The Chandler International Film Festival has been welcoming the film community to Chandler, AZ since 2016. What started as a small celebration of local and international filmmakers has now turned into one of the largest and most recognized film festivals in Arizona.

Our festival is about showcasing unique, independent films from diverse filmmakers, and we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Each year, we gather a diverse selection of films from all over the world, celebrating both emerging talents and established artists. What really makes us stand out is our commitment to fostering connections between filmmakers and audiences while prioritizing diversity, creativity, and connection.

Located in beautiful downtown Chandler, Our 10-day (Jan 24 to Feb 2nd, 2025) festival includes educational filmmaking workshops, discussion panels, celebrity appearances, a film market and expo, and a closing night awards ceremony. This year the Chandler International Film Festival is merging with the 30th Chandler Multicultural Festival where attendees will watch a special outdoor screening on the Chandler Downtown Stage.

The Chandler International Film Festival collaborated with a robust PR and Marketing agency, garnering more than 40 million impressions across TV, Radio, Print, and Social Media. This significant exposure greatly enhances the visibility of all participating films.

We aim to provide excellent service to filmmakers as each filmmaker is part of our growing CIFF family and we are happy to assist from the stage of submission to the end result at the Annual Event. For any questions or clarifications please feel free to contact us at info@chandlerfilmfestival.com.

Our Mission:
With a passion for the art of filmmaking, the Chandler International Film Festival aims to support independent filmmakers from all over the world and their filmmaking. We provide a platform through which projects are reviewed, judged, and honored for their uniqueness, creativity, and storytelling ability.

Reviews:
"Thank you very much for organizing an amazing festival. We had a wonderful time and met many nice people. Your festival was very professional and well attended. At times, I felt as if I was at the Academy Awards in Hollywood! I hope to see you next year as we have already begun our next feature." - Michael Domino

"I know it's weird to give five stars for everything, but I would give ten if I could. Chandler International Film Festival was one of the best festivals. Great programming, wonderful people, perfect communication, and a lot of fun. If you miss this festival you REALLY MISSED A LOT. Chandler really is a festival for filmmakers and people who love movies. Thank you for having me." - Bradford Uyeda

"Everything was top-notch, from the communication to the movies to the amazing award ceremony with those 30-pound trophies. I didn't win one, but it made me want to try harder next time, and there will be a next time." - Jim Politano

"Very good film fest, I think it will become an Oscar Qualify festival. I'm glad that I have been selected to screen in the annual event." - Han Zhang

Awards & Prizes

All Official Selections will be screened at the event
Official Selections will receive 2 complimentary All-Access Passes.
Official Selections will receive an Official Selection laurel.
We award the best filmmakers after a comprehensive evaluation process.
All winners receive a laurel and trophy.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements:

-We prefer world premieres but all films must have never been screened in the Phoenix metro area.

-We accept films in any language, from anywhere in the world. If your film is not in English, make sure it has English subtitles where necessary.

-Films previously entered into and screened at our festival are not eligible for re-entry in subsequent years.

Submission Guidelines:

-The CIFF requires the director, producer, cast, crew or any representative of the film to attend their film screening to participate in the Q & A.

-Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.

-All non-English speaking films must be presented in their original version with English subtitles.

-Feature screenplays must be between 46 and 130 pages in length. Short screenplays must be between 1 and 45 pages in length.

-Entries must have been produced after January 1, 2023.

-You may submit multiple entries to different categories but must pay an entry fee for each.

-Acceptance of a film does not guarantee airline or hotel accommodations for talent or production crew.

-Works in progress are accepted but are not encouraged. We cannot promise that we will be able to watch re-edited submissions. Please only submit works in progress if submitting close to the final deadline.

-CIFF confirms that the festival has permission to exhibit your film(s) during the festival.
Submission of a work implies that the Festival can employ moving image excerpts and reproduce stills of exhibition promotion. The Original copyright holder retains all rights to their work.

-All submissions for CIFF are to be paid through the FilmFreeway platform. The submission fee is non-refundable.

-The submitter can not withdraw the film after the final official selection.
180 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Richard Bakewell

    What to say about Chandler. Oh I have a lot to say. First with 5 days before the festival began they lost the movie file to make a DCP. That's how it began. Then we brought cast and even one of our actor celebs to attend the screening. They sent home the photographer and everyone to take photos or do interviews.

    Our film was nearly sold out, and the movie screening next door had two people in it and was twice as loud as our movie. I asked the theater to turn down the movie, they wouldn't. I asked Mitesh, the festival director, to have it turned down and he did nothing. I had to go into the office and get s***** with him until he finally got it adjusted 20 minutes later. By then the people watching my film could barely hear it in the top rows. All that guy cares about is taking photos with celebs and it was the biggest waste of money for our team.

    I decided not to go to their over priced award ceremony which was $100, and they wouldn't even let you know if you were nominated or not. A win at Chandler won't get you anywhere and there is no one to help get you distribution or network with. I would avoid this festival and hold out for the Phoenix Film Festival which really knows how to take care of its people.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Richard,

    We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear about your experience at our festival. We strive to provide a positive and memorable experience for all filmmakers, and we regret that we fell short of your expectations.

    Regarding the technical issues you faced with the movie file and sound levels, we understand the frustration this must have caused and apologize for any inconvenience. We always aim to address such issues promptly and effectively to ensure the best possible screening experience for all films.

    As for your concerns about the award ceremony and networking opportunities, we understand the importance of these aspects for filmmakers. We continually strive to improve our festival and will take your feedback into consideration as we plan for future events.

    We value your feedback and will use it to improve our festival for future filmmakers. We wish you the best of luck with your film and hope you find success at other festivals.

  • Swati Ghorpade

    I have been to the Chandler International Film Festival for two years now. Once as a volunteer and next as a Filmmaker. I had a very good experience both times. They treated all their participants with utmost regard and warmth.
    I loved all their workshops!!
    I was so happy that my Short film Bunker Healers Refuge was screened at their festival.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your positive review, Swati! Its awesome to hear about your volunteer experience as well as attending as a filmmaker! We look forward to having your at the next CIFF!

  • John Kestner

    An awesome festival! We had three short films in the festival, two in the Best of Arizona block (The Next to Last Supper, The Foxhole) and one in the Comedy block (Housebroken).
    I loved the venue (LOOK Dine-In Cinemas) and the nightly after parties at nearby bars and restaurants really encouraged networking.
    A great experience, and I hope to make it into next year's festival!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We are so happy to hear you had a great experience at the 2024 CIFF! Thank you for the review and we look forward to seeing you next year!

  • edward vincent

    We were so thankful and honored to be in the Chandler International Film Festival for our feature film Road ToTerzetto. Winning Best US Narrative Feature Film was the highlight of our festival run at their awards dinner. Thank you to Mitesh and everyone at the CIFF festival.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations on winning Best US Narrative Feature Film, Edward! It was a pleasure to have you at the festival and we hope to see you at the next one!

  • Christophe Lenoir

    Very professional film festival! Very great!!

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind review, Christophe!