DIFFERENTIATION
WHY THE ORCHARD?
TRANSPARENT JUDGING
Rigorous, unbiased evaluation by industry professionals, ensuring every story you tell is judged solely on its cinematic merit.
REAL SCREENINGS
Your work belongs on the big screen. We provide actual physical screenings in iconic venues to connect your film with a live audience.
GLOBAL EXPOSURE
Breaking borders through a network of international distributors and festival partners who value diverse voices and global connections.
FILMMAKER FIRST
Built for storytellers. We prioritize your rights and your vision, ensuring you have a dedicated space where your work is remembered.
BEST FEATURE
CATEGORY 01 / FEATURE FILMS
BEST SHORT
CATEGORY 02 / BREVITY IN MOTION
BEST DOCUMENTARY
CATEGORY 03 / DOCUMENTED REALITIES
BEST STUDENT FILM
CATEGORY 04 / EMERGING VOICES
EXPERIMENTAL / NEW VOICES
CATEGORY 05 / AVANT-GARDE VISION
THE CHRONICLE
MAY 10
JUN 15
JUL 25
AUG 30
SEP 01
EARLY BIRD SUBMISSION
Special pricing for global entries.
REGULAR DEADLINE
Standard selection window for all categories.
FINAL CALL
Last chance for films to be considered for 2026.
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Announcing selected works to the world.
SEASON'S RESULT
Four days of cinema, connection, and craft.
THE JURY
JULIAN VANCE
Lead Film Critic & Historian
ELENA MORETTI
Cinematographer
ARIA THORNE
Festival Director & Curator
A cinematic mission built upon global movement.
The Orchard International Film Festival is rooted in the belief that cinema was never meant to be stationary. It travels, it transforms, and it bridges the distance between voices that have never met. Partnered with WFCN, we leverage a deep network within the film ecosystem to ensure your stories aren't just screened, but felt across borders. Our mission is to provide an elite stage where first-time filmmakers and seasoned masters collide in a space defined by professional integrity and artisanal vision.
READY TO MOVE THE WORLD?
We’re aware that filmmakers today have countless festivals to choose from.
The Orchard International Film Festival is not trying to be the biggest.
It is trying to be one of the most sincere.
THE ORCHARD • WHERE CINEMA MOVES, TRAVELS, AND CONNECTS • GLOBAL EXPOSURE FOR VISIONARY STORIES • ARTISANAL CINEMATIC VISION • A CURATED SPACE FOR STORIES THAT STAY WITH YOU.