Welcome to the Nine Central Film Festival!

What started as an excuse to make movies with friends and show them in our backyard has evolved into… pretty much the same thing, but in a theater!  For the past four years, Nine Central has been proud to spotlight original shorts from across New England and beyond to a sold-out crowd at the historic Jane Pickens Theater in downtown Newport, RI. In keeping with our DIY, friends creating with friends ethos, we encourage filmmakers of all levels to submit. From the professional with the Alexa to the kid with an iPhone, everyone is encouraged to create something and submit.

See you on the red carpet!

Each night, the festival hosts a selection of 10-15 short films of any genre. The sweet spot is between 2 and 10 minutes in length as we want to show as many films as possible in the window that we have. Longer films will absolutely be accepted however we are putting a cutoff of 30 minutes max. We strive to put a variety of films up on screen so categories include:
Live-action
Documentary
Music Video
Experimental
Animation

Etc.

See you on the red carpet!

Each night, the festival hosts a selection of 15-20 short films of any genre. The sweet spot is between 2 and 10 minutes in length as we want to show as many films as possible in the window that we have. Longer films will absolutely be accepted however we are putting a cutoff of 15 minutes max. We strive to put a variety of films up on screen so categories include:

Live-action

Documentary

Music Video

Experimental

Animation

Etc.

**Important Note**

This festival started out as an opportunity to give local filmmakers an audience and a chance to display their work on the big screen. So submissions will be accepted from all over, however films from Rhode Island/New England based artists will be given top priority. Additionally, submissions created specifically for this event and filmmakers who are able to attend the event in person will be given priority as well. This creates a sense of community and networking among the festival.

**Important Note**

Rules & Terms


ORIGINALITY AND PERMISSIONS; INDEMNITY
1) Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the festival, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights.
2) Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. 9 Central Film Fest expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.

SELECTED FILMS
1) 9CFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information: i) identities of screeners or judges; ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted project; and/or iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.
2) 9CFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by 9CFF or by its volunteers.
3) selections will be chosen two weeks before the festival date however, 9CFF holds the right to modify the list of selected films up until the day of event. The judges’ decision is final.
4) Films that have been completed since last years event- after September 8th, 2022. Will be given priority selection.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Henry Drayton

    A great party and atmosphere. An extremely fun festival

    January 2026
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  • Robert Isenberg

    This event is everything a film festival should be: intimate, yet well attended. Celebratory of its location, but diverse in its selected themes and filmmakers. Gritty and fun, while also professional and smoothly run. This was the first time I saw “How to Write a Travel Guide” on the big screen, and it was hard to anticipate how it would look and be received; the projection and sound surpassed expectations, and the audience exuded support and good will. I could not have hoped for a better reaction, nor could I have imagined a finer lineup. Quality films, a satisfying evening, and a great excuse to spend an evening in beautiful Newport. Enormous thanks to the organizers; hell of a job.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • David Helfer Wells

    Great communication and hospitality! An exceptionally large and enthusiastic viewing audience for my film screening made it a memorable evening!

    October 2025
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  • Josh Kirk

    9 Central Film Festival is fantastic! It’s a fun, very well-run event with a tight-knit community right in Newport, RI. Jack, Dave, and their team put on a great festival, you can tell they genuinely care about filmmakers and supporting local talent.

    October 2025
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