Virginia and the capital region have a thriving film community which is exemplified by the number and variety of film festivals and screening opportunities held throughout the state. From the newest films to the golden age of Hollywood, all aspects of the industry can be seen and experienced.

These are a few of the Festivals and screening series that take place in Virginia each year. Please check the Virginia Film Office website, www.film.virginia.org for up-to-date details on these and other film-related events in Virginia.

48-Hour Film Project: Summer in Richmond and Hampton Roads. Teams of filmmakers create original short films in two days which are shown at a screening. Best films are selected for a national competition.  

Arthouse Film Festival: October in Richmond. Showcasing short films by Virginia’s best filmmakers. 

Bicycle Film Festival: July in Richmond.  A festival that celebrates the bicycle through music, art, and film. Now in its ninth year the festival is held in 39 cities worldwide.
ChinaFest: February in Richmond. Films and cultural activities to explore themes of diversity, humanity, and cross-cultural human understanding.  

DC Independent Film Festival: March in Washington, DC. A wide array of independent films, including some by local filmmakers. Festival includes films, discussions with filmmakers, and seminars. Submissions are accepted.  

The Final Cut Showcase: October in Charlottesville (at UVA). A non-competitive exhibition of films made by students that currently attend or have previously attended the University of Virginia. http:

Flicker: All year – Richmond. A bi-monthly screening in Richmond of shorts by local filmmakers. Other film related events throughout the year.
French Film Festival: March in Richmond. The newest French films presented by their award-winning actors and directors.  Sponsored by VCU and University of Richmond.  

James River Film Festival: April in Richmond. This festival features ground-breaking work by independent media artists, workshops, screenings, seminars, and a juried competition each year.
 Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival:  October in Hampton Roads. An annual juried competition and showcase for independent filmmakers from all over the world presented by the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center. Short and student film competitions, premieres, international cinema, tributes, and educational workshops facilitated by leading figures in the film industry.
Naro Cinema: All-year in Norfolk. Numerous screenings of unusual films, including the “First Look Film Series,” a Sunday morning series featuring an advance screening of the latest offering from a roster of prominent independent, foreign, and up-and-coming filmmakers.

The Northern Virginia Film Festival: In October, a festival for young filmmakers who wish to develop their skills and showcase their talents

Project Resolution: Monthly screenings of interesting and unusual short and longer films in at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, produced by Yellow House. Audience interaction with the filmmaker, unpredictable films, and free popcorn.
Rappahannock Independent Film Festival: September in Fredericksburg. An annual event dedicated to promoting excellence in independent filmmaking.

Redemptive Film Festival: October in Virginia Beach. An international festival that provides a forum for filmmakers to showcase their work on themes that depict the redemptive purposes of God.

Rosebud Film and Video Festival: Summer- Dates to be announced, in Arlington. Founded to promote the rich and diverse independent film and video community in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

Slapsticon: July in Arlington. A four-day, international film festival dedicated to classic motion picture comedy! Film lovers from around the world are invited to attend screenings of rare shorts and selected feature-length comedies.

Veneration Film Festival: February in Newport News. Explores redemptive themes through film in order to promote the art of storytelling, provide exposure and education for aspiring filmmakers, and build community on the Virginia Peninsula.

Virginia Festival of Jewish Film: A festival of Jewish cinema held annually in Norfolk in January.

Virginia Film Festival: Fall in Charlottesville. An eclectic mix of films, with discussions by filmmakers and experts. Year-round screenings of new and unusual films.

Virginia Independent Film Festival: Early Spring in Richmond. This festival features the finalists in the Virginia Film Competition in three categories: Feature films, shorts, and documentaries, and is sponsored by the Virginia Film Office.

Williamsburg Film Festival: March in Williamsburg. A festival honoring the Golden Age of Hollywood.