The inaugural Pottsville Film Festival will take place May 30, 31, June 1 of 2025. A celebration of the arts with a focus on student, Pennsylvania, and national films the festival will be the first of its kind in Schuylkill County. With multiple inside and outside venues, artist and vendor spaces lining the street, and great food and drink the festival is sure to have something for everyone.

Danny Grimaldi from the Sopranos (Patsy Parisi) and Meredith Averill (The Haunting of Hill House, Jane the Virgin, The Good Wife) will be presenting our awards and holding workshops throughout the weekend!

The Town - Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Pottsville, Pennsylvania, is a historic city located in Schuylkill County, known for its rich coal mining heritage and vibrant community. Founded in the early 19th century, Pottsville became a hub for the anthracite coal industry, which played a crucial role in the region’s economy and development.

The city is perhaps best known as the home of Yuengling Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in the United States, established in 1829. Pottsville's charming downtown features classic architecture and local shops, while nearby outdoor activities abound in the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Culturally, Pottsville hosts various events throughout the year, celebrating its heritage and fostering community spirit. With its combination of history, industry, and community, Pottsville offers a unique glimpse into Pennsylvania's past and present.

Awards & Prizes

Cash Prizes

Best Student Film- $500.00
Best Pennsylvania Film- $500.00
Best of the Fest- $500.00

Awards (Trophies)

Best Narrative (Short)
Best Comedy (Short)
Best Horror (Short)
Best Feature
Best Actor (Feature)
Best Actress (Feature)
Best Actress (Short)
Best Actor (Short)
Best Student Actor
Best Student Actress
Best Music Video
Best Editing
Best Documentary
Best Screenplay
Best of the Skook Film
Best of Social Media (Under 1 minute)
Best of Social Media (Under 5 minutes)

Rules & Terms

RULES & TERMS

a) All entries must obtain the appropriate copyright clearances (i.e. music, archive footage, images, etc).
b) Considered films are uploaded through FilmFreeway. Entry fees are non-refundable.
c) Upon acceptance, PFF will request the following: a MP4 file of your film, logline, brief synopsis, and high-resolution images of your poster in vertical, horizontal, and square orientations.

e) Upon acceptance, if the filmmaker does not meet the deadline requirements, the film risks being pulled from the festival lineup and replaced by another.

By agreeing to the Rules and Terms, you transfer the Flagstaff International Film Festival the right to use excerpts of your submitted film, stills, and trailers, for the purposes of publicity and marketing of the film at the 2025 festival, and for other non-commercial uses related to the promotion of the festival.

SUBMISSIONS

a) PIFF has no premiere or exclusivity rule, we also consider work that is online.

b) PIFF does not accept works in progress, but completed films only.

c) This year PIFF will not be accepting feature-length films, but we look forward to accepting longer form content in the future.

d) Entry into the festival guarantees the film's place in the competition, giving it a chance to win one of the listed awards.

f) Winners will receive their awards at the ceremony on the festival's final night.

By submitting, you confirm that you have read, understood, and comply with all eligibility requirements for the festival and the categories in which you want your film to be considered.

If you have further questions that weren't addressed here or on the website, please feel free to email: pottsvillefilmfest@gmail.com
5 Reviews
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Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Lucas Hydock

    Fantastic film festival. Excellent events, really proved they are artists first. Celebrities stayed and engaged with all filmmakers, and even watched student films! You do not get this humility and generosity from other festivals. Great food, great band.

    Communication for awards could be improved on; my friends didn't know they were nominated and were fortunate to be at the ceremony. I also didn't know my film was up for more than one award.

    June 2025
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  • Seth McClellan

    Highly recommend - amazing job, particularly for a first year festival.

    June 2025
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  • Isaac Platizky

    Very Nice venue. Prompt communication. We had a very good time at The Pottsville Film Festival's inaugural year. Look forward to submitting again next year.

    June 2025
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  • Joseph Sernio

    What a great weekend in Pottsville!!! Great festival! Extremely welcoming and ran very professional. Saw some amazing films and met some amazing people! Beautiful historic setting. Congrats to all who were accepted, nominated and winners and congrats to a great first year run!

    June 2025
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  • Dan Gregory

    Excellent experience. I strongly recommend this Festival to any artist who wants to network and have a fun weekend too. I'm excited for next year's event!

    June 2025
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