NYU's First Run Film Festival is an annual event hosted by the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, dedicated to showcasing the advanced work of NYU graduate and undergraduate film students.

Awards & Prizes

At this prestigious event, the top three King Award and Murari Directing Award recipients from both the Graduate and Undergraduate Departments are recognized for their exceptional work. Over $50,000 in cash awards are presented to these top winners, followed by a screening of the films.

Rules & Terms

UGFTV Submission Requirements:
•Advanced Animation, maximum length 10 minutes
•Advanced Documentary, maximum length 25 minutes
•Advanced Experimental, maximum length 15 minutes
•Advanced Production, maximum length 20 minutes films made AY 2023 - 2024 and earlier, maximum length 15 minutes films made AY 2024 - 2025.
•Advanced Television Production, maximum length 30 minutes
•Narrative Workshop, maximum length 15 minutes
•Intermediate level films are not eligible for First Run, they can participate in New Visions and Voices Festival next fall.

Grad Film Submission Requirements:
•2nd Year Films, maximum length 12 minutes
•3rd Year Collaborations & Directing Exercises, maximum length 20 minutes
•Thesis Films, maximum length 20 minutes
•No 1st Year Films eligible.

All films must adhere to curricular guidelines for length and production supervision requirements in order to participate and be eligible for judging. If you have any questions about eligibility requirements, please email before registering - firstrun@nyu.edu