Our Story
Recently nominated in the Top 10 Best Film Festivals by USA Today, Chelsea Film Festival is a socially driven global platform.
Chelsea Film Festival was created in 2013 by mother-daughter French duo Ingrid and Sonia Jean-Baptiste, dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers from around the world, with a strong “Global Issue” Focus. Their singular mission came after they survive a tragic car accident in Chelsea, New York in 2012. Ingrid had worked as a journalist in Paris, France and came to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. When hit by a drunk driver she then found herself with 7 broken ribs, a fractured spine and sat in a wheelchair.
After 7 years, Chelsea Film Festival has become a reputed international platform that shares unique stories and have awarded over 300 filmmakers with cash and camera equipment prizes from Panavision, Adorama, and more.