The Fire island Film Festival is based in sunny and sun-kissed Fire Island, New York, an exciting and art-oriented community passionate about its beaches and entertainment. The Fire Island Film Festival, a not for profit charity providing opportunities for independent film makers and actors to showcase their craft and art, and to increase the public's awareness and support of filmmaking as a cultural and economic asset.

Our unique platform provides an opportunity where all level of filmmakers, high and low budget, can meet, be seen, be heard, learn, grow, and enhance their skills.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to submit and be part of this exciting film festival created by like-minded artists and a multiple-time film festival award winning veteran to provide a platform for the world to view, absorb and feel your art and film passion.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Narrative
Best Short Film
Best Student Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Audience Choice Award
Best Horror Film
Best Documentary
Best Comedy

Rules & Terms

1. Productions may be created in any format, but all entries for pre-screening must be sent in a digital file.
2. Productions must be entered by the primary rights holder or their authorized representative. If you are acting on the behalf of the rights holder of the film, you may be required to furnish proof of authorization for audience screening.
3. All entires must be in English, or dubbed in English, or contain on screen-subtitles in English.
4. Entries must be submitted by the stated deadline dates.
5. For live audience awards, the Fire Island Film Festival will provide two (2) filmmaker passes to all festival events.
6. ***Not every official selection gets screened- we have limited screen time slots.
7. Based upon availability for live awards, the Fire Island Film Festival will attempt to arrange for discounts at hotels for filmmakers traveling to the event. This will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, to the extent they are obtained and provided by participating hotels.

Terms:
1. Only complete entries will be processed and considered.
2. Entrant's name, email address, FilmFreeway tracking number and the production title must accompany each submission.
3. Entrants will be notified of acceptance into the program by June 5, 2025
4. All winners agree to have their film displayed on the Fire Island Film Festival and through its social media. All winners are to provide a picture of the movie box cover for display on social media on the Fire Island Film Festival Website, and winners of awards must agree to having their picture taken and displayed accepting the award.
5. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold Fire Island Film Festival harmless from any and all damages from any claims, liabilities and losses and expenses (not limited to attorneys fees) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits for any submission made by a third party claiming ownership of the rights of your submission.

Our 2025 Festival will take place live on Fire Island on July 12, 2025 Not every film that is selected as an official selection is guaranteed a screening time at the live event.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kayla Arend

    This festival was excellent. Very nice people and good connections.

    July 2023
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  • John Gray

    First time at this festival, and it was fantastic. Jesse Ray Sheps did an amazing job putting this all together, a true wunderkind. Robert Sheps is an awesome presence and a great anchor for the festival. Very filmmaker centric, and I was knocked out by the other films in the block - incredibly well curated. And Fire Island ain't so bad either. Highly recommend!

    July 2023
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  • Visuelle Productions

    What an honor and pleasure to be selected for and attend this terrific festival. It offered an intimate experience, a welcome change from some of the larger festivals whose schedules can be overwhelming. The films that screened were all extremely well-done on all production levels and were so very different from each other. Our lead actress was also honored with the Best Overall Performance Award (Pamela Jayne Morgan in "The Principal's Assembly") and, for that, we are even more grateful. The location is superb - the experience of taking a ferry and joining in the energetic merriment of an island full of summer fun was a big bonus. Highly recommend this festival and know it will grow into a "must submit" as more filmmakers and audiences discover its unique vibe. And kudos to Founder & Festival President Jesse Ray Sheps for donating all proceeds to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Another reason to support the growth of this event.

    August 2022
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  • Bren Patrick Burke


    Amazing festival.

    Thank you so much Jesse, Robert, filmmakers, volunteers, and the great community of Ocean Beach for hosting.

    My first in-person film festival since the pandemic, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

    I wholeheartedly recommend submitting and attending this festival.

    August 2022
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  • Jimmy Kelly

    Honestly, I was so surprised at how efficient this festival was run. The films were all top notch, the q&as were spectacular, and you really got a chance to meet the artists involved all in a single night. Would highly recommend for everyone; particularly, those that live on or near Long Island.

    August 2022
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