Lake Effect Film Festival 2025: Where Independent Film Takes Center Stage
The Lake Effect Film Festival returns in 2025, bringing together filmmakers, storytellers, and film lovers for an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema. Hosted in the vibrant city of Erie, Pennsylvania, this three-day festival will showcase compelling films from across the nation, highlighting bold voices and fresh perspectives in storytelling.
Filmmakers will have the opportunity to screen their work in front of engaged audiences, participate in exclusive workshops and panels led by industry professionals, and connect with other creatives through networking mixers and special events. The 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. Awards will recognize excellence in directing, acting, cinematography, editing, and screenwriting, with winners receiving industry-focused prizes to support their careers.
Beyond the screenings, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, interactive experiences, and a vibrant closing celebration, making this more than just a film festival—it’s a movement to put independent filmmaking and Erie’s growing creative scene on the map. Whether you’re a filmmaker, an aspiring artist, or simply a lover of cinema, the Lake Effect Film Festival 2025 promises a weekend of inspiration, collaboration, and cinematic magic.
Submissions are now open! Be part of the festival that celebrates bold storytelling and creative innovation.
Submissions are now closed!
The Lake Effect Film Festival is proud to recognize outstanding achievements in independent filmmaking. Our panel of industry professionals from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta will judge submissions anonymously, ensuring a fair and prestigious competition. Winners will receive trophies, industry recognition, and select prizes to support their future creative endeavors.
🎬 Best Film - $500 cash prize, a 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 year's 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 the recognition and prizes, all award winners will gain enhanced exposure, press coverage, and networking opportunities with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.
Looking to sponsor the festival? Email rhoxonproductions@gmail.com with the package you'd like.
