Only films produced in New York State are eligible for this festival!
New York is one of the pioneering states of American cinema. From Edison Studios in Manhattan and the Bronx to Wharton Studios in Ithaca, Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester to the Vitascope Theater in Buffalo, New York State has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of cinematic achievements.
Empire State Film Festival celebrates New York’s best contemporary narrative films, live action and animated, from today's independent filmmakers. Official Selections for our inaugural event will screen at the acclaimed and very cool Cinemapolis theater in downtown Ithaca, one of the most artistic and fun cities in our vibrant state. Only films produced in NYS are eligible for consideration.
Founding festival director Gregory Lamberson has run the multi-genre Amazing Fantasy Fest in Buffalo for 15 years. He's a cult filmmaker and a member of the Producers Guild of America. Tamar Lamberson, also a producer, and Kaelin Lamberson have run Valkyrie International Film Festival, showcasing films directed by women, for four years. Together, they are committed to celebrating independent cinema, and with this festival, films created in their home state. Their team will grow closer to the first festival date and will include Ithacans.
Empire State Film Festival will screen New York’s finest films: Micro Shorts (under 8 mins), Shorts ( 8 - 39 mins) and Features (40+ minutes) of all genres: Action, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Science Fiction and Thrillers. Ithaca is a college town, and we will not shy away from edgy and outrageous fare! We love Experimental Films and will consider them but recommend filmmakers first consider submitting to Ithaca Experimental Film Festival, also held at Cinemapolis.
We are not seeking documentaries this year but will consider any that examine the history of film in any part of NYS.
We have two student film categories: New York State Student Films and Ithaca Student Films. To qualify for either category, the director of the film must be a student at the time of submission.
Our goal is to showcase the best and most entertaining films made in NYS to Ithacans; to attract filmmakers from across the state to Ithaca; and to provide networking opportunities for all attending filmmakers, including students from Ithaca College and Cornell University.
It isn't necessary to attend ESFF in person, but we hope you do. We intend to grow this event into a destination festival. Buses run hourly from New York City! We plan to do a Q&A with every attending filmmaker, but only if you tell us in advance that you're attending.
Accepted Micro Short, Short, and Feature Films will receive two free passes good for the entire festival. Student Films and Ithaca Student Films will receive one free pass good for the entire festival (the submission fees are much lower).
It is our intention to host a Special Guest of Honor each year. It is also our intention to hold one or more panels.
Awards
Film is art, not a competition, but celebrating film also means recognizing superior work. We plan to present an assortment of awards in the following categories:
Outstanding Feature
Outstanding Feature Director
Outstanding Feature Screenwriter
Outstanding Short
Outstanding Short Director (Short or Micro Short)
Outstanding Short Screenwriter (Short or Micro Short)
Outstanding Micro Short
Outstanding Student Film
Outstanding Ithaca Student Film
Outstanding Ithaca Film (any length)
Outstanding Animated Film (any length)
Outstanding Horror Film (any length)
ESFF reserves the right to combine or alter awards as its discretion. Awards will be presented during the festival weekend.
We will accept any NYS film completed after June 1, 2024, so long as it is not available commercially or for free online. We do not require premieres, which is why we decided to run late in the year: hold your premiere at a more established festival if you wish, then submit to ESFF. We really do want the best films produced in our state, and don’t want premiere status to prevent filmmakers from submitting to us.
It is not necessary to attend ESFF in person, but we hope you’ll consider doing so. We want to organize a gathering of statewide talent for a fun and inspiring weekend of independent cinema, to celebrate New York’s rich tapestry of diverse filmmakers, and to show you what a great city Ithaca is.
