Blog: Film festivals

ReadingFilmFEST created by filmmakers for filmmakers!

SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!

JUST ADDED - SCREENPLAY COMPETITION (see Rules & Terms for details and submission criteria).

ReadingFilmFEST is the small festival with a big attitude! We are dedicated to bringing filmmakers and film lovers together, creating a filmmaker-centric festival.

Due to Covid-19, ReadingFilmFEST presented its festival in 2020 at First Energy baseball stadium. That worked out so well, we plan to do it again, and conditions permitting, also return to an indoor theater experience. This year’s festival will be a true hybrid event, combining both virtual and in-person activities. Online screening of the films and talkbacks will be streamed in real-time with the option of viewing any time within the timeframe of the festival.

For filmmakers ready to make the trip to Reading, the festival will offer:
- complimentary lodging for filmmakers whose films have been accepted
- educational/discussion panels for filmmakers
- wonderful audiences
- live Q&A with audiences
Filmmakers not able to join us in person will be offered the opportunity to do their talkback with the audience via Zoom and streamed live.

ReadingFilmFEST is committed to gender parity with no less than 50% of our program directed, written, and/or produced by women. We are looking for the best films in all genres by Women Filmmakers. The festival also encourages filmmakers of color and Latino filmmakers to submit their work to help us create a truly diverse program.

The festival is juried by a panel of local film enthusiasts, with winners chosen by film professionals in each genre. Each film is viewed by at least 3 jurors, ensuring a fair process and high-quality selections.

The student competition is open to both high school and college/university students. Students must be currently enrolled to submit. Please upload a photo of your student ID for verification. Student films must be under 15 minutes in length and may be of any genre including fiction and non-fiction films (note – films with graphic violence, sex and language may be disqualified). Existing or new projects by students will be accepted. Student films will be juried by the festival’s regular jury of film lovers and experts.