CIFFA (Crossover International Festival of Film and Art) is a global celebration of bold storytelling, diverse voices, and visionary filmmaking. Co-presented by the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts and OWAF, CIFFA was created to remove the traditional barriers that often hold back independent creators—from costly entry fees to limited distribution access and a lack of visibility. We believe every filmmaker has a story that deserves to be seen, and CIFFA was built to make that possible on a worldwide scale.
This isn’t just another festival—it’s a movement. CIFFA offers guaranteed distribution opportunities for all accepted submissions, whether through digital platforms or theatrical screenings. We spotlight underdog filmmakers and elevate unheard voices, focusing on the impact of each project rather than its budget or origin. From narrative features and shorts to documentaries, animation, web series, and even AI-generated content, CIFFA embraces the future of storytelling in all its forms.
Our festival is proudly inclusive and accessible, dedicated to creators from every corner of the globe. We are committed to building a cinematic space where borders fall away and creativity connects us all. With a lineup that features films, music, dance, art, food, and culture, CIFFA goes beyond screenings—it’s an immersive, multicultural experience.
CIFFA 2025 will take place October 10th–12th at the Grand Theater Center for the Arts. Every project submitted is considered for international exposure, awards, and direct connection to distribution pathways. Whether you’re a filmmaker, documentarian, digital artist, or storyteller experimenting with new formats, CIFFA is your stage.
This is your opportunity to be seen. To be heard. To cross over.
CIFFA Film Festival Schedule
Opening Night – Friday, 10 October (5:30–10:00 pm)
Red carpet and press event, the premiere screening of Barefoot Warriors followed by a filmmaker Q&A, and a reception with artists and guests.
Live music performance by acclaimed singer Ishmeet Narula (6:15 pm).
Saturday, 11 October (10:00 am–10:00 pm)
Workshop with Joseph Graham (10:00 am) – an interactive masterclass on acting, filmmaking, and AI/VFX with the award-winning founder of Conjured Cinema.
Day-long screenings of international shorts and features including Wish Box, Book Pocket, 40 Days, Designed by Preeti, and the powerful centerpiece film Afreen.
Live lobby performances by rising musician Sukhjanvir (JJ) at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Sunday, 12 October (12:00 pm–10:00 pm)
Final day screenings of shorts and documentaries such as Jalebi, Amina’s Song, Storms Never Last, Fekry’s Thought, and Test Subject V.
Performance by 11-year-old multi-instrumentalist Asher Jacob (4:00 pm) leading into the closing screenings Cpics Presents and Little India, followed by the CIFFA Awards Ceremony.
For inquiries about the CIFFA Film Festival schedule, call the Box Office at (209) 831-6858.
