The 2nd Annual Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival (CHCIFF) wrapped another successful year with a powerful celebration of creativity, innovation, and independent storytelling. With a lineup that spanned cultures, formats, and generations, CHCIFF continues to stand as a vibrant platform where both emerging and established voices converge to push the boundaries of modern cinema.

This year’s festival welcomed a dynamic range of submissions—including feature films, short films, experimental works, documentaries, music videos, and podcasts—reflecting CHCIFF’s dedication to embracing all forms of visual storytelling. The festival remains steadfast in its mission to uplift original voices and offer a space for bold, thought-provoking, and boundary-defying work.

“CHCIFF isn’t just about showcasing films,” said ML Davis (Festival Founder). “It’s about creating a community. We believe in the power of collaboration, the importance of representation, and the need for platforms where innovation and expression are encouraged and celebrated.”

Highlights from the 2025 Festival Lineup Included:

  • A Place Called – Directed by D McCoy

  • Addicted to You – Directed by Christian LV Leyva

  • Culture in Compton – Directed by Yolette Franco & Yaritza

  • Under My Skin – Directed by Pascal Tessaud

  • Stories of the Soul – Directed by Jahmal Holland

  • Love Letters – Directed by Niglmoro Okuk

  • Traffic Jam – Directed by Jason Nicholls

  • Youngin – Directed by Derek Michael Parker

  • And many more exceptional works across a variety of genres and themes.

2025 CHCIFF Winners:

  • Outstanding International Feature: Under My Skin

  • Outstanding U.S. Feature: Him

  • Outstanding U.S. Shorts: Addicted to You, Cost of Compassion, Hitman Ex, Youngin

  • Outstanding Creative Short: Traffic Jam

  • Outstanding Compton Documentary: A Place Called

  • Outstanding Compton Youth Works: Culture in Compton (Documentary), Illegal (Short Documentary)

  • Outstanding International Youth Short: DING!

  • Outstanding Youth Animation: Happy Fish

  • Outstanding Youth Smartphone Short: Peace Flags

  • Outstanding World Premiere: Stories of the Soul

  • People’s Choice Award: A Place Called

  • People’s Choice Short: Love Letters

CHCIFF not only celebrated the filmmakers on screen but also fostered a space for growth and networking off-screen. Through panel discussions, interactive workshops, and industry mixers, attendees gained valuable insights while forming meaningful connections within the film community.

CHCIFF continues to champion originality and innovation by welcoming submissions from student filmmakers, seasoned professionals, and those working in cutting-edge formats such as VR, music video, and podcasting. By valuing both tradition and technology, CHCIFF remains at the forefront of cinematic evolution.

About CHCIFF:

The Compton’s Hub City International Film Festival is an annual celebration of global and local filmmaking, focused on championing diverse voices and progressive storytelling. With an emphasis on creative risk-taking and emerging media, CHCIFF provides a platform for filmmakers of all backgrounds to share their vision with the world.