Open · Closes in 33 days
Applications close
Nov 15, 202611:59 PM EST33 days left to apply
Closes Nov 15, 2026 · 33 days left
Open · Closes in 33 days
Applications close
Nov 15, 202611:59 PM EST33 days left to apply
Closes Nov 15, 2026 · 33 days left
Festival · New York, NY, United States · 1 program
New York City's Winter Film Festival (WFF) is a volunteer-run and operated celebration of the diversity of local and international film-making. We showcase creative fresh voices from emerging filmmakers worldwide in all genres and lengths – feature length and shorts, narrative fiction, documentary, animation, horror, web series and music videos.
Our mission is to promote diversity, bridge the opportunity divide and provide a platform for under-represented artists and a variety of genres, viewpoints and approaches. We believe that only by seeing others' stories can we understand each other and only via an open door can the underrepresented artist enter the room.
We pride ourselves on our diverse collection of Festival selections, allowing our audience to enjoy films they normally wouldn't think to seek out. For the 2026 Festival, 103 films from 27 countries were screened, including 20 student films and 34 first-time filmmakers. Half of the films were created by women, half were created by or about people of color.
Works of all genres, forms, and lengths are considered. All selected films are screened at REGAL Union Square Cinemas in New York City on Screen 1 (70 seats) or Screen 2 (130 seats). For additional information about Winter Film Festival, our selection process and what we look for, visit our FAQ.
The Festival includes film screenings with director Q&A, educational panels, professional development workshops and industry networking after-parties, and concludes with a glittering awards ceremony.
Outstanding work will be awarded for each category, along with Best Director, Best Student Film and Best NYC Film.
Winter Film Festival is thrilled to be included in Film Festival Alliance's Film Festival Directory, a comprehensive list of more than one hundred reputable film festivals committed to upholding the newly established best practices for professional film festivals.
WFF is a minority- and women-owned registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We work with all local NYC film schools, colleges, arts high schools and many cultural societies.
Over $50,000 in Swag, Prizes & Distribution Opportunities! Winners will receive prizes and distribution opportunities on various platforms and more!
Winter Film Festival is dedicated to helping emerging filmmakers get recognition and press -- we work to ensure our films get written articles, video promos and red carpet interviews. We create an SEO enhanced page on our website for each accepted film, written reviews for all films over 20 minutes and tons of on-camera interviews.
Over $50,000 in swag, prizes and distribution opportunities across award categories.
Compensation details
Winners receive prizes and distribution opportunities on various platforms. Outstanding work will be awarded for each category, along with Best Director, Best Student Film and Best NYC Film. The festival does not pay screening fees to filmmakers.
One item to prepare.
Requirements
Open to filmmakers worldwide. Films must have been completed not earlier than January 1, 2024, and must be in English or have English subtitles. Films publicly available online or through a distribution service are ineligible, with the exception of Web Series and Music Videos. The submitting filmmaker must own the copyright to the work.
Applications close
Nov 15, 202611:59 PM EST
Festival · New York, NY, United States
An IMDB-qualifying NYC festival showcasing emerging filmmakers worldwide.
One item to prepare.