Chelsea Film Festival (CFF) was selected in the "TOP 10 BEST FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA" (#6) by USA Today in 2019 among 19 other film festivals in the USA.

CFF is an organization dedicated to supporting films and the artists who create them by providing a creative forum for exchange and discovery.

The Festival attracts filmmakers, artists and audience members from across America and the world. It premieres independent narrative features, documentaries, short films and TV series focusing on global issues.

Chelsea Film Festival is an international film competition that aims to discover upcoming talents by raising awareness about American & foreign independent films.

There are 20+ awards in each category Short, Feature-Length and TV Series (Best actor, actress, supporting actor, actress, screenplay, documentary, director, Best Picture).

2024 CONDITIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY - 12th Annual Chelsea Film Festival

By using this website and submitting your entry on FilmFreeway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy of Chelsea Film Festival, Inc. as provided on our website. Submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these Entry Rules & Guidelines (by you and your agents). Please review this document carefully by clicking on the "Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy" link on our website : www.chelseafilm.org/rules-and-guidelines

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SHORTS, FEATURES, DOCUMENTARIES, INDIE EPISODICS:

• Entries must be New York City premieres and have been completed in 2023 or 2024. Films shown in other festivals or public screenings in New York City are not eligible for consideration. Contact us directly at info@chelseafilm.org if your film is a WORLD PREMIERE
• Work can only be submitted via streaming video
• Exhibition Format authorized: DCP
• Feature-length Films and Documentaries must be between 90 minutes maximum and not less than 60 minutes
• Short Films must be under 20 minutes maximum
• Indie Episodics must be under 40 minutes maximum
• Films must not have been released on any online platforms prior to the Festival (i.e. Online Film Festival, Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Vimeo, YouTube, etc.)
• Films in any language other than English must be subtitled in English
• Theme: Global Issues
• Submissions are not refundable
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SCREENWRITING/FILMMAKING INCUBATOR

Chelsea Film Festival is looking for passionate, talented and driven filmmakers with diverse and creative voices to participate in the 2024 Chelsea Film Festival Incubator supported by TD Bank. The CFF Incubator is a highly selective initiative designed to nurture and provide support to 10 BIPOC emerging filmmakers of all genres who have diverse voices, backgrounds and life experiences. Upon successful completion of their films, filmmakers will receive a cash grant towards post-production and a guaranteed slot for their project at the 12th Annual Chelsea Film Festival.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Read Before Applying

Applications will be accepted from December 21st, 2023 through January 15th, 2024. To apply, you will need the following:

- One (1) original pilot script in PDF format
- Resume in PDF format
- Bio
- Personal statement
- Script synopsis (750 words or less)
- Script genre (drama, comedy, dramedy, documentary)
- Logline (75 words or less)
- 2 additional original loglines of unproduced material
- 1 or 2 Producer(s) mandatory
- Contact details for 2 references
- Completed submission of material agreement
- Completed cover letter

Candidates for the CFF Screenwriting Incubator should submit their materials no later than 11:59 PM PT on January 15th via FilmFreeway. If you have any questions, please email info@chelseafilm.org.

DISCLAIMER

Note: Participants will not be entitled to and will not receive any wages or financial benefits as compensation for their time spent as a participant in the program.

The Incubator is an educational program and selected participants will receive training similar to that which would be provided in a writing seminar or similar vocational program.
The Incubator is for the benefit of the selected participants.
Participants selected for the Incubator will not be entitled to and will not receive any wages, remuneration or financial benefits as compensation for their time spent as a participant in the Incubator.
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Force Majeur Clause: Due to Covid-19 pandemic and unforeseen outcome, the Chelsea Film Festival reserves the right to postpone, cancel or move the event to a digital platform if necessary.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anthony Marinelli

    Chelsea has always been one of my favorite film festivals and this year was no exception. It has grown significantly since the first time I had a film in back in 2014 but that has not diminished the care and attention every filmmaker gets from founders, Sonia and Ingrid. I look forward to entering again in the future!

    December 2023
  • Zayanfim Zayanfim

    Best international short "petite prix"
    Best Actress

    Thank you ! we're so proud to have our film display in New York City. Next year, there will be another film, but we're looking to come and meet you all...

    November 2023
  • Gal Genossar

    I extend my heartfelt thanks for showcasing my film The Monopol during a challenging time. Your support and dedication to diverse cinematic stories provided not only a platform for my work but also a beacon of hope and solidarity.
    The warm reception and professionalism of your team offered a platform that fostered invaluable networking and collaboration with fellow professionals in the industry. This experience has been invaluable to my journey as a filmmaker.

    November 2023
  • Dan Eason

    The Chelsea Film Festival hit all of the marks in planning, communicating, and bringing value to the entire experience for filmmakers. Ingrid and Sonia and the team really hit the mark. Thank you for having us, and hosting such a wonderful festival!

    November 2023
  • Cat White

    A brilliant festival run by the incredible Ingrid and Sonia! Quality of films was great and it was so well organised. Will definitely bring films back in the future and was very proud for Fifty-Four Days to have its New York premiere there.

    November 2023