Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

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Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

CDFF17 October 6-11, 2026 Over the past 13 years, the CDFF has established itself as a world-class destination film festival.

It is presented annually by Fevered Dreams Productions, a non-profit organization that was originally founded by Chapman University film student, David Ponce, as his film production company. David was inspired to tell the story of Sparrow Village, an AIDS orphanage in Johannesburg, South Africa in a documentary entitled “The Lost Sparrows of Roodepoort”. David succumbed to Leukemia in 2006 before

his film could be completed, yet even as he faced his own battle, David wrote:

“Nothing is as important to me as producing a work that is true to Sparrow and showing those who have not visited, just what the human spirit is capable of when faced with something immensely dark and frightening.”

With the help of his friend and professor, “The Lost Sparrows of Roodepoort” was completed and has become a world-award winning documentary. Inspired by the filmmaking spirit of David, Fevered Dreams Productions has become a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to allowing talented filmmakers to tell their unique stories and bring together audiences from around the world, through the art of documentary film at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival. How to Fest In-Person and On Demand: https://www.chagrinfilmfest.org/how-to-fest

06/18/2026

Toy Story 2, co-directed by Chagrin Falls native Lee Unkrich, is coming to Chagrin Falls for a FREE community screening and picnic on Friday, June 26!

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with CDFF and Ohio Goes to the Movies at an evening of family fun featuring games, photo ops, complimentary hot dogs and chips, and more. Stay following the film for a special Q&A!

Costumes encouraged. Fun guaranteed.

📍 Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theatre
⏰ 6 PM picnic & games | 6:30 PM screening

Reserve your free tickets today: https://cdffhq.eventive.org/schedule/69e7d4bb9e48f1bd307490d3

06/12/2026

🎬Calling all filmmakers: the Late Deadline for CDFF17 is June 19!

If you’re planning to submit your film to the 17th Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, now’s a great time to do it before the next deadline tier begins. CDFF17 takes place October 6–11, 2026, and we’d love to see your work!

Submit today on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/ChagrinDocumentaryFilmFest

06/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the CDFF booth to chat with us at Art by the Falls! We love being part of this community and are so grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many of you.

06/05/2026

We’re heading to Art by the Falls June 6–7 at the Cleveland Metroparks! Stop by the CDFF booth to say hello, chat about CDFF17, and enjoy a weekend filled with incredible art and artists.

📍 Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, Chagrin Falls, OH

06/01/2026

Be part of the magic behind CDFF! We're looking for volunteers to help at summer events and throughout CDFF17, taking place October 6-11, 2026. From welcoming guests to assisting behind the scenes, volunteers are at the heart of the festival and help make every experience memorable. Join us! https://www.chagrinfilmfest.org/volunteer

05/30/2026

Join CDFF at Art by the Falls on June 6–7 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field! Explore incredible fine art, meet talented artists, and stop by the CDFF booth to say hello and chat with us about CDFF17.

It’s one of our favorite summer traditions, and we’d love to see you there! https://www.valleyartcenter.org/artbythefalls

05/26/2026

Join us for a FREE community picnic and screening of Toy Story 2, co-directed by Chagrin Falls native Lee Unkrich, on Friday, June 26 as CDFF partners with Ohio Goes to the Movies to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Bring the family for picnic games, photo ops with Woody, Buzz, and friends, plus complimentary hot dogs and chips courtesy of the Chagrin History Center. Stay following the film for a special Q&A!

📍 Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theatre
⏰ Picnic & games at 6 PM | Screening at 6:30 PM

Free admission, but registration is required: https://cdffhq.eventive.org/schedule/69e7d4bb9e48f1bd307490d3

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor those who served our country with courage and sacrifice. Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/20/2026

Attention filmmakers! The Regular Deadline for CDFF17 is coming up on May 29. Now is a great time to submit your documentary before the next deadline tier begins.

Taking place October 6–11, 2026, the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival connects filmmakers with engaged audiences, industry guests, and a vibrant arts community in Northeast Ohio. Last year’s festival featured 73 films from 32 countries across 10 venues.

We’d love to see your work.

Submit today on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/ChagrinDocumentaryFilmFest

05/13/2026

A limited number of individual tickets are still available for The Summer Party benefiting the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival.

Hosted by John and Allyn Davies and honoring Richard and Betsy Stovsky, this special evening brings together friends, supporters, and film lovers for a beautiful summer night in support of documentary storytelling from here and around the world.

Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 6 PM
Barrington Golf Club

You won't want to miss this extraordinary evening, so purchase your tickets before they are gone: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/RkseOf2fctfzwIp8XT98VQ

Address

3 N. Franklin Street
Chagrin Falls, OH
44022

Telephone

+14402471591

Website

http://www.chagrinfilmfest.org/

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