WHO WE ARE?

Our MissioN

Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival (CHCIFF) is dedicated to recognizing filmmakers from around the world and all walks of life, as well as celebrating films that raise awareness to global and local issues.

Our Objectives

To provide the best professional experience to filmmakers to exhibit their films.
Offer prizes and awards that show filmmakers that their work is appreciated.
To provide a venue where films can be shown the way they were intended to be seen.
Provide cultural outreach to the surrounding community to expand the reach, appreciation, and cultural relevance of the art of filmmaking.
Create an environment where filmmakers and their films are the priority.

Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival will screen high-quality independent feature films, documentaries, and short films of all genres. And as a celebration of our love for the rich history of filmmaking, and the City of Compton, we will always screen a variety of classic motion pictures that have helped to define this incredible industry.
In addition to our screenings, we will frequently bring in legendary filmmakers and actors each year to be a part of the festivities. Our festivals will always produce exciting events filled with insightful Q&As, and provide many opportunities for networking and interaction between filmmakers and audiences alike.

RULES, REGULATIONS, TERMS & CONDITIONS

By submitting your film or screenplay to the Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival you are agreeing that you have read, understood and consent to abide by our General Rules for Submission, Festival Rules and Regulations and our Terms and Conditions of Service that are listed below.

GENERAL RULES FOR SUBMISSION

Eligibility: Submitter must be 18 years of age or older (or have your parent/guardian submit on your behalf) to enter the competition.
Screeners/Preview DVD’s must be sent on DVD +/ DVD – format or by secure online screener.
Films must have been made for fewer than twenty million dollars (USD) (or the equivalent in foreign currency)
Films must not have major distribution in the United States of America
- Preview DVDs must be marked (or in a small case marked) with:
- Name Of Film
- Name of Director
- Running Time
- Contact Info (including phone number and email)
Any and All DVD preview screeners, DVD or BluRay Exhibition Screeners, and press materials and posters WILL NOT be returned via mail or at the festival.
You will be notified by email around the last week of May through the first 10 days of June if your work has been accepted.
It is the responsibility of those who SUBMITTED TO THE FESTIVAL to check all emails listed during the application process during the 1st two weeks in June to see if your film / screenplay / trailer was accepted.
Upon acceptance notification, mail an exhibition-ready copy of your work (without DVD menus, and pop-n-play, ready to screen, no watermark, NTSC, Region 1 or 0) to Compton’s Hub City IFF as soon as possible. If Compton’s Hub City IFF does not receive an exhibition copy within two weeks of the festival, Compton’s Hub City IFF may screen the Preview Copy on hand. Filmmakers may wish to provide a non-watermarked/non-DVD-menu-style Screener/Preview Copy when submitting, to be on the safe side.
BEST PICTURE winners who wish to screen in 35mm will have to provide 35mm film print within 12 days after notification.
Send DVD submissions in a standard flat rate envelope or smaller to save space and create less trash.
Please do not send any cash.
All fees are non-refundable.
DO NOT send mail that needs to be signed for (except in the case of 35mm film prints)

FESTIVAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Films must have been made for under twenty million dollars (USD) (or the equivalent in foreign currency)
Film must not currently have major distribution in United States
Films must be submitted on DVD format
DVD preview screeners WILL NOT be returned
COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF will only accept international non-English films that have been subtitled or dubbed into English.
All DVD submissions are pre-screened by 10 separate screeners.
Festival show times are subject to delay or change.
Any filmmaker or entourage acting in an aggressive or disrespectful manner to any of the staff or employees of the festival may have their films pulled from exhibition (and from our web site) at any time with no return of fees or refund of any festival purchases.
To be a part of the People’s Choice Awards and get additional pre-festival screenings please submit early in the year and include written confirmation that you would like to be a part of the People’s Choice Awards early pre-screening events.
ALL FEES are non-refundable.
BEST PICTURE winners who wish to screen 35mm will have to provide 35mm film print 14 days before their screening.
IF COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF does not receive an exhibition copy within two weeks of the festival, Compton’s Hub City IFF may screen the Preview Copy on hand. Filmmakers may wish to provide a non-watermarked/non-DVD-menu-style Screener/Preview Copy when submitting, to be on the safe side.
All winners who wish to have their films screened will have to provide the festival immediately with a high quality DVD copy of the film upon being accepted to the festival. IF we do not receive one we will use your Preview / Screener DVD. You may wish to send a screen-able copy of your DVD as your screener copy to be safe.
Films do not have to be screened for an audience to be eligible for our festival, prizes, or awards (excluding The People’s Choice Awards).
In submitting to COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF you authorize COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF the legal right to screen your submitted work publicly, and additionally are admitting ownership of the property submitted, and of any and all trademarks & copyrights needed to legally authorize a screening.
If for whatever reason you have a film that cannot be screened publicly, please let us know (in case you choose to premiere at an alternate event after already submitting to COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF or other issues that may arise).
If Compton’s Hub City IFF is not notified in writing one month prior to the festival, or by the date any print, television, or web ads with specific reference to your film begin to appear to the public, Compton’s Hub City IFF reserves the right to screen your submitted film at our discretion.
If your film is not screened at this year’s festival due to conflicts, COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF also reserves the right to screen your submitted film one time in the 12 months following our festival.
Winners are being voted on by the Board of Directors and chosen democratically, except for our People’s Choice Award winners who will be chosen through the votes of audience members at scheduled pre-screenings or at festival screenings.
Festival is not responsible for broken or non-functioning films.
Any BluRay Exhibition Copies submitted must be accompanied with an additional DVD backup copy (Region 1 or 0, NTSC only, with no Watermarks, no Menu Screen, and identical chapter settings).
Must be 18 years of age or older (or have your parent/guardian submit on your behalf) to enter the competition.
COMPTON’S HUB CITY IFF reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Disclaimer of Warranties:

