Festival Start: 24 April 2026
Festival Ende: 26 April 2026
Join us April 24–26, 2026 for the 20th West Chester Film Festival! Experience a full weekend of events, parties, pop-ups, workshops, and more in scenic West Chester, PA, just a short ride from Philadelphia.
Films will be shown at our main venue, the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
Short films, up to 30 minutes in length, by independent filmmakers from around the world are accepted. Submissions are juried by a panel of industry professionals and winners are chosen according to content, innovation, and technical execution.
The Fest weekend includes Filmmaker Workshops presented by filmmaking professionals, Meet & Greets, networking opportunities, and parties! Known as a Filmmaker Friendly Festival, it is a great way to join a community of filmmakers and celebrate a shared love of short film.
Custom-designed awards are presented in 9 different categories:
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Art/Experimental
Best Student Film
Best Pennsylvania Filmmaker
Best Woman Filmmaker
The H. Paul Fitzpatrick People's Choice Award
Winners of the above categories each receive a handmade award if present for the Awards Ceremony.
The winner of the Best Woman Filmmaker award is selected by the Regional Center for Women in the Arts. There is a cash prize provided by that organization.
2026 West Chester Film Festival Rules and Terms:
PLEASE INCLUDE FILM TITLE AND ENTRY NUMBER WITH ALL CORRESPONDENCE, INCLUDING ALL EMAIL. SCREENERS MUST BE UPLOADED DIRECTLY TO Festhome (4K PREFERRED, 1920 X 1080 MINIMUM).
1. A screening committee determines which films shall be exhibited; submissions are not guaranteed to be shown. All decisions of the committee are final. Except for the audience award, separate juries select festival winners.
2. The Award Categories are: Best Animation, Best Comedy, Best Documentary, Best Drama, Best Art/Experimental Film, Best Student Film, H. Paul Fitzpatrick People's Choice Award, Pennsylvania Filmmaker, and Best Film by a Woman Filmmaker. Each award is an original glass statuette, except for the Best Film by a Woman Filmmaker which will be a prize donated by the Regional Center for Woman in the Arts. An awards ceremony will be held at the end of the festival weekend. Statuettes are only presented to filmmakers who are in attendance and will not be shipped.
3. Total running time must be 30 minutes or less, including credits. Do not include a header or countdown on any submissions.
4. Foreign language films must have English subtitles or contain minimal dialogue not necessary for understanding the film.
5. Please select only one category in which to submit your work. An entry's category may be changed at the discretion of the West Chester Film Festival.
6. Screening fees are not available.
7. Entry fees are non-refundable.
8. There is no limitation on when or where the short was produced.
9. Films previously submitted to the Festival will not be accepted.
10. All submissions, payments and tracking will be done through the Festhome system.
11. We will not accept films with graphic violence, excessive foul language, or graphically explicit sexual encounters.
12. Do not submit works in progress. Incomplete films submitted with a script and a promise to be completed by the festival date will not be considered under any circumstances.
13. Commercial, industrial, instructional, or promotional films will not be accepted.
14. Student entries must include a copy of the Filmmaker's student ID card. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy snail-mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and entry number on all correspondence.
15. To qualify for a Pennsylvania Filmmaker Award, the film entered must have been directed by a Pennsylvania resident. Proof of residency must be submitted with the film (copy of driver’s license). A scan of the license can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy snail-mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and entry number on all correspondence.
16. Travel fees, hotel fees, and food vouchers are not available from the festival. The filmmaker liaison will be in contact regarding possible discounts for local establishments.
17. The number, dates, times, and locations of screenings of accepted films are at the discretion of the West Chester Film Festival.
18. Additional opportunities for screening accepted films may be available outside the scheduled Festival dates and venues without notification.
19. Applicants who do not follow the guidelines will not be accepted.
20. Applicants certify that all work provided is your own material, and that no part of the final film has been created, provided, or reviewed by ChatGPT or any other “AI” algorithm or service.
Under 18 Young Filimmakers
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh0$0$
0$
31 Aug 25
Standard0$0$
0$
30 Nov 25
Spät0$0$
0$
31 Dez 25
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
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0$
Einsenden
Category for Young Filmmakers ages 18 and under who have completed a film. Films selected in this category will be screened at our Young Filmmaker Festival, and may be shown in the main Festival at the discretion of the organizers. ONLY FILMMAKERS WHO ARE AGES 18 OR UNDER AS OF THE TIME OF FILM COMPLETION MAY SUBMIT TO THIS CATEGORY. Age verification (Federal or School ID) must be sent to info@westchesterfilmfestival.com at the time of Festhome submission. To encourage local participation, preference will be given to filmmakers in the Greater West Chester area.
Student Drama
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh25$23$
19.25$
31 Aug 25
Standard35$32.2$
26.95$
30 Nov 25
Spät45$41.4$
34.65$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert60$55.2$
46.2$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
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8.05$
Einsenden
Films that are typically live-action, non-comedic, and follow straightforward narrative forms, as produced by post-secondary (university) students. TTo qualify for the Student Filmmaker Categories, a filmmaker must be enrolled in Film School or undergraduate or postgraduate university, or have graduated in 2023. Films completed as thesis or class projects in 2022 and 2023 will be accepted, even if the student filmmaker has graduated. A copy of the Student I.D. as provided from the school is required with the submission. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and the entry number on all correspondence.
