Virginia Student Film Festival Expands Reach with Panels and Pitch Competition

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Virginia Student Film Festival is expanding its programming this year, with the addition of two panel discussions and a pitch competition alongside the traditional film screenings and awards ceremony. The one-day festival will take place at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, providing student filmmakers from across the state a platform to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.

Why it matters

The Virginia Student Film Festival is an important annual event that supports the next generation of filmmakers in the state. By adding new interactive elements like panels and a pitch competition, the festival is creating more opportunities for student filmmakers to gain valuable feedback, make industry connections, and potentially secure funding or distribution for their projects.

The details

In addition to the film screenings, the festival schedule will include two panel discussions. One panel will focus on the festival circuit and navigating the submission process, while the other will cover the business side of filmmaking, including topics like budgeting, fundraising, and distribution. There will also be a pitch competition where selected students will have the chance to present their film ideas to a panel of industry judges for a chance to win prize money and other resources to help bring their projects to life.

• The Virginia Student Film Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2026 at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville.
• The festival's new panel discussions and pitch competition will be held in addition to the traditional film screenings and awards ceremony.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The festival organizers will be accepting film submissions from Virginia-based student filmmakers until March 1, 2026. The full festival schedule and list of selected films will be announced in early April.