The Seven Cities of Hampton Roads are home to amazing artists, countless creatives, and fantastic films! Join us for a celebration of this gifted community and all the crazy, colorful, and captivating films we've made!

Officially selected films will be screened at our showcase in April where they will have the chance to compete for a slew of awards and accolades! So come on out and meet your fellow film friends, win raffle prizes, grab a few drinks, and enjoy some of the best film-making the 757 has to offer!

Awards & Prizes

1st Place Film
2nd Place Film
3rd Place Film

Best Directed
Best Writing
Best Cinematography
Best Makeup and Set Design
Best Actor
Best Actress

Audience Award
Audience Award Honorable Mention

Local Legend Award

Seven Cities Grant Award

*All films selected for screening will receive graded rubrics from our judges.

Rules & Terms

This year we are accepting films that are the creation of Virginia residents OR have been shot primarily in Virginia as well as a selection of East Coast films.

**East Coast Films** will be judged in their own category and will only be considered for screening if they have at least one member attending the festival.

We reserve the right to reject any films. Please take care not to submit films with gratuitous gore, nudity, and other factors that would make it inappropriate for even an "R" audience.

You may submit as many films as you like however, only one film per Director/Production Team will be selected for the showcase.

ALL GENRES are welcome!

Films must be less than 10 minutes including credits.

Films are NOT required to be premiere screeners. Filmily Fest? 48hr? Bring it on!

Students may be asked to provide proof of full-time status.

All films must have been completed after January 2016.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lizzie Bankowski

    Seven Cities is AMAZING!!! Such a supportive and friendly environment. This festival really encourages filmmakers from the 757 to get to know each other and work together. You’ll see familiar faces and new faces!

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Thomas F. O'Brien

    This was a great event; the films, promotions, venue, and networking were all top-notch.

    May 2019
    Helpful
  • Tom White

    Seven Cities was the first show we knew as a team that we wanted to be in and I appreciate the privilege to be part of their second annual show.

    Being part of the Virginia film community, the best, but least highlighted aspect of the show is that all of the proceeds are given back to the film community with the opportunity to win the funding for your projects.

    The hosts were also fantastic and easy to work with. Great and direct communication. I really look forward to next year's show!

    April 2019
    Helpful
  • Hope Wager

    Excellent festival experience! Well organized and a great opportunity to meet local filmmakers.

    January 2019
    Helpful