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Lake Effect Film Festival | Erie, PA

Submissions open for 2027

Lake Effect Film Festival is an independent  film festival held in Erie, Pennsylvania. Hosted by Rhoxon Productions, Lake Effect is dedicated to amplifying bold, original voices in film and fostering meaningful connections between artists, audiences, and place. Inspired by the phenomenon that gives our region its name — where wind, water, and temperature collide to create something powerful and unexpected — Lake Effect celebrates films that emerge from creative tension, experimentation, and lived experience.

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Held at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, PA.​

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Bold voices, fresh perspectives

Rooted in community and driven by curiosity, the Lake Effect Film Festival welcomes a diverse lineup of narrative features, short films, documentaries, and experimental works from emerging and established filmmakers. We prioritize fresh perspectives in visual storytelling that might otherwise be overlooked by larger, commercial festivals, creating space for work that is personal, daring, and socially resonant. Films are selected not only for technical excellence, but for their ability to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and linger with audiences long after the credits roll.​

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Beyond screenings, Lake Effect Film Festival serves as a gathering place for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Through artist talks, panels, filmmaking workshops, and community events, the festival encourages direct engagement between creators and audiences. These conversations demystify the filmmaking process, support professional development, and strengthen the local and regional creative ecosystem. By centering accessibility and inclusivity, Lake Effect ensures that independent film is not only seen, but shared and discussed across generations and backgrounds.​

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Film Festival Awards

Our festival culminates in the Lake Effect Film Awards, where an esteemed panel of judges—including filmmakers from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta—will honor outstanding achievements in independent film.​

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  • Best Film: Receives cash prize, a festival-launched promotional campaign for their film, and a custom trophy. 

  • Best Director:  Awarded to a filmmaker who demonstrates outstanding vision and leadership. The winner will receive a custom trophy and a festival-launched promotional campaign for their film.

  • Best Actor: Celebrating the most compelling on-screen performance. The recipient will receive a custom trophy and a feature in festival press materials.

  • Best Cinematography: Recognizing visual excellence and mastery of the camera. The winner will receive a custom trophy and a feature in festival press materials. 

  • Best Original Screenplay: Honoring the most compelling and well-crafted storytelling. The winner will receive a custom trophy and a professional script consultation with a working screenwriter and the opportunity to produce their script through Rhoxon Productions Inc. and Highly Favored Productions LLC. 

  • Best Editing: Awarded to a film with the most innovative and seamless editing. The winner will receive a custom trophy and a feature in festival press materials. 

  • Best Short Film: Highlighting the best short-form storytelling. The winner will receive a custom trophy and waived submission fees for next occurrence of festival.

  • Best of Fest (Audience Choice Award): Voted on by festival attendees, this award goes to the film that resonates most with audiences. The winner will receive a custom trophy and an exclusive interview on the festival’s social media channels.

Beyond recognition and prizes, all award winners will gain enhanced exposure, press coverage, and networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.

2025 Winners

Sponsor the Lake Effect Film Festival

Looking to sponsor the festival? Email rhoxonproductions@gmail.com with the package you'd like.

Brig Niagara Sponsor

5 All Access Passes PLUS a 3% discount on admission for your employees, recognition posts on our social media platforms, your logo included on our sponsors page, your logo in the footer of our newsletter for 3 months, your logo added to marketing handouts, your logo featured at the event, your logo on the back cover of the main event program, and your choice of a film to introduce.

Mainsail Sponsor

5 All Access Passes PLUS a 3% discount on admission for your employees, recognition posts on our social media platforms, your logo included on our sponsors page, your logo in the footer of our newsletter for 3 months, your logo added to marketing handouts, your logo featured at the event, your logo on the back cover of the main event program, and your choice of a film to introduce.

Topsail Sponsor

5 All Access Passes, a recognition post on our social media platforms, your logo included on our sponsors page, your logo in the footer of our newsletter for 3 months, your logo featured at the event, and your logo on the back cover of the main event program.

Royal Sponsor

2 All Access Passes, a recognition post on our social media platforms, your logo included on our sponsors page, your logo in the footer of our newsletter for 3 months, your logo featured at the event, and your logo on the back cover of the main event program.

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