PRESS ACCREDITATION

Press Accreditation

Thank you for your interest in covering the 14th Annual Chelsea Film Festival, taking place October 14–18, 2026, with screenings at Regal Battery Park and our two-day industry summit, the Reel Magic Hour, at TBN Studios in Union Square.

Each year, the Festival Press Office grants accreditation to a limited number of journalists. Accredited press receive complimentary access to select screenings, press events, and red-carpet opportunities throughout the Festival.

Application Window

Applications for 2026 press credentials open on July 14, 2026 and close on October 8, 2026.

• Every complete application submitted by the deadline is reviewed. No preference is given to early applicants; however, late applications cannot be considered.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and all applicants will be notified of their status no later than October 9, 2026.
• Due to the high volume of applications and venue capacity, we are unable to accommodate every request. Accreditation decisions are final.

Apply for Press Accreditation →

Who Qualifies

Media accreditation is reserved for working members of the press — print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies, and online media — representing a bona fide media organization.

Required Materials

All applicants must submit:

• A completed accreditation form
• A letter of assignment on official letterhead, signed by the Publisher, Assignment Editor, Editor-in-Chief, or Bureau Chief, specifying the journalist’s name and title (unsigned letters or emails will not be accepted)
• A copy of a valid press card or work pass

Additional Requirements by Media Type

Print journalists: Two bylined articles published within the past four months, plus a copy of the publication.

Radio and TV journalists: Two recordings of reports aired within the past four months.

Photographers: Original tear sheets or published photos with credits from the issuing organization.

Independent broadcast or film production companies: A letter from a broadcast organization or film distributor that has committed to air or distribute the work.

Online media must also demonstrate that:

• The publication belongs to a registered media organization with a verifiable physical address and telephone number.
• The outlet features a substantial amount of original news content, commentary, or analysis on film and entertainment.
• For newer outlets: current audience data (traffic figures, press citations, or similar), plus three recently published bylined articles from the applicant demonstrating an established record of relevant coverage.

Freelance journalists (including photographers) may be accredited for a specific event or time period only, and must provide a valid assignment letter from the commissioning news organization or publication.

Questions

For additional information, please contact the Festival Press Office at press@chelseafilm.org.