The 7th Annual Wheaton Film Festival, taking place November 12th, 2021, is a great opportunity for filmmakers from across the world to showcase their talent and learn about the industry. Everyone is welcome to submit their films, watch screenings, and/or attend the panel discussions.

Categories for submissions include:
• General Submission- for films up to 15 minutes in length from filmmakers located anywhere.
• Student - for filmmakers who are currently students or were students at the time of making the film.
• Local - for films that were produced in or are about Montgomery County, Maryland, United States and/or produced by a filmmaker from Montgomery County, Maryland, United States.

This event is supported in part by the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Chuck Levin's Music Center, MakeOffices, Arune LLC, DC Filmmakers, Adobe Software, Copyright Counselors, FilmConvert, Quick Film Budget, Red Giant, Studio Unknown, TIVA, Pro Cuts Editing Services, Write Brothers, Promethean Fundraising, and Clairvoyance LLC. This event is produced by Arune LLC. Our promotional partners include Docs In Progress, Creative Edge Collaborative, Gandhi Brigade, Women in Film and Video, Wheaton Arts Parade, Wheaton & Kensington Chamber of Commerce, WALA, and DC Media Makers.

Awards & Prizes

"Levin Grand Prize" - Jury Award for Best Film in General category
"Kamen Grand Prize" - Jury Award for Best Student Film
"Wheaton Award" - Jury Award for Best Community Story in Local category

Prizes provided by sponsors including Adobe Software, Red Giant Software, Write Brothers Software, Arune, etc.

Awards and certificates will also be provided.

Rules & Terms

If you are submitting in the Local category, please provide a brief explanation as to how you qualify.

If you are submitting as a Student Filmmaker, please provide the school you are attending (or attended) and your student number.

FILM SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Filmmakers are welcome to either submit a FilmFreeway online screener or a YouTube/Vimeo Link. No other submission formats are accepted.

You may enter any film produced within the last 5 years that is 15 minutes or less in total duration. If a film is accepted, entrant will be solely responsible for delivering their exhibition video files in advance via shared cloud drive.

After you submit, please check your FilmFreeway online account to see if your film has been received. Please don't contact us to find out if your film has been received. Check online.

All accepted films MUST provide a 60 second or less recorded video introduction by the producer or director that will be shown to the audience in conjunction with the film.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carlos Gonzalez-Fernandez

    I had been wanting to enter this festival for years and finally had a project that I felt was right to finally enter and it just so happened that that came about in the year of Covid. But despite the festival having to eschew their normal in person ceremony they went virtual and I had a great time attending. My worries about not being able to network with other filmmakers or guest speakers was eradicated very quickly. The festival was fantastic! I met a bunch of people in the industry that I am now in communication with about other projects and I got to see and meet filmmakers from all over the world, and in my own area. The organizer's (Sam and Brian) were excellent in communicating details about the event and answering specific questions that I had. After the event they were equally great in following up and seeing how my experience was. I can't say enough good things about this event and those who put in on. I am already working on my next project in hopes of having another submission for next year's festival. I would highly recommend checking this festival out yourself.

    December 2020
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  • Kate Hackett

    It was an honor to be a part of this wonderful festival!

    December 2020
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  • Harrison Dove-Green

    Despite COVID-19 restricting the festival to showcasing their films online this year (2020), the team at Wheaton managed to create a great experience with a slew of seminars and a wide variety of fun short films. I am grateful to have been involved and take part in this festival.

    November 2020
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  • Ziad Foty

    This is one of the best festivals I have ever been apart of. The festival committee has an undying and unwavering commitment to supporting local films in our community and across the globe that challenge the dominant mode of representation in cinema! The El Mahal team was honored to be apart of this festival!

    November 2020
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  • Elijah Barry

    I am beyond impressed by how intentional their organizers are. This festival was a treat to attend, simply put. What was accomplished during the pandemic is unparalleled. I will continue to apply to the Wheaton Festival for years to come!

    November 2020
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