The Columbus Film, Author & Photography Festival: Celebrating Creativity in Film, Literature, Photography, Music, and Dance. The Columbus F.A.P. Festival encourages and supports the growing number of people in the arts. This festival aims to reward the accomplishments of like-minded artists who aim to create interesting content. This festival is for new and veteran artists, youth starting in middle school through adults.

Call for Entries is open with a completed production date after January 1, 2011 (for authors, music videos and photographers - work must be submitted for copywrite by date of submission). Films must be completed in production by August 15, 2025. A trailer must be submitted before the September 10, 2025 deadline date.

Our main goal is to shed light onto creators that deserve it and to form connections between genres of art. We want independent artists to get recognition that they deserve.

This is a three-day event!

Day One will consist of watching the Official Selections (schedule will be listed September 2025)
Day One evening - 6pm-10pm Costume party- dress as your favorite movie/tv/music video character
Day Two Morning 9am-Noon will consist of Workshops (the following topics):
1) The Power of the Narrative - Tracey Baker-Simmons, Emmy Nominated, Telly and Anthem Award Winner Executive Producer Being Bobby Brown, The Conversations Project & many more!

2) Epic Soundtrack Creation - Cedric L. Blackmon, Music Producer and Podcast Host, ‘Can We Talk About It’

3) Leaving a Lasting Impression in Every Acting Role - Taral Hicks Dawson “Belly” & “Bronx Tale”

4) Publish Like a Pro & With Purpose - Joylynn M. Ross, Publishing Coach & CEO of the Award-Winning PTP Press Publishing

5) From Script to Screen: The Executive Director's Guide to Success - Maurice “First” Executive Producer & Manager to Drew Sidora, Taral Hicks Dawson & Lateshia Pearson

6) Introduction to Screenwriting - Coach John Alexander Award- Winning Screenwriting Coach

7) Transitioning From Behind-The-Scenes to Calling the Shots - Martrae M. Godard, Assistant Director on The Bear, Work in Progress, The Chi, PowerBook Force, P Valley, and The Shining Girls. Director, Writer, Executive Producer, The Get Back

Day Two Afternoon will consist of watching the Official Selections (schedule will be listed September 2025)

Day Two Evening will consist of Awards Ceremony

Day Three Networking Luncheon 2pm-5pm - Are you looking to meet other like-minded professionals? Are you looking to network? Are you looking for answers on how to start a business? Are you looking for answers to get your business to the next level? This is the event for you!

All of our finalists are automatically in the running for our Awards and Prizes! Finalists also are placed in the official website catalog, where they will remain forever.

The CFAP Festival selections will be judged and decided on by award-winning artists working in the industry.

CFAP Festival will follow guidance and protocols in relation to the coronavirus. All Festival details (including dates, format and venues) are subject to change. Information about an online component of the Festival will be announced at a later date.

Submission fees are non-refundable

For all questions related to submissions, please see our Terms and Conditions or email our Director Danielle D. Smith at info@columbusfapfestival.com

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Documentary
Champion for Change (Film can be any genre and any length. It must be a story that inspires change!)
Best Literary Work Ready for Film (the winner will receive a consultation to have their book adapted into a screenplay and receive a treatment)
Forever, Dion Lamarr (music video category)
Best Photograph
Artistry in Motion Award (dance category)
Best Middle School Student
Best High School Student
Best College Student

Rules & Terms

Terms and Conditions

By submitting your film for consideration to the Columbus Film, Author and Photography Festival (CFAP Festival) in accordance with the procedures outlined below, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to abide by these Filmmaker Terms and Conditions.

Secure Online Screeners (Vimeo or YouTube links) are the preferred submission method. If using a Vimeo or YouTube link, please include your link at the top of the cover letter section of your FilmFreeway submission.

• If accepted, filmmakers will need to provide the following:
- Name of film
- Director's name
- Run time
- Synopsis
- 2-3 high-res images from the film (not posters)
- Photo credit information (who you would like those photos to be credited to)
- film website (optional)

• Separate applications are required for each submission. (For multiple entries please email info@columbusfapfestival.com include Subject Line - Multiple entries and include categories and number of entries in body of email to receive code for multiple entries).

• Please let us know if your email address changes between the time of receipt of entry and notification of results. Otherwise, you will not be advised of or receive any award you may have won.

• All winners will receive customized laurels suitable for print and/or web usage. All winners will also receive awards in person or by mail. (If you cannot attend, please provide a mailing address, and we'll send the award to you.)

• Liability: Although every possible care will be taken with your entry materials while in our possession, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Do not send any original materials.

• Entries into the Student Section of the festival must provide proof of eligibility at the same time of entry (student ID). Must email copy of student id to info@columbusfapfestival.com. In Subject Line - Category/Student. In Body of email list category (ies) and Entrant Name.

• English Language: All entries must have audio essential to the message on an English language soundtrack or English subtitles. An English translation script is not an acceptable substitute with the exception of foreign student entries.

JUDGING CRITERIA

The following criteria are applied during the judging process:
- Target audience
- Credibility
- Purpose
- Organization and development
- Concept and creativity
- Technical proficiency

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The entrant has full rights to submit the entry and authorize its use.

Promotion Rights: Producers or distributors who enter the festival grant permission for their entries to be presented at any festival screening or event unless we are otherwise notified at the time of entry.

Publicity: Images, trailers, and reproducible still images may be used in festival programs and publicity materials, including for use by media.

Archives: We keep the winning entries for the festival's archives.

Entrant has read and agrees to abide by all festival rules.

Based on schedule not all selected films will be screened. Determination will be by highest scores.

All entries are non-refundable
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Bay For Blood" into your festival! I wasn't able to attend the event in person, but was happy with the experience overall and plan to submit future projects to Columbus Film, Author and Photography Festival.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Harry for submitting your amazing work into our Festival! We look forward to you being apart again next year! Keep being creative!

  • James Wright

    Had a blast at the first Columbus Film, Author and Photography Festival. Love the vibe of the other artist and along with their creative work. Watch a lot of great film, but sadden to say I missed the one I came to see, I guess I was caught up in all the creativity of such a wonderful event.

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Hello James! We are honored you submitted your work and attended our Festival! Sorry you missed the film you wanted to see. Let us know which film it was and we will be sure to link you with the Director so you can view it!
    We hope to see you next year!!

  • Esabella Strickland

    great event looking forward to next year

    October 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Esabella for submitting your work in our Festival! Congratulations on your Win! We look forward to working with you again!