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.

Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival: August in Norfolk. The Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival is an annual juried competition and showcase for independent filmmakers from all over the world and a core program of Crispus Attucks Cultural Center, a non-profit cultural arts organization dedicated to promoting education and cultural diversity in film and cultural arts. The Festival's lineup will highlight the Short and Student Film Competition, premieres, international cinema, tributes, and educational workshops facilitated by leading figures in the film industry. Go here for more information.

Blue Ridge Southwest Virginia Film Festival : April in Roanoke. A focus on Virginia films, artists and filmmakers. Entries are accepted for their student and professional competitions.

China-America Festival of Film and Culture. September or October in Richmond. Films and cultural activities to showcase Chinese culture and promote understanding between China and America.

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

Flicker : All year – Richmond. A bi-monthly screening in Richmond of shorts by local filmmakers. Other film related events throughout the year.

James River Film Festival. March in Richmond. This festival features ground-breaking work by independent media artists and a juried competition each year.

Lifeview Film Festival November in Norfolk. Independent Film competition for all genres, with screenings, workshops and opportunities for new filmmakers to get their work seen.

Naro Cinema 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.

Old Dominion University Film Festival : March in Norfolk. All kinds of films – new and old. Panels, workshops and discussions.

Project Resolution. Monthly screenings of interesting and unusual short and longer films in at the Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, produced by Yellow House. Filmmakers are invited to bring their shorts for screening, or can enter longer films in advance. Free admission, audience interaction with the filmmaker, unpredictable films, and free popcorn make this one of Richmond's most interesting film experiences.

Rosebud Film and Video Festival : Dates to be announced. The best of work from Virginia, DC and Maryland.

Regent University Naro Film Festival : May in Virginia Beach. The best films produced by the acclaimed Regent University's film school.

VCU French Film Festival : April in Richmond. The newest French films presented by their award-winning actors and directors.

VCU International Student Film Festival : October in Richmond. Innovative student filmmaking from around the world.

Vinegar Hill Film Festival : April in Charlottesville. T he latest in Virginia's documentaries, narratives and experimental films.

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

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

VIRGINA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL: This Festival features the finalists in the Virginia Film Competiton in three categories: Feature films, shorts, and documentaries. The Competition is sponsored by the Virginia Film Office, which also sponsors the Festival in conjunction with the Virginia Production Alliance. The Festival takes place at the Byrd Theatre in Richmond.