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
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