Wilmington Film Festival Will Include Scholarship Opportunity For Young Filmmaker

The Wilmington International Film Festival, will make its debut October 9–12, 2025, including a new scholarship program awarding a full four-year Wilmington University scholarship. (Photo courtesy of Gordon DelGiorno)

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington International Film Festival will make its debut October 9–12, 2025, bringing four days of global cinema, arts, and community events to the city — including a new scholarship program awarding a full four-year Wilmington University scholarship to a local high school filmmaker.

The four-day festival will take place across multiple venues—including Theatre N @ Nemours, The Screening Room at 1313, Delaware Contemporary, and Penn Cinemas—and will feature 50 to 60 films from both international and regional filmmakers.

Spearheaded by festival director, longtime filmmaker, and founder of Film Brothers Productions, Gordon DelGiorno, the festival promises a mix of film screenings, live performances, art exhibitions, and cultural networking events. DelGiorno, who has over 25 years of experience in film and event production, including time as interim director of the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, says this new Wilmington event will operate independently, focusing on artist-first.

“I want to do it like, sort of the artist’s way with business, and not, you know, not get caught up in the bureaucracy,” DelGiorno said.

While Wilmington has hosted local film events in the past, this marks the first international film. “We’re getting submissions from everywhere.”

“We’re bringing in films from all over the world, which you may never, ever see on a big screen.”

On top of global entries, the festival will host the Brandywine Award competition, highlighting work from local filmmakers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware.

But films are only part of the experience. The Chancery will serve as the festival hub, A central gathering space for live music, international cuisine, art vendors, and networking opportunities.

According to DelGiorno, the event is designed to be more than just a showcase of cinema.

“It’s not just going to be about film—it’s going to be about the arts in general,” DelGiorno said. With accommodations nearby at the Residence Inn and Hotel DuPont, the hub is expected to be a key destination for visiting filmmakers, artists, and attendees.

Scholarship opportunity for aspiring filmmakers

The Festival is also putting a strong emphasis on youth engagement and educational opportunity through a new scholarship initiative in partnership with Wilmington University. According to DelGiorno, the university has committed to awarding a full four-year scholarship, valued at approximately $80k, to a promising young filmmaker from Wilmington.

“I got their board of trustees to agree to give a full four-year paid scholarship — you’re talking about probably 80 grand — to an emerging filmmaker from Wilmington, Delaware,” DelGiorno said.

The scholarship will be awarded through a competitive summer program for local high school sophomores and juniors. Participants will take part in a hands-on filmmaking initiative, creating short films that will be screened during the festival weekend. Each entry will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and the winner will be announced at a formal awards brunch on the final day of the festival.

“Some kid’s going to get their life changed. Who didn’t have the opportunity- doesn’t have the money for it,” DelGiorno added.

The scholarship recipient will be formally recognized at the Sunday morning awards brunch, scheduled for 11 a.m., where university officials—including the president of Wilmington University—will present the scholarship in person.

Submissions now open

Currently, the festival is accepting submissions and expects hundreds of entries before the selection is finalized. DelGiorno emphasized the event’s focus on showcasing first-run films before they hit streaming platforms.

“It’s really about coming out to the movies again-when they see it on a movie screen and with the sound, and they’re surrounded, and there’s people and the place is packed, there’s something about the energy that’s different.”

From emerging student filmmakers to seasoned professionals and curious locals, the Wilmington International Film Festival is aiming to redefine what a local arts festival can be.

“It’s more like we’re expanding and bringing people in here from outsiders,” DelGiorno said. “There’s business, there’s students’ futures… we’re timing local businesses. This is different.”

For more information, to submit a film, or to get involved, visit wilmington.film.