We are back for 2026!! And with great news! Chautauqua County has been approved for massive tax incentives for filmmakers to come and make their films in this county!

The CIFF's new emphasis will be on films supporting human rights ans women's rights.

The NY CIFF CHAUTAUQUA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is an IMDb CERTIFIED FESTIVAL! All current and past winners can now record their awards! AWARD WINNERS WILL RECEIVE DISTRIBUTION DEALS ON ALL MAJOR DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND DVD'S! The CIFF 2026 will be held September 25 and 26,, 2026, at the CARRIAGE HOUSE CINEMA in Ellington, NY

WE ARE A FILMMAKERS SUPPORTED EVENT!

The 10th Annual Chautauqua International Film Festival will be held FRIDAY and SATURDAY September 25 and 26, 2026 at the CARRIAGE HOUSE CINEMA in Ellington, NY. .

ALL RULES below must be followed for your submission to be accepted and potentially have your film screened and become an official selection.

Filmmakers that attend have the first priority in the schedule. We are a screening festival and a filmmakers supported festival. THERE ARE NO FREE COMPS. Filmmakers OBTAINING THEIR TICKETS AND attending will have a Q and A after their screening.

The CIFF is working with other industry Pro's to develop some new proto-type screening and distribution. Winning Filmmakers will have the chance to have their films screened with the opportunity for multiple showings with a unique new concept in film promoting and distribution.

Join us for a profitable and fun filled day. It is our goal to make the CIFF one of the most successful film festivals in Western New York and worldwide.

Awards & Prizes

BEST of each category receives a Trophy if attending live event, otherwise, a digital certificate with laurel is awarded.

NOT ALL OFFICIAL SELECTIONS WILL BE SCREENED, but are qualified for consideration of any awards including distribution.

We are a filmmakers supported event and filmmakers that attend the CIFF are given first priority in having their film screened. We want filmmakers to support each others works.

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Rules & Terms

1. Films may be submitted that were made between 2010 to the present. Only completed works may be submitted.

2. Filmmaker must own or have obtained all rights pertaining to their film and music used.

3. Films must be in English or with subtitles.

4. Films may be submitted from anywhere in the world.

5. All submissions will be online screeners through Filmfreeway.com. An account may be set up for free by any filmmaker.

"AND"

WE NOW ACCEPT DIGITAL DOWNLOADS OF YOUR FILM OR SHORT! Posters may be sent to:

CIFF
P.O. Box 373
Ellington, NY 14732

6. Submission genre's as listed on the Chautauqua International Film Festival CIFF, FilmFreeway Submission site.

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OF THE SUBMISSION FEES SO PLEASE READ THE RULES CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THEM.
40 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kostoula Tomadaki

    Amazing Festival! I felt honored to have my documentary, ‘ Mother of the Station’, be a part of the festival. I am so grateful for everything. Excellent communication. Thanks again!

    September 2023
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  • Robert Craig

    This a great festival. We were happy to be a part of this with our screenplay submission. We were especially happy to win an award for our screenplay. Go Go Film Festival! Thanks for a great experience.

    September 2022
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  • Merete Muenter

    Fantastic communication and such great people to work with! It's an honor to be a part of this festival!

    September 2022
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  • Slavica Šnur

    too good but necessary, a festival. especially in these now times.

    October 2021
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  • Jack Foley

    The Chautauqua International Film Festival is an exciting, unique festival experience. Located in the plush rolling hills of upstate New York, you’ll want to spend the whole weekend exploring the many other attractions in the area. As for the festival itself, it is well run, with excellent communication every step of the way by Diana, it’s director. The films were screened at the quaint Carriage House Cinema on a wide screen with perfect audio. The Q and A’s made each filmmaker feel appreciated and the award ceremony was impartially run with attention paid to all in attendance. We are definitely looking forward to returning with a new film at next year’s festival.

    September 2021
    Helpful