You acknowledge and agree that your use of the website, attendance at COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL events, or entering into any HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM festival event, contest, festival or competition is at your sole risk.
COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, correctness, completeness or usefulness of any content appearing on the website and is not responsible for any errors or omissions in any content appearing on the website, or generally for the accuracy, reliability, or quality of any content appearing on the website or any other materials published, unpublished or distributed by COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, or its affiliates.
COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is not responsible for any failures, delays or interruptions of the website. The website is provided to you “as is” and Compton’s Hub city International film festival makes no representation or warranty of any kind to you, either express or implied. Specifically,
COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL disclaims any implied warranties of title, non-infringement, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.
You acknowledge and agree that under no circumstances will COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on content obtained through the website or caused by your conduct.
COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted or secure access to the website, and the operation of the website may be interfered with by numerous factors outside of our control.

Limitation of Liability:

In no event shall COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, arising out of or in connection with use of the website / attendance at any event / entering any competition / submitting any work for ifs review or screening, including without limitation for lost profits or business, or anticipated lost profits or business, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and its affiliates aggregate liability to you or any third party in any circumstance arising out of or related to the website or this agreement is limited to $500.
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify, defend and hold COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL harmless from any claim, expense or demand, including without limitation reasonable attorneys´ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your breach of this agreement, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third party.
Governing law: You acknowledge and agree that this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the state of California, excluding conflict of law’s provisions thereof that would indicate the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction and you hereby submit to exclusive jurisdiction in the federal and state courts of California. You agree to receive service of process through certified mail or by other means sanctioned by law, and you expressly waive any claim of improper venue and any claim that such courts are an inconvenient forum.
General: If any provision of this agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall be enforced. You agree that this agreement may be automatically assigned by COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, in its sole discretion, to a third party. Section headings are for reference purposes only and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or extent of such section. Our failure to act with respect to a breach by you or others does not waive us
Right to act with respect to subsequent or similar breaches: This agreement, along with any other terms and conditions regulating use of the website, sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between us with respect to the subject matter hereof. The provisions of this agreement and any ancillary terms and conditions will survive termination or expiration to the extent necessary to carry out the intentions of the parties.
Copyright: All content contained on COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (CHCIFF) website, including but not limited to video, clips, photographs, text, graphics, logos, icons, images and software (collectively, “content”), is the property of COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND IS PROTECTED BY U.S. AND/OR INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAWS. Any reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication, display or performance of the content contained is strictly prohibited. If you use material appearing on the website contrary as set forth in the agreement, you may be liable for infringement, misappropriation or other causes of action to the fullest extent of the law.
Trademarks: Unless otherwise indicated, all names, graphics, designs, logos, page headers, button icons, scripts, commercial markings, trade dress, and service names included in the website are trademarks of COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL and are protected by the trademark laws of the united states and other jurisdictions. You may not use, copy, reproduce, republish, distribute, modify or post any trademarks in any way, including in advertising or publicity pertaining to or distribution of materials on the website, without our prior written consent. The trademarks may not be used in any manner that is likely to cause confusion, or in any manner that disparages or discredits us.
Risk of loss You acknowledge and agree that your only remedy for failures, delays or interruptions with respect to the ordering of and delivery of passes ordered by you through the website or submissions sent through the website, 21 fest, film freeway, google checkout, PayPal, the Cinemark cinema or any CHCIFF partner or affiliate is limited to a refund for such passes, issued at the discretion of the COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

