5TH ANNUAL EDITION • VIRGINIA BEACH

EAST COAST X FILM FESTIVAL

Where cinema meets action sports. Empowering emerging filmmakers, actors, and production crews alongside the East Coast's largest surfing exhibition.

Submit via FilmFreeway View Lineup
5th
Annual Edition
120+
Films Screened
15
Award Categories
2,500+
Attendees

The Festival Experience

Beyond traditional theater screenings: an immersive coastal celebration

Dual Theaters

Choose between intimate indoor screening rooms or our scenic outdoor oceanfront beach theaters under the stars.

Action & Surf

Set alongside the largest surf contest on the East Coast, featuring high-octane extreme sports exhibitions daily.

Industry Panels

Refine your craft with daily workshops and masterclasses taught by award-winning directors, producers, and casting agents.

Red Carpet Experience

Moments with filmmakers, guests, and industry talent

Panel Discussion on Stage

Stage Panels & Workshops

Gain direct access to acclaimed producers, directors, and casting directors during interactive Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and technical seminars throughout festival week.

Explore Schedule

Past Winners & Film Stills

Celebrating outstanding achievements and visual moments from previous editions

Best Feature
2025 WINNER • DRAMA / ACTION

Tides of Motion

An inspiring documentary following Atlantic swell-chasers pushing the limits of extreme water sports.

Best Horror
2025 WINNER • HORROR SHORT

Shadows on the Boardwalk

A gripping psychological thriller set in a deserted coastal town after midnight.

Best Director
2024 WINNER • SHORT FILM

Echoes of the Coast

A beautifully shot narrative exploring local history, family legacy, and maritime roots.

Best Documentary
2024 WINNER • FEATURE DOC

Atlantic Currents

Exploring marine conservation and the surfing community along the eastern seaboard.

Best Cinematography
2024 WINNER • SHORT FILM

Salt & Stone

A stunning visual journey capturing rugged coastlines and dramatic weather shifts.

Audience Choice
2023 WINNER • NARRATIVE

Boardwalk Lights

A heartfelt story about community bonding, local businesses, and summer traditions.

Festival Schedule (5-Day Event)

A full week preview of screenings, masterclasses, and coastal festivities

05:00 PM

Red Carpet Arrival & Kickoff Concert

Oceanfront Beach Stage • VIPs, Directors & Cast Registrations

07:30 PM

Opening Night Feature Film Screening

Main Outdoor Theater • Feature Film Premiere & Q&A

Award Categories

Recognizing excellence across multiple cinematic disciplines

Best Fiction Film (Feature & Short)
Best Documentary (Feature & Short)
Best Animation Short
Best Experimental Short Film
Best Music Video
Best Webisode / TV Episode
Best Director
Best Horror Short
Best Cinematography
Audience Choice Award

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about submitting and participating

Submissions are managed exclusively through FilmFreeway. Selected entries and finalists are officially notified on or before February 2026.
Yes. Films produced in languages other than English are welcome, provided they include English subtitles embedded in the video or screener.
Short films are categorized as 40 minutes or under. Feature films are categorized as 41 minutes or more. Online digital screeners via FilmFreeway are preferred.