“The most honest form of filmmaking is to make a film for yourself.” – Peter Jackson
April 25, 2026
Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival
Local Films on the Big Screen
The Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival is a celebration of films and filmmakers creating art here in the Greater Lehigh Valley area.
Each year the ArtsQuest Cinema Committee presents one winner with the Best in Show Award and a $500 cash prize. The award will be determined by a jurying panel of committee members and regional film professionals. A celebration for filmmakers and cinephiles alike, the evening includes screenings of all the top submissions in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.
Check back soon for updates on the 2026 Festival including submission information for filmmakers.
Submission Info
*PLEASE NOTE: SUBMISSIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED VIA FILMFREEWAY*
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Submission Deadlines:
Early Submission: Friday, January 30 ($13 submission fee / $11 for age 25 and under)
Late Submission: Friday, February 27 ($23 submission fee / $13 for age 25 and under)
Notification Date: Wednesday, March 11
Stipulations:
- Filmmakers interested in submitting must either reside in or attend school in the Greater Lehigh Valley, Eastern Pennsylvania, or Central/Western New Jersey. ANY SUBMISSIONS FROM OUTSIDE OF THIS AREA WILL BE REJECTED
- NO GENERATIVE AI may have been used in any part of the film which includes marketing materials, with the EXCEPTION of standard machine-learning “AI-labeled” editing tools. For eligibility questions, please email adesanctis@artsquest.org
- All films must have a runtime of 30 minutes or less.
- Filmmakers are required to have legal licenses for any copyrighted music in the film. The GLVFF retains the right to ask for proof of licensing from the filmmakers.
- Must have been filmed after Jan. 1, 2024.
Past Winners
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