Right to Enter: Entrants warrant that they have the legal right to enter film work to the COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. As director/producer/submitter of the film, entrants have submitted and represent and warrant to COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL that the film and all parts thereof are original; that the film does not contravene the rights of any person or entity and that entrants own or control the film and all parts thereof and have the sole authority to submit the film to THE COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL; the film entrants submitted to COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is not subject to nor threatened by any litigation. Entrants acknowledge that no fiduciary or confidential relationship now exists between the festival and entrants, and entrants further acknowledge that no such relationship is established by these guidelines, the submission of the film, or by COMPTON’S HUB CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL’S acceptance, review or retention of the film.

Meet Our Team

ML Davis, a distinguished Compton College alumnus, has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He began his career as a talent manager, where he honed his skills in identifying and nurturing talent. Transitioning into casting, Davis played a crucial role in matching actors to roles, a testament to his deep understanding of the industry’s needs.

In the early 2000s, Davis founded and curated the Motor City International Film Festival in Detroit, Michigan. This festival aimed to spotlight a diverse range of films, including features, shorts, and documentaries, providing a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.

Davis’s extensive experience also includes roles as a producer, where he oversaw various film projects from inception to completion. His dedication to the craft and commitment to promoting new voices in cinema led him to co-found Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival. Under his leadership, this festival has grown into a significant event, attracting global attention and celebrating innovative films and filmmakers.

Throughout his career, Davis has remained committed to mentoring emerging talents, sharing his industry insights, and fostering a supportive community for filmmakers

David L. Watts is COO of Rattle Radio www.rattleradio.com (45 diverse Black online radio stations), podcasts, audiobooks, news, digital media from a Black cultural perspective. Watts is also CEO of a multi-media production company called FuTurXTV, https://tinyurl.com/yzf754yk. Watts is an accomplished writer/producer (Walt Disney’s Max Keeble’s Big Move on Disney+, Hip-Hop Life on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ and Eve After Dark on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, and YouTube).
Watts and Emre Erkan created a new Tattoo’Ma Comic Book, https://www.erpirefilms.com/, which is about an elite archeological team devoted to scouring the globe to find an ancient and magical book that has the power to bring to life any tattoo. Watts specializes in multicultural film, TV, digital media development, production, distribution, urban/Hip-Hop gaming consulting, multicultural marketing, and social media engagement.
Watts is an online journalist/Web Host who specializes in covering major global entertainment/technology/gaming events such as, Cannes Film Festival, Gamescom, Devcom, CES, NAB Show, Anime Expo, WonderCon, MCM London Comic Con, LA Games Conference, Brasil Game Show, Tokyo Game Show, WonderCon, Los Angeles Comic-Con, Taipei Game Show, DEW, and IndieCade. Watts is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinema-Television and has over twenty-five years of experience in film and television as a writer and producer. And his Hollywood Industry nickname is “Money Train” And Watts has a podcast called Money Train’s 2 Cents on the Trillvision App and at www.trillvision.com. You can see Watts’s review of Netflix’s Good Times https://tinyurl.com/3ebdptn2. And Watts has @MoneyTrain on X and @moneytraineverywhere on IG.

David Velo Stewart graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in African American studies with a concentration in film. In 2001, Stewart completed the narrative feature film Hiphopbattle.com: HipHop 4 Life, which premiered at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been screened at the Sundance Film Festival (2002) and Acapulco Black Film Festival (2001). Stewart followed the success of Hip-Hop 4 Life with a city vs. city rap battle documentary series. The fifth and final installment, Hip Hop Life (2007) was released on Netflix and iTunes. His latest films, The Low Key Savage Sunday and This Thing Called Hip Hop both premiered on Amazon Prime Video. In 2021, Stewart launched the TRILLVISION entertainment app (IOS & Android) to showcase the work of innovate content creators.

Elisia Harkins-James, a dynamic media educator at Notre Dame High School and the Executive Director of the Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation, brings a wealth of creativity and passion to her students. Born in Nicosia, Cyprus and raised in the vibrant community of Homestead, Florida, she cultivated her artistic vision at the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she earned her Master’s Fine Arts Degree. With extensive experience as a producer of short films, feature films, and documentaries, Elisia is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers through her high school Television Production classes and her Non-Profit. An avid reader with a love for storytelling, she melds her diverse background and expertise to foster a rich learning environment that encourages students to explore their creativity and express their unique
voices through media.