The 11th Annual Wheaton Film Festival is a great opportunity for filmmakers from across the world to showcase their talent and learn about the industry. Everyone is welcome to submit their films, watch screenings, and/or attend panel discussions. WFF will take place on November 8th, 2025.
2025 WFF SCHEDULE
Itinerary:
2:30pm-3:00pm Doors Open, informal networking, welcome
3:00pm -5:00pm EDUCATIONAL PANEL DISCUSSIONS
3:00pm-3:50pm Cutting Edge Film Production (Panel 1 of 2)
4:00pm-4:50pm Entertainment Law 101 (Panel 2 of 2)
5:00pm-6:00pm NETWORKING and DINNER RECEPTION
6:00pm-8:30pm SHORT FILM SCREENINGS
8:30pm-9:15pm AWARDS PRESENTATION and Closing Comments
9:15pm-11:00pm AFTER PARTY Location TBA [all are invited, no ticket required to After Party]
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Panel Discussions May Include:
Cutting Edge Film Production - Join speaker Chris Petracco who will discuss immersive filmmaking and ambisonic sound.
Entertainment Law 101- Join speaker John Mason give an overview of key legal concepts for creative professionals including option agreements, copyright, trademark, work for hire agreements, and more.
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Food & Refreshments:
We will provide bottled water, snacks, and dinner to attendees at no additional cost. Food may include hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cookies, and fruit (while supplies last).
*If you have any allergies or specific dietary needs, then please arrange to bring your own food.
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Awards & Prizes
"Levin Grand Prize" - Jury Award for Best Overall Film
"Wheaton Award" - Jury Award for Best Community Story
"Kamen Grand Prize" - Jury Award for Best Student Film 2025
Social Media
To keep up with festival news and details, follow us on social media.
Facebook: Wheaton Film Festival
Twitter: @WheatonFilmFest
Instagram: @WheatonFilmFest
#FilmWheaton #MMMproject
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2025 Speakers
Chris Petracco
Chris Petracco is a senior digital media specialist and content creator with over 20 years experience in communications and media production, including over a decade teaching communications and media at the college level. Chris has a comprehensive knowledge of multimedia production, volumetric filmmaking, social media solutions, digital media production, and digital tools to create comprehensive media campaigns. Chris helps clients develop broadcast, cable, and online products. He is the founder of TrustedPhotoDC and TPA360 and now is known as a reality capture expert.
John Mason
John D. Mason of Copyright Counselors, LLC is an art, entertainment and intellectual property attorney, and literary agent. He is based in the Washington DC/Maryland area. His practice focuses on copyright and trademark transactional matters, litigation, publishing and media issues, contracts, and commercial matters. He works with writers, artists, filmmakers and people and companies in creative industries to protect, promote and exploit their work. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Mason is currently adjunct faculty teaching Art, Cultural Heritage and the Law at George Washington University School of Law, and adjunct faculty teaching Entertainment Law at UDC Law School, as well as past adjunct teaching Art and the Law at George Mason University, Board President of Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, Advisory Board member of Veterans in Film and Media, and past Board member of the Washington Improv Theater, and past Advisory Board member of the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington.