Student Documentary
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh25$23$
19.25$
31 Aug 25
Standard35$32.2$
26.95$
30 Nov 25
Spät45$41.4$
34.65$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert60$55.2$
46.2$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
8.05$
Einsenden
Documentary Films can be live action, animated, or multimedia, and feature a subject matter detailing actual events or people. "Mockumentaries" should be submitted in the Comedy category. To qualify for the Student Filmmaker Categories, a filmmaker must be enrolled in Film School or undergraduate or postgraduate university, or have graduated in 2023. Films completed as thesis or class projects in 2022 and 2023 will be accepted, even if the student filmmaker has graduated. A copy of the Student I.D. as provided from the school is required with the submission. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and the entry number on all correspondence.
Student Comedy
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh25$23$
19.25$
31 Aug 25
Standard35$32.2$
26.95$
30 Nov 25
Spät45$41.4$
34.65$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert60$55.2$
46.2$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
8.05$
Einsenden
Student comedy films are generally live-action films with a humorous plot or premise, as produced by post-secondary (university) students. To qualify for the Student Filmmaker Categories, a filmmaker must be enrolled in Film School or undergraduate or postgraduate university, or have graduated in 2023. Films completed as thesis or class projects in 2022 and 2023 will be accepted, even if the student filmmaker has graduated. A copy of the Student I.D. as provided from the school is required with the submission. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and the entry number on all correspondence.
Student Art/Experimental
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh25$23$
19.25$
31 Aug 25
Standard35$32.2$
26.95$
30 Nov 25
Spät45$41.4$
34.65$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert60$55.2$
46.2$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
8.05$
Einsenden
Art/Experimental films tell their story using artistic, innovative, or nontraditional methods. Plot lines can cover a wide array of topics, or be nearly non-existent. To qualify for the Student Filmmaker Categories, a filmmaker must be enrolled in Film School or undergraduate or postgraduate university, or have graduated in 2023. Films completed as thesis or class projects in 2022 and 2023 will be accepted, even if the student filmmaker has graduated. A copy of the Student I.D. as provided from the school is required with the submission. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and the entry number on all correspondence.
Student Animation
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh25$23$
19.25$
31 Aug 25
Standard35$32.2$
26.95$
30 Nov 25
Spät45$41.4$
34.65$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert60$55.2$
46.2$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
8.05$
Einsenden
Animated films are films which tell their story through a sequence of still images, usually drawn (using a computer or more traditional methods). Subject matter can vary widely from children's entertainment to more adult-themed fare. To qualify for the Student Filmmaker Categories, a filmmaker must be enrolled in Film School or undergraduate or postgraduate university, or have graduated in 2023. Films completed as thesis or class projects in 2022 and 2023 will be accepted, even if the student filmmaker has graduated. A copy of the Student I.D. as provided from the school is required with the submission. A scan of the ID can be emailed to films@westchesterfilmfestival.com, or a photocopy mailed to our address. ALWAYS include the name of your film and the entry number on all correspondence.
Drama
Kurzfilme 30'<
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Aug 25
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 25
Spät50$46$
38.5$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert65$59.8$
50.05$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
9.2$
Einsenden
Films that are typically live-action, non-comedic, and follow straightforward narrative forms. Entries must be under 30 minutes TRT, including credits. We will consider all films except those with graphic violence, excessive foul language, and graphically explicit sexual encounters. We prefer screening copies received online.
Documentary
Kurzfilme 30'<
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Aug 25
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 25
Spät50$46$
38.5$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert65$59.8$
50.05$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
9.2$
Einsenden
Documentary Films can be live action, animated, or multimedia, and feature a subject matter detailing actual events or people. "Mockumentaries" should be submitted in the Comedy category. Entries must be under 30 minutes TRT, including credits. We will consider all films except those with graphic violence, excessive foul language, and graphically explicit sexual encounters. We prefer screening copies received online.
Comedy
Kurzfilme 30'<
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Aug 25
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 25
Spät50$46$
38.5$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert65$59.8$
50.05$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
9.2$
Einsenden
Comedy films are generally live-action films with a humorous plot or premise. Entries must be under 30 minutes TRT, including credits. We will consider all films except those with graphic violence, excessive foul language, and graphically explicit sexual encounters. We prefer screening copies received online.
Art/Experimental
Kurzfilme 30'<
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Aug 25
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 25
Spät50$46$
38.5$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert65$59.8$
50.05$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
9.2$
Einsenden
Art/Experimental films tell their story using artistic, innovative, or nontraditional methods. Plot lines can cover a wide array of topics, or be nearly non-existent. Entries must be under 30 minutes TRT, including credits. We will consider all films except those with graphic violence, excessive foul language, and graphically explicit sexual encounters. We prefer screening copies received online.
Animation
Kurz- und Hauptfilme
Gebühr-8%
PRO 23%
Früh30$27.6$
23.1$
31 Aug 25
Standard40$36.8$
30.8$
30 Nov 25
Spät50$46$
38.5$
31 Dez 25
Erweitert65$59.8$
50.05$
20 Jan 26
Holen Sie sich eine Jahreskarte und erhalten Sie den maximalen Rabatt auf die Festival- und Einreichgebühren
Einsendungs-Frist
20 Jan 26
Sparen Sie
9.2$
Einsenden
Art/Experimental films tell their story using artistic, innovative, or nontraditional methods. Plot lines can cover a wide array of topics, or be nearly non-existent. Entries must be under 30 minutes TRT, including credits. We will consider all films except those with graphic violence, excessive foul language, and graphically explicit sexual encounters. We prefer screening copies received online.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
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Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 