The Foxfire Film Festival, taking place from September 11 - 14, 2025 in Wheeling, WV, is a celebration of documentary storytelling, bringing together local filmmakers and global voices to showcase the transformative power of film. Rooted in the idea and importance of community, the festival seeks to honor the region’s rich heritage while fostering creative expression, inspiring dialogue, and uniting communities through shared experiences. Through our workshops, student competition, and documentary screenings, the Foxfire Film Festival aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and stories from around the world, amplifying the importance of film as a tool for social change and community building.

Awards & Prizes

Student documentary short film competition awards:

1st Prize: $2500
2nd Prize: $1500
3rd Prize: $750

Mentoring opportunities with filmmaking professionals for all winners.

Rules & Terms

Students must be enrolled in a high school, college/university, community college or technical college in 2025 in the West Virginia, Ohio or Pennsylvania. Documentaries must be from 3 to 10 minutes in length.

Filmmakers whose films are selected for our Sunday Shorts celebration will be notified by August 28th. Prize winners will be announced at the conclusion of the screenings on Sunday.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alex Tosko

    This film festival was such a cool experience! The theatre and town it was held in has such a nice hometown vibe with plenty of shops and food around. All of the staff and filmmakers at the festival were so kind and welcoming to conversations. They also had free cookies!

    September 2025
    Helpful