The Lynchburg Film Festival (LYHFF) is a showcase for exceptional filmmaking from around the world. We invite submissions in narrative, documentary, and experimental genres, with a mission to spotlight innovative and exceptional filmmaking, spark meaningful dialogue, and foster lasting connections among creators through networking and a shared screening experience.

Our next festival takes place October 24-26, 2025, in the beautifully restored Historic Theater of the Academy Center of the Arts in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. Presented in partnership with James River Arts and generous support through a grant from the City Of Lynchburg.

We believe in transparency and respect for the creative process. Every film is screened in full, twice, by our selection committee. After reviewing the submissions individually, the panel meets to discuss and collaboratively determine the final program

All filmmakers chosen for official selection are contacted personally by our Executive Director and will have direct contact with him throughout the season.

Awards & Prizes

In 2024, LYHFF recognized excellence with 6 awards including Best Narrative Film, Best Documentary, Best Animated Film, Best Experimental Film, Best Director, and Best of Lynchburg — selected by our judging panel.

For 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new Audience Choice Award, giving our audience a direct voice in honoring standout work.

Our judging panel includes industry professionals, directors, producers, film educators, and other creative experts from various aspects of filmmaking and storytelling.

Rules & Terms

The line between films and other types of video content can sometimes be blurry, especially with the evolving landscape of digital storytelling.

LYHFF has decided to define our films as standalone, self-contained works crafted to express a complete idea, message, or artistic vision from start to finish. We will happily consider episodic video formats, but it's not what we are looking for.

All submissions are fully considered regardless of length; but we primarily screen short films of under 19 minutes in runtime, and 2-3 feature-length films per year.

We welcome films of all genres, with a slight exception when it comes to horror. Suspenseful, scary, or unsettling films are absolutely welcome, but submissions that rely heavily on graphic violence or explicit gore are unlikely to be accepted.

Submission Guidelines:

1. The submitter is solely responsible for securing all necessary rights and clearances for their film. The Lynchburg Film Festival assumes no liability and will be held harmless from any related claims.

2. By submitting a film, you grant LYHFF permission legal permission to publicly screen your film during the festival

3. By submitting a film you also authorize LYHFF to use your film’s poster, trailer, synopsis, and stills for promotional purposes related to the festival.

4. All communication will be conducted directly with the submitter listed on the entry form. We do not share submission details with any third parties.

5. Premiere status is not required for submission or selection.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Gaumer

    This film festival did great work in their first year: communicating with filmmakers, securing a great location, and running a smooth show from a technical perspective. Should only grow and get better from here.

    May 2025
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  • Zach Goodwin

    I’m incredibly honored that Hello Shelley, my short documentary, was not only selected to screen at the Lynchburg Film Festival but also awarded Best Documentary Film. While I wasn’t able to attend in person, I still felt deeply included in the experience thanks to the outstanding communication and responsiveness of the festival team.

    The Lynchburg team made sure I was kept in the loop, celebrated, and supported. Their warmth, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for independent storytelling truly stood out.

    Huge thanks to the organizers, jurors, and everyone involved for recognizing Hello Shelley and for making filmmakers feel seen—both on and off the screen. I can’t wait to attend in person one day!

    March 2025
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  • Barkın Tunga

    The communication was seamless, and the passion behind every detail was evident throughout the event. Despite being a newer festival, it felt as though it had years of experience, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. This is a festival worth watching as it continues to grow and thrive.

    January 2025
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  • Omar A Rashed

    For a first time festival, I believe Lynchburg Film Festival has a lot of potential, even though I didn't attend the festival myself but the festival's founder "Alex" reached out to me personally to tell me more about the festival and they plans they have for it and its very inspirational the reasoning and plans they have for it. I'm very happy with the opportunity to screen my work at the festival and look forward to future editions.

    January 2025
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  • Cristina Zar

    A fantastic team behind it makes you feel truly valued and gives each project individual attention. I’m very happy to have taken part!

    January 2025
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