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.

**As of 6/7/23 we have added a new category for Tri-State Films! Films must be from PA, NJ, NY, under 20 minutes and made after 2013**

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

**As of 6/7/23 we have added a new category for Tri-State Films! Films must be from PA, NJ, NY, under 20 minutes and made after 2013**

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.

5 Reviews
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  • Andrew Hoffmann

    Fun all-day festival organized by local filmmakers for local filmmakers. Batches of shorts are shown with Q&A sessions between. The festival provides a cozy and personable atmosphere at a perfect Pennsylvania venue, The Ice House, a large barn converted for live performances. A wide variety of genres are included and the Q&A sessions are a highlight. Had a great time sharing my work and talking to the crowd. Worth entering and attending.

    September 2023
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  • Jeremy Ciliberto

    Great local film fest, looking forward to next year

    September 2023
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  • George Ostertag

    Overall the program was well thought out. Films were first rate except for the job and friends but you have to include some poor films so that the good films look even better.

    September 2023
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  • Rick Gaeta

    Great festival! Good films. I never laughed so hard! Well run by friendly people. Was offered free admission to a major act music concert but am glad I attended this instead. The future holds good things for the Route 22 Filmworks and those who have their films featured in it.

    September 2023
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  • Danielle Notaro

    #R22FFF.. Yesterday, I had a really nice afternoon and evening with my friend Louise at the Route 22 Film Festival in which I had an entry,Newsprint Colored Sky. It was viewed in the 4th block of films& vids. There were a lot of them and a nice selection of genres. Some funny ones, a few poignant docs.And some tight acting& cinematography. Congratulations to the team that put the Fest together. Next year, print out programs.Oh! And they had fresh, hot $1 popcorn and water..plus a few choices for candy! All in all the festival was well worth the price of entry as a creator and attendee.My friend Louise was impressed to with the quality of work.

    September 2023
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