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Chesapeake Film Festival Announces Grant Support, Opens for Global Film Submissions, and Invites Community Sponsors for 2026 Season
April 1, 2026 -- The Chesapeake Film Festival, CFF, has announced several exciting developments as it begins preparations for its 2026 festival season -- This year’s announcement also highlights the generous support of two significant and prestigious grants—from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation through its Artistic Insights Fund, and the Shared Earth Foundation. “We are deeply honored to receive support from both the Mid-Shore Community Foundation through its Artistic Insights Fund and the Shared Earth Foundation,” said Cid Collins Walker, Executive Director. “These prestigious grants not only affirm the strength and relevance of our programming, but also enable us to expand our reach, elevate diverse voices, and deepen our engagement with the community. As we open submissions and invite local sponsors to join us, we look forward to welcoming audiences back to Easton this October for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful festival.” The main festival events will return to Easton from October 8–10.
Rooted on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the Festival emphasizes films that explore environmental stewardship, the protection of our waterways, and urgent challenges facing our natural world, while also amplifying stories that celebrate women’s achievements, social justice, and the richness of human experience. By bringing artists, audiences, and thought leaders together, the Chesapeake Film Festival fosters creativity, encourages understanding, and inspires action.
The 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival is now open for submissions from filmmakers around the world through the popular industry platform FilmFreeway. The festival welcomes feature-length and short films in several categories -- including narrative, documentary, and environmental films, as well as student productions and animation. The regular submission deadline is June 1, 2026, with an extended deadline of June 21, 2026. Early entries benefit from an increased timeline for consideration by the Festival’s programming committee. Last year, CFF’s call for submissions attracted more than 300 entries from emerging and established filmmakers alike. Submit your film: Filmmakers interested in participating in the 2026 festival can learn more and submit their films here: https://filmfreeway.com/chesapeakefilmfestival.
Call for sponsors -- Festival organizers are also inviting businesses, foundations, and community leaders to become sponsors of the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival season. Sponsorship support plays a vital role in sustaining the festival’s programming, filmmaker engagement, and educational initiatives, while providing valuable visibility and recognition for participating organizations. Become a sponsor -- To explore sponsorship opportunities and benefits, please visit: https://chesapeakefilmfestival.com/sponsors/
In its 19th season, Chesapeake Film Festival continues its mission to bring thought-provoking independent film, international voices, and emerging creative talent to audiences on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Each year the festival welcomes filmmakers and audiences for screenings, conversations, and special events that celebrate the power of storytelling through film. CFF will return to historic downtown Easton, Maryland this Fall, October 8-10, continuing its tradition of presenting dynamic programming in partnership with leading cultural institutions and community organizations.
For additional information about submissions, sponsorships, or festival programming, please visit www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
CFF programming is brought to you by our generous sponsors Bluepoint Hospitality, the Shared Earth Foundation, Mid-Shore Community Foundation/Artistic Insights Fund, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot Arts, Maxine Millar, Talbot County Free Library, The Nature Conservancy, Laser Letters, Easton Utilities Commission, Philip and Karen Morrison, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, Thomas and Bill Lucks, Black Opal Productions, Red Zeppelin Productions, Martin Zell, Gayle Matthei and by generous patrons like you. For further information about becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival or to become a Volunteer, please email: artisticdirector@chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
