Submissions are now OPEN on FilmFreeway for the 19th Annual Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF), taking place October 8–10 in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. Each year, CFF draws cinema lovers from across the nation and throughout the Eastern Shore to experience bold, timely, and beautifully crafted films—ranging from student and animated works to environmental cinema, documentaries, narrative features, and short films.

The Chesapeake Film Festival is both a showcase and a springboard for outstanding international filmmaking talent. We are especially proud this year to highlight the continued success of films from our 2025 season, including two Academy Award–shortlisted selections.

CFF congratulates Holding Liat, shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature, from producer-director team Lance and Brandon Kramer, and The Pearl Comb, shortlisted for Best Live Action Short, directed by Ali Cook (UK). Their achievements exemplify the caliber of work celebrated at CFF, and we send our warmest wishes for continued success.

Submit your film NOW and Join us this October as we celebrate the art of independent film.

Chesapeake Film Festival programming is supported through public and private funding provided by the following partners: Bluepoint Hospitality; the Shared Earth Foundation; the Artistic Insights Fund; the Maryland Humanities Council; the Maryland State Arts Council; Talbot Arts; The Nature Conservancy; and the Talbot County Free Library, along with individual donors whose generosity sustains the Festival’s mission.

For additional information regarding sponsorship or volunteer engagement with the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival, please contact: communications@chesapeakefilmfestival.com