The Tempe Film Festival (TFF) is a dynamic new annual celebration of cinema presented under the umbrella of the Chandler International Film Festival, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to enriching the community through the art of film. Rooted in the vibrant cultural landscape of Tempe, Arizona, our festival amplifies global voices and champions independent storytellers alongside the larger CIFF annual event, creating a multi-city festival experience that spans Tempe, Gilbert, and Chandler.

At Tempe Film Festival, our mission is to unite filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and audiences in a meaningful celebration of diverse cinema. We are committed to showcasing powerful storytelling from local, national, and international filmmakers, providing a platform where bold creative visions can be seen, heard, and honored. Like CIFF, TFF believes in the transformative power of film to educate, inspire, and bring communities together.

Each year, Tempe Film Festival presents a curated program of feature films, short films, documentaries, and experimental works — embracing innovation, cultural perspective, and artistic excellence. Attendees can enjoy red-carpet premieres, thought-provoking panels, filmmaker Q&A sessions, networking events, and special screenings designed to spark conversation and build creative connections.

Tempe’s rich creative energy and thriving arts community make it the perfect stage for this festival extension. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an emerging storyteller, or a passionate film enthusiast, TFF welcomes you to explore the world of independent cinema, celebrate compelling stories, and participate in a festival experience that elevates voices and fosters community through the universal language of film.

Awards & Prizes

The Tempe Film Festival Awards & Prizes celebrate outstanding achievement in filmmaking and honor the creative excellence, innovation, and cultural impact of films from around the world. Selected by a distinguished jury of industry professionals, artists, and film scholars, the awards recognize visionary storytellers whose work pushes boundaries and amplifies diverse perspectives.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms – Tempe Film Festival (Adapted from CIFF):
By submitting your project to the Tempe Film Festival, you agree to the following rules and terms, consistent with the policies of the Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF), under which Tempe FF operates.

Submission Requirements:
All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway with a complete submission and payment of the required fee.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Filmmakers may submit more than one film; however, each submission must be entered separately with its own fee.

Eligibility:
Films must be completed after January 1, 2025 unless otherwise specified.

Feature films are defined as over 40 minutes in length; short films are under 40 minutes.

All non-English films must include English subtitles.

Works in progress may be submitted but it is recommended that the submitted cut represent the final vision of the project, as re-evaluations of updated versions cannot be guaranteed.

Filmmaker Attendance:
Directors, producers, casts, or a designated representative are required to attend their film screening and participate in Q&A sessions when selected.

Acceptance into the festival does not automatically include travel, lodging, or accommodation support.

Rights & Promotion:
By submitting your film, you confirm that Tempe Film Festival has permission to exhibit your film during the festival.

Submission implies consent for the festival to use film trailers, still images, and excerpts for promotional purposes during and after the event.

The original copyright holder retains all rights to the work.

Withdrawals & Final Selection:
Once a film has been submitted and officially selected, the filmmaker may not withdraw the film.

Tempe Film Festival reserves the right to adjust programming, screening formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid), and schedules at its discretion.

Final selection decisions are made by the festival screening committee and are final.

Notification:
Filmmakers will be notified of acceptance status via the FilmFreeway email system by the date indicated in the submission calendar.

Festival Policies:
Tempe FF follows all policies and timelines established through CIFF, including deadlines, eligibility, screening requirements, and conduct expectations.

The festival may contact you for updated screening formats or materials if necessary.