West Chester Film Festival (20)

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.