Since 2007, the Media Arts Council’s MAC Film Festival (previously the Media Film Festival) in Media, Pennsylvania has been celebrating the best of local and regional short film movie-making talent, as well as national and international films, showcasing their creative spirit and striving to elevate the quality of filmmaking. The festival is about connecting filmmakers with other filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences while having fun doing it!

The MAC Film Festival is a vibrant community forum for film lovers, dedicated to providing excellent film experiences for audiences and filmmakers alike. The MAC Film Festival celebrates and promotes quality independent films to build greater appreciation of artists and filmmakers within our community.

For 20 years we've been honored to host hundreds of short films across in nearly every genre. Both first-time filmmakers and industry vets have a home here. Whether your film is local to Philadelphia, national, or international, please consider submitting.

Juried Awards with monetary prizes go to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for best films of the festival. Additional prizes may be awarded in supplemental categories including Best Animation, Best Documentary, and the Golden Trolley (best of local/regional film).

Additionally, there are audience favorite awards based on audience votes from each screening.

1. ELIGIBILITY. This Contest is open to entrants ages 18 and over. All entry forms and all communications from entrants must be in the English language. Films submitted in any language other than English must have English sub-titles. Films submitted must be under 30 minutes in length with priority given to films under 20 minutes.

2. ENTRIES. All entries must be original works. Contestants may submit multiple entries in one or more categories. Use of any third party materials without both acknowledgement and written permission of the copyright owner, including but not limited to third-party prose, song lyrics, photography, or video, will result in disqualification.

3. SUBMISSION. As per FilmFreeway requirements. Films must also be available via download upon submission.

4. JUDGING. Entries will be judged based on artistic merit and technical excellence. The Media Arts Council reserves the right to use alternate judges if necessary. All judges’ decisions are final.

5. PUBLICATION AND LICENSE. By entering this Contest, in the event your film is chosen, you hereby grant to the Media Arts Council the right to use your name, likeness and film for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the Internet and picture data storage) which the Media Arts Council may deem appropriate.

6. FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE. Entrants are encouraged, but not required, to attend the festival. Entrants are responsible for all costs incurred to attend this festival. Entrants receive two free full fest passes to the film festival.

7. RELEASE. Entrant acknowledges that the Media Arts Council may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with this Contest. Entrant agrees to indemnify the Media Arts Council for all costs, damages, and attorneys fees resulting from any third party claims, including copyright infringement, arising from entrant’s participation.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
I, the undersigned, acknowledge and affirm that, while Media Arts Council is a not-for-profit that works to further its mission to actively support local artists and integrate a wide range of arts into the life of the entire community, the scope of its mission does not include filmmaking and/or protection of copyright. I acknowledge and affirm that my participation with Media Arts Council is voluntary and is made with the understanding that I am acting as an individual who is independently responsible for my actions and the propriety of my film. In consideration for Media Arts Council permitting me (the undersigned) to participate with the Media Arts Council Film Festival, I agree to unconditionally and absolutely RELEASE, WAIVE, INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DISCHARGE Media Arts Council, its officers, employees, agents, representatives, successors assigns and volunteers (“Released Parties”) for any and all claims, expenses, damages (including injury to person or property or death), actions, and causes of action, of whatsoever kind or nature, whether caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the Released Parties, arising out of the undersigned’s participation with the Media Arts Council Film Festival. I also agree to indemnify the Released Parties against any and all claims, expenses, damages (including injury to person or property or death), actions, and causes of action, of whatsoever kind or nature, brought by and/or incurred by third parties, whether caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the Released Parties, arising out of the undersigned’s participation with the Media Arts Council Film Festival. In the event my film is chosen, I hereby grant to the Media Arts Council the right to use my name, likeness and film for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium (including without limitation, radio broadcasts, newspapers and other publications and in television or film releases, slides, videotape, distribution over the Internet and picture data storage) which the Media Arts Council may deem appropriate. The undersigned acknowledges that the Media Arts Council may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with this Contest, and agrees to indemnify the Media Arts Council for all costs, damages, and attorneys fees resulting from any third party claims, including copyright infringement, arising from entrant’s participation. The undersigned agrees that any lawsuits arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be maintained only in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The undersigned agrees that the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall govern the use, interpretation and application of this Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges that this release, waiver and indemnification Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by law, and that if any portion of the agreement is held to be invalid, it is agreed that the balance of the Agreement shall; notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. The undersigned further acknowledges that he/she has carefully read this Agreement and knows and understands its contents, and further knows and understands that by signing this Agreement he/she voluntarily gives up substantial rights and assumes all risks, and signs this Agreement as his/her own free act.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hanna Gaffney

    The Tooth Fairy team was so honored to be a part of this festival and the thought that went into the swag bag, the Q and A and organization was so professional and kind! Thank you!!

    March 2026
  • Sarah Brannan

    Thank you for being wonderful hosts and supporters, Media Film Festival! Our team was so honored to be included and had a wonderful experience!

    March 2026
  • I had a great time at this festival. Media Pennsylvania is charming, the films were wonderfully curated and everyone I met was warm and friendly. I left with the impression of a strong, welcoming arts community. Thank you for having me and my short “TERMS OF SERVICE!”

    March 2026
  • Kate Kelsen

    Such a fantastic festival!! The communication and marketing from beginning to end was terrific. And the team curated a beautiful program filled with diverse, compelling and high-quality films that played to a theater filled with filmmakers and enthusiastic guests. The Q&A was professional, fun and thoughtful. I felt incredibly welcome and very supported by everyone. So honored to have been part of this festival. Highly recommend!!

    April 2025
  • I was very pleased to attend your festival. I hope to participate in your festival every year. Wishing success for this festival.

    April 2025