Welcome to our first film festival based in Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania, with plans to be held annually. We are excited to showcase the talent and creativity of local filmmakers. This is a unique opportunity for you to share your work with a wider audience and connect with other artists in the industry. Our festival celebrates the diversity and richness of storytelling through the medium of film. We encourage all local filmmakers to submit their work and be part of this exciting event. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your talent and be recognized for your hard work and dedication to the art of filmmaking.

What makes our festival one of a kind is the sole focus on local talent. All short films (under 20 minutes) must be submitted by a filmmaker who lives or has filmed within 50 miles of The Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. They must have been created from 2020-present.

Silent Films must be under 5 minutes with no dialogue or sound effects other than music.

Route 22 Filmworks is a collaborative film production group located in the Lehigh Valley, PA, meeting monthly to review current and upcoming projects, network and share a passion for all things filmmaking. The group began in 2017 with three co-founders and has grown to include over 600 members. Our short independent films can be viewed on YouTube and other area film festivals, as well as our Facebook page. If you always wanted to be part of the film industry or just have an interest in film and live in or near the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, this is the place to be!

Proceeds will be donated to a local school(s) in order to help their film departments grow and encourage young filmmakers.

Rules & Terms

Short films must have been created from 2020-present day, be under 20 minutes and be family friendly. The films must have been created within 50 miles of the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania or the filmmaker must live within 50 miles of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania as this is a local film festival.

Silent films must be under 5 minutes with no dialogue or sound effects. Music is allowed, as are subtitles or title cards. These films must also have been filmed within the Lehigh Valley, PA area or within 50 miles radius.

By submitting your film for consideration to the Route 22 Filmworks Film Festival, you are authorizing the use of your work for promotional materials and exhibition at the film festival to be held on August 26, 2023. You affirm that you have the rights to your film and authorize Route 22 Filmworks to show the film in its entirety as well as excerpts for marketing purposes. Films created by minors must have the consent of a parent or guardian.

Submitters agree to release and hold harmless The Route 22 Filmworks Film Festival co-directors, volunteers, sponsors, and The Charles A. Brown Icehouse and its affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, losses and damages for any reason. Route 22 Filmworks is not responsible for obtaining copyright, trademark, or releases for screening purposes.

The organizers may choose to accept one entry per filmmaker should more than one film by the same entity be submitted. This will allow for a fair representation of various artists in the local community.