The Overlea ArtsFest|CCBC Film Festival celebrates emerging voices and local storytelling in our community. We are dedicated to showcasing the work of student filmmakers, emerging artists, and local creators who are developing their craft and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of our region. The festival includes an opening night reception with CCBC student films, guest appearances, instructional seminars by industry professionals, 'meet-the-filmmaker' talks and intriguing panel discussions that offer valuable resources to both beginning and seasoned film creators.

We feature innovative, authentic and human-created cinema that reflects diverse perspectives and original voices. This year we welcome generative AI films to acknowledge the growing impact of the genre.

• Open ONLY to MARYLAND filmmakers and film students aged 16 and older
• We accept Narrative Shorts, Documentary Shorts, Animated Shorts, Experimental Shorts, Musical Shorts and AI Generated Shorts
• Films must be between 1 minute and 30 minutes long
• There is NO fee to submit your films
• Each filmmaker may submit a MAXIMUM of 2 FILMS TOTAL
• Cash prizes and laurel certificates will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in 2 categories: Student Filmmakers and Emerging/Established Filmmakers
• In addition, the special EDGE Award trophy and laurel certificate will be given to the film voted "best in show" for unique and compelling filmmaking
• Peoples' Choice Awards will be given to films voted as favorites by the screening audiences, in the form of laurel certificates