The Seven Cities Showcase is a one-night celebration of incredible films created by Virginia-based artists!

Join us for an exciting evening of community and creativity as officially selected films are screened and compete for a variety of awards and accolades!

Meet your fellow filmmakers, walk the red carpet, grab a drink, and experience some of the best filmmaking talent the 757 has to offer!

The big night is April 13, 2025 at Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach, VA

Schedule
7:00 PM – Doors Open
7:30 PM – Film Showcase
9:30 PM – Awards Ceremony
10:00 PM – After Party

This is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run event. Thank you for your support!

Awards & Prizes

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

Best Directed
Best Writing
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Set Design
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Performer
Best Vertical Film
Best Student Film
Best Trailer
Audience Award

*Awards may be removed or added to reflect this years entries

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

Rules & Terms

As a celebration of VA filmmaking, we accept 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, or other factors that would make it inappropriate for even an "R" audience.

Trailer entries will be screened during reception/seating.

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

ALL GENRES are welcome!

Films must be 10 minutes or less including credits.

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

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

All films must have been completed after January 2020.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kyle Johnson

    Seven Cities was great! Communication leading up to and after the even were top tier. The event itself was fantastic with a great venue and plenty of staff to facilitate everything.

    There were plenty of awards, raffle prizes, concessions, and they had a great professional photographer.

    After the fest, they even sent us the judges scoring and feedback, which is a HUGE plus for submitting to this festival. If you're on the edge thinking about submitting, I can't recommend Seven Cities enough. We will definitely be submitting for years to come.

    January 2023
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  • John Leviege

    Seven Cities has a very impartial process in regards to film judging. Seamless & professional process for creators & filmmakers.

    December 2020
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  • 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
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  • Thomas F. O'Brien

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

    May 2019
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  • 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
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