Festival Celebrates two Oscar Nominees from 2025 Season
Film Submissions Open for the 19th Annual Chesapeake Film Festival October 8–10 in Historic Downtown Easton
The Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) is now accepting film submissions for its 19th Annual Festival, taking place October 8–10 in historic downtown Easton, Maryland.
Each year, this highly anticipated regional event draws cinema lovers from across the Eastern Shore and beyond for three inspiring days of exceptional filmmaking. The Festival showcases a wide range of films — from student and animated works to environmental films, documentaries, narrative features, and compelling short films from around the world.
Submissions for the 2026 Festival are now OPEN. Filmmakers are invited to review guidelines and submit their work via FilmFreeway at:
https://filmfreeway.com/chesapeakefilmfestival
Early submissions are strongly encouraged, as they allow for an extended review period by CFF’s programming committee.
Last year’s call for entries attracted hundreds of submissions from emerging and established filmmakers regionally, nationally, and internationally — including entries from as far away as Italy. From this impressive pool, CFF curated a vibrant program of more than 55 feature-length and short films, welcoming over 1,000 attendees to screenings throughout the weekend.
This fall, audiences can once again enjoy screenings at Easton’s premier cultural venues: the Ebenezer Theater, the Academy Art Museum, and the Talbot County Free Library.
A cornerstone of the Chesapeake Film Festival’s mission is to serve as both a forum and a platform for extraordinary international filmmaking talent. The Festival is especially proud to celebrate two films featured in its 2025 program that have advanced to the Academy Awards® Oscar Shortlist:
- Holding Liat, shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature, from the producing/directing team of Lance and Brandon Kramer
- The Pearl Comb, shortlisted for Best Live Action Short Film
CFF extends its warmest congratulations to these remarkable filmmakers and looks forward to continuing to spotlight work that resonates far beyond the Eastern Shore.
CFF programming is brought to you by our generous sponsors Bluepoint Hospitality, the Shared Earth Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot Arts, The Artistic Insights Fund, Talbot County Free Library, Maxine Millar, Philip and Karen Morrison, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, Al and Eleanor Smith, Thomas and Bill Lucks, Laser Letters, Black Opal Productions, Red Zeppelin Productions, Martin Zell, Gayle Matthei and by generous patrons like you. For further information about becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival or to become a Volunteer, please email: [email protected]
For film submission details and festival updates or to submit your work visit Chesapeake Film Festival at www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com
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