A Guide to the Best Film Festivals to Submit to in New York City in 2023
As a filmmaker, writer, director, or producer, submitting your work to film festivals is an excellent way to showcase your talents, build your network, and get your work seen. New York City is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant cities in the world, and its film festivals are just as dynamic. With so many festival options out there, it can be challenging to choose which ones to submit your work to. In this blog post, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best film festivals to submit to in New York City in 2023.
Experience the magic of cinema in the heart of the world’s most vibrant city with our guide to the best film festivals in New York City. From the globally renowned Tribeca Film Festival to the unique cinematic experiences offered by the New York Asian Film Festival and the Central Park Film Festival, NYC is a film lover’s paradise. Whether you’re an independent film enthusiast, a horror movie fanatic, or seeking to explore diverse cultures through film, our comprehensive guide will lead you to the best film events in the city. Discover the rich tapestry of stories, cultures, and perspectives showcased in these festivals, and immerse yourself in New York City’s dynamic film scene.
The best film festivals to submit to in New York City
New York Independent Film Festival
The New York Independent Film Festival is first on our list. This festival is certainly the most contemporary in the fusion of old-school show business with the modern landscape of media and streaming. That’s precisely why we wanted to include it first. This festival is hyper-focused on providing value for independent filmmakers with work that deserves a spotlight. Opportunities-galore, education resources, panels and a body of work that inspires: The New York Independent Film Festival has created a reputation over that last four years that has earned its way on the top of this list.
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Tribeca Film Festival
Next on our list, naturally, is the Tribeca Film Festival, founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2002. This festival is known for showcasing a diverse range of independent films, from narrative features to documentaries, short films, and even virtual reality experiences. It’s a highly competitive festival, with thousands of submissions each year, but its industry connections and high profile make it a great festival to enter. The festival takes place in April, and the submission deadline usually falls in October.
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New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival is an annual event held every fall at Lincoln Center in New York City. It was founded in 1963 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in North America. The festival is known for its carefully curated selection of films that represent the best of world cinema. It’s an excellent festival to submit to if you’re interested in showcasing your work alongside some of the most acclaimed filmmakers and their films. The submission deadline varies but usually falls in mid-June.
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Central Park Film Festival
The Central Park Film Festival is a new-comer to the NYC festival circuit, but it has quickly become one of the most popular. This annual event takes place in New York City’s iconic Central Park and features a mix of feature films, short films, documentaries, and web series from emerging filmmakers. The festival also organizes workshops and panels throughout the weekend with industry professionals, giving filmmakers a chance to network and learn from the best. The submission deadline for this festival typically falls in mid-April.
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Greenpoint Film Festival
The Greenpoint Film Festival is a celebration of independent film from around the world. This festival focuses on featuring groundbreaking work and emerging talent, and hosts both short films and feature-length works in various genres. The festival also brings together industry professionals for workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The submission deadline usually falls in late May.
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NewFest – LGBTQ+ Film Festival
NewFest is one of the country’s largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ film festivals, showcasing films from around the world. This festival provides a platform to bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences for screenings, panels, and more. NewFest typically takes place every year in late June or early July. Submissions are accepted online with a deadline that usually falls at the end of April.
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New York Kurdish Film Festival
The New York Kurdish Film Festival is an exciting opportunity for filmmakers of all backgrounds to explore the rich culture and history of the Kurdish people. The festival screens films from around the world, highlighting documentaries and features that shed light on topics such as politics, gender equality, education, health, and human rights. Submissions are accepted online with a deadline that usually falls in early May.
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New York City Horror Film Festival
The New York City Horror Film Festival celebrates horror films of all shapes and sizes, from traditional slashers to mockumentaries. This festival is dedicated to spotlighting new talent and premiering independent features, shorts, web series, and more. Submissions are accepted online with a deadline that usually falls around the end of May.
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Williamsburg International Film Festival
The Williamsburg International Film Festival was established in 2006 as an opportunity for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work. This festival specializes in screening independent films that are unique, thought-provoking, and entertaining. Submissions must be received by the end of May in order to qualify.
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New York Asian Film Festival
The New York Asian Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the city, having been established in 2000. This festival celebrates Asian cinema and encourages collaboration between filmmakers from all corners of Asia and beyond. Submissions are accepted online with a deadline that usually falls at the end of April.
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Brooklyn Film Festival
The Brooklyn Film Festival is a competitive international festival that showcases independent films from around the world. It aims to provide a platform for overlooked and emerging filmmakers who wouldn’t necessarily have access to mainstream festivals. The festival takes place in June and runs for ten days, showcasing films in various categories, including narrative features, documentaries, and experimental films. The submission deadline is usually in mid-March.
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Final Thoughts: A Guide to the Best Film Festivals to Submit to in New York City in 2023
Choosing the right film festival to submit your work to can be a daunting task. But it’s essential to find one that aligns with your artistic vision and career goals. As we’ve shown, New York City has a wealth of film festivals to choose from, each with its unique character and focus. Whether you’re looking for exposure, networking opportunities, or just a supportive community of fellow filmmakers, there’s a festival out there for you. So get ready to make your mark on the festival circuit and submit your work to one of the best festivals in the heart of the entertainment world.
