The CineVet Veteran Film Showcase is a unique initiative dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of military Veterans through the powerful medium of cinema. This showcase aims to provide a platform for the general public, and the Veteran community, to share their stories, engage with their community, and inspire audiences with their resilience, creativity, and contributions to society. Set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of New York City, the CineVet Film Showcase seeks to bridge the gap between Veterans and civilians by fostering understanding, appreciations, and dialogue.

The showcase will feature a curated selection of short films--in the form of documentaries, fiction, or experimental--created by or in collaboration with Veterans, alongside an end-of-program panel discussion. By showcasing the artistic talents and lived experiences of Veterans, the CineVet Film Showcase aspires to empower Veteran filmmakers and the broader Veteran community to cultivate a deeper connection amongst themselves and diverse audiences.

All submissions are welcome, but special attention will be given to Veteran-driven productions (with verified Veteran-status) and themes/subjects that relate to a military servicemembers journey.

Additionally, submissions will receive extra consideration if they tackle topics in the following categories:
-Veteran Identity
-Films Made by Women Veterans
-Films Made by LGBTQIA+ Veterans
-Military to Civilian Transition
-Student Veteran Films
-Veterans in the Community
-Short Story to Film Adaptation
-NYC themed “Meet-Cute”
-NYC Landmark Showcase
-Veteran Artist Collaboration
-Gold/Silver/Blue Star Family Showcase

Films selected for the final showcase will receive “Official Selection” designation.

"Official Selections" and associated production teams will be included in the festival program and promoted across media channels.

Films must be original works created by the submitting filmmaker or production team.

Entries can be short documentary, narrative short films, or experimental short films with a total runtime (TRT) of 20 minutes or less. Non-English films must include English subtitles.

To qualify as a Veteran-driven film/production, at least one “top-line talent” (director, producer, production designer, editor, principal actor, etc.) must qualify as a member of the Veteran community.
A member of the Veteran community is:
-A current active duty, reserve, or guard servicemember with qualifying paperwork (orders, CAC, letter of support from chain of command).
-A military Veteran discharged under honorable conditions with DD-214.
-A military spouse or child.

Filmmakers retain full rights to their films.

By submitting, filmmakers grant the CineVet Showcase permission to screen the film and use excerpts for promotional purposes (with submitters collaboration).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great and caring festival. Truly supports your work getting out there and at a great venue, highly recommended.

    June 2026
  • Walter Haussner

    We are so very proud that our short film Dulce et Decorum Est was selected for this inaugural edition of Cinevet. Curtis did an amazing job organizing the festival, as well as communicating with us. Thank you for this opportunity and for featuring the works of all the veteran filmmakers.

    October 2025
  • Jon Navarro

    My experience at CinetVet Showcase was phenomenal. I really hope more veterans get to experience the outpouring of love and appreciation for our work as filmmakers and our time in service. Every Veteran should submit!

    October 2025
  • Andrew Coughlin

    Though I couldn’t attend in person, I’m honored that CineVet featured my work and celebrated Veteran stories so beautifully.

    October 2025
  • Great event!!! Thank you for honoring my film.

    October 2025