Filmmakers love the Allentown Film Festival for its “smart, kind, film-loving folks” and its “efficiency and professionalism at all levels.” Enthusiastic audiences enjoy screening blocks in a gorgeously restored 1920s arthouse theatre from the golden age of cinema — “arguably the nicest venue I’ve ever been to.” “Engaging talkbacks and fun meet-the-filmmaker networking events” make the experience truly memorable. “Some films are even better than those featured at bigger cachet festivals.” Plus, you get a “super-cool medal”! Read additional enthusiastic reviews below.

Allentown is only 60 miles from Philadelphia and 90 miles from New York City. In fact, many of North America's largest cities are less than a half-day’s drive away. The fourth annual Allentown Film Festival will take place at two of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks: from April 9 - 12, 2026 at the Civic Theatre of Allentown and April 26, 2026 at the Allentown Art Museum. We strive to expand the enthusiastic audience of moviegoers in Pennsylvania’s third-largest city and beyond and to promote outstanding films from Eastern Pennsylvania and around the world.

Make plans to attend the 2026 Allentown Film Festival!
Full schedule and ticket sales will be posted here on or before March 15, 2026.

Founded by award-winning filmmakers and educators, the Allentown Film Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings the Independent Film Festival experience to Eastern Pennsylvania. Screening blocks include a mix of short and feature films to enhance the audience experience. Screening blocks are followed by Q&A panel discussions during which audience members interact with filmmakers. It’s an unmatched opportunity for artists to receive feedback and encouragement.

About the Region
Set amid gentle hills and charming countryside, the Lehigh Valley is a diverse area, home to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs, all peppered with parks, trails, and waterways ready to explore.
Steeped in pre-Colonial, early American, and industrial history, the region’s storied past defines its dynamic present, offering visitors everything from craft beer and covered bridges to museums and amusement parks.

We look forward to seeing you and your films at the Allentown Film Festival.

Submit your films today!

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary
Best Horror Film
Best Art-Related Film
Best Spanish-Language Film
Best Music Video
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress

Special Regional Filmmaker Prizes*
1-5 Min. Short Film Contest $1,000 Grand Prize
1-5 Min. Short Film Contest $100 K-12 Student Prize
1-5 Min. Short Film Contest $100 College Student Prize
1-5 Min. Short Film Contest $100 Non-Student Filmmaker Prize
* All genres welcome (scripted, unscripted, etc.)
* Open to filmmakers within a 100-mile radius of Allentown, PA
* Free to enter
* Multiple submissions by filmmakers encouraged

Rules & Terms

By submitting your film for consideration in the Allentown Film Festival (AFF), you hereby accept that you have the rights to the film and to authorize the film exhibition. You accept full legal responsibility for all intellectual property contained in the film and are granting AFF the right to utilize any and all parts of the film for promotional purposes online, in print, and any other medium we may see fit to promote AFF. By submitting your film for consideration in the Allentown Film Festival (AFF), you are authorizing AFF use of your work for promotion of and exhibition at the Allentown Film Festival.

By submitting this film, you indemnify and hold harmless the Allentown Film Festival and any of its affiliates, sponsors, agents, owners and employees of said entities from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss or damage to the screening videos entered.

You also accept that Allentown Film Festival is not responsible for obtaining any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property clearances that may be required for screening of your film. AFF reserves the right to edit the film/your work to adhere to community standards or time constraints.

Failure to adhere to any of these guidelines or any other guidelines for submission may result in dismissal from consideration.

The venues and dates for the 2026 festival have been confirmed;
however, we reserve the right to modify them in the event of unforeseen
circumstances.
82 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Benjamin Morehead

    Allentown Film Festival crew was amazing. They were a joy to work with and I'd highly recommend.

    May 2026
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  • Dmitriy Umanskiy

    Great people, amazing venue. It has been an honor and a pleasure to be nominated.

    May 2026
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  • MADGIO FILMS

    Very proud to have been an Official Selection with our short film Triggered at the Allentown Film Festival.

    Although I couldn’t attend in person, the selection process felt very professional and well-communicated.

    A solid festival experience from a submission standpoint, and I’d highly recommend it to other filmmakers looking for exposure and credible selection!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Alexander Randolph

    Such a great experience to not only see my film on a big screen in such a beautiful space, but to also meet such great and talented people. I am so glad I submitted and was able to attend, highly recommend this festival.

    April 2026
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  • Michael Dugan

    I had a great time at the Allentown Film Festival! It was an honor to have my short film Nevermore screened there and everyone was so wonderful and very welcoming.

    April 2026
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