Virginia Film Festival

The Virginia Film Festival is an annual five-day film celebration held in Charlottesville, Virginia and presented by the University of Virginia. The festival showcases a wide range of films—from features and documentaries to shorts—along with filmmaker talks, panels, and community events. While it is a public festival for all ages, it includes specific opportunities for young people and schools in the region. High school students can engage through educational screenings, Q&As with filmmakers, and often student-focused programs or competitions (such as local youth or student film showcases, which vary by year). Participating exposes students to professional filmmaking, storytelling, and film criticism, and offers a chance to network with industry guests, scholars, and peers who share an interest in film and media. Students gain insight into both artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking while experiencing a major regional film festival environment.