Open for Submissions

Starting February 15 on FilmFreeway

Welcome to the Chesapeake Film Festival

Festival Dates, October 8 to 10, 2026

Welcome to Chesapeake Film Festival 2026…

Harbor Lights Soirée
A Cocktail Benefit for the Chesapeake Film Festival

Join us for an elegant evening of cocktails, seasonal fare, and engaging company as we celebrate the beauty and spirit of the Chesapeake Bay—all in support of the Chesapeake Film Festival. Piazza will creatively cater the evening, offering a refined culinary experience to match the setting where a live auction will also take place.

Saturday, June 27, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Eastern Shore Conservation Center
114 S. Washington Street
Easton, Maryland

Celebrate the season with us while helping to sustain and grow the future of independent film on the Eastern Shore.

Tickets: $100

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

Poster for Holding Liat
Poster for The Pearl Comb

Check out this interview with Irene Magafan

Irene Magafan, President of the Chesapeake Film Festival, reflects on the festival’s 18-year journey, its deep connection to the community, and the unique experience of celebrating film in one of Maryland’s most charming historic towns.

Selections from our 2025 Festival

Loving Vincent
Ring of Kibo
The Bonobo Connection

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Sponsors

The Chesapeake Film Festival is generously supported by Bluepoint Hospitality, the Shared Earth Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot Arts, Maryland Humanities Council, Maryland Film Office, Mid-Shore Community Foundation/The Artistic Insights Fund, Shore United Bank, Maxine Millar, Harley Gates, Philip and Karen Morrison, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, Al and Eleanor Smith, Thomas and Bill Lucks, Talbot County Free Library, Laser Letters, Red Zeppelin Productions, Martin Zell, Gayle Matthei and by generous patrons like you. 2025 CFF Sponsoring hotels include The Tidewater Inn, Inn at Perry Cabin, Sandaway Suites & Beach, Robert Morris Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites Marriott.