The 2022 Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival is now accepting early film submissions for consideration into the 11th annual event. ArtsQuest is proud to be returning to its in-person format on April 9 at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

This event is a celebration for filmmakers and cinephiles and the evening will include screenings of the top submissions.

“We are thrilled to be able to return to the in-person format of the festival,” Anthony DeSanctis, ArtsQuest Programming Manager and Festival Director, said. “There’s just nothing like seeing your work given the big screen treatment. The atmosphere during the festival is always one of joy and excitement and it’s a great feeling to be able to offer this to our incredibly talented local filmmakers to show the Lehigh Valley just how gifted they are.”

The ArtsQuest Cinema Committee will work in tandem with a juried panel consisting of committee members and regional film professionals to view submissions and vote on awarding several prestigious titles including “Best Director,” “Best Performance” and “Audience Award” with the top title “Best in Show” receiving a $500 cash prize.

Former “Best in Show” winners include 2020’s Five Stars, by Vernard James and 2019’s The Story of the Sectaurs, directed by Cliff Reese.

Film entries can be up to 30-minutes long and must have been filmed after Jan. 1, 2019. Copyrighted music is prohibited unless the filmmaker has proper documentation.

The early submission deadline is Jan. 28; films submitted by this date will have a discounted submission fee of $10. The discounted $10 rate will also apply to anyone 25 and under submitting films for the festival.

All films must be submitted no later than Feb., 25. The full festival lineup will be announced March 9.

Anyone wishing to submit a film may do so online at www.steelstacks.org/festivals/greater-lehigh-valley-filmmaker-festival.