kind and thoughtful, with excellent communication. Chris and Emily especially made the experience very meaningful. Highly recommended!

    May 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Catie, for sharing “What I Want You To Know” with us, and for stepping up to participate in the talkback after “They Fight With Cameras.” It was such a pleasure getting to work with you this season!

  • EFF was very kind and communicative with me at all times. I'm sad that I wasn't able to attend, but my brother (who also screened there) was there in spirit!

    May 2026
    Response from festival:

    Hi Rowan - we loved “In Other Words” and hope to see you next season!

  • A great and welcoming community and a fantastic independent film festival!

    April 2026
    Response from festival:

    Hey Tom - thanks for sharing "Video Dreams" with us! I hope you'll be able to make it up to Easthampton in person one of these days :)