Glass Ceiling Breakers: GCB

Theatre Revolution's Glass Ceiling Breakers Film Festival is the very FIRST film festival in the Hudson Valley to present the work of women filmmakers from all over the world.

The film fest joined the well established women's short play festival and will take place at the Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison NY located alongside the beautiful Hudson River steps away from MetroNorth.

The festival will include a workshop with artists and will offer networking opportunities with filmmakers, writers and actors. Dates of the festival will be June 5-7 with the possibility of another screening by the end of the year.

Producers will award the following:
Best Short
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Writer
Best Director
Best of the Fest: Best of the Fest winners may be selected for an additional screening at another location.

Films must have a running time of 20 minutes or less.

At least two female or female identifying filmmakers must fill the role of Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer, and/or Editor to qualify to screen at our festival. Any of these roles can be filled by a man but 2 have to be credited to a woman. BIPOC filmmakers are strongly encouraged to submit.

-Screeners: We only watch submissions visible through the FilmFreeway portal. Digital screeners must be provided be in standard HD 1080p.

-Selected Films: Official Selections will receive dedicated posts on social media prior to the festival and may include trailers and brief interviews.

GCB does not require premiere screening rights; we also take no responsibility for stipulations of your distribution agreements or copyrights for prior television, film, internet or festival showings.

Legally, clearance for copyrighted material included in your film must be obtained before public screening. GCB does not check for, nor take responsibility for the inclusion of uncleared materials in film submissions or selections. Filmmakers are responsible for securing festival clearance rights for music, stock footage or any other material, to avoid potential rights infringements.

By submitting your film, you agree to allow GCB to screen your film during its 2026 festival, regardless of subsequent distribution deals secured after the submission process. You further agree to allow GCB usage of clips from the film and all related publicity material submitted for promotional use.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

*venue, screening theater and date subject to change to meet the needs of the festival

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Marco Jo Clate

Glass Ceiling Breakers was a joy. Gabi, Nora and Michelle curated an inspiring group of female focused films and filmmakers. Their communication was timely and clear. The festival was welcoming and truly connective. For a small festival, it packs a punch. The venue, Philipstown Depot theatre was great for both the plays and the films. We were honored that our lead actress received an award! I look forward to returning in the future

June 2026

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Melissa Mars

GCB was a genuinely sweet experience from start to finish. The team is warm and welcoming, and it shows in every detail.
The programming was strong! I was proud to have my film The Sign be part of a quality selection of shorts, all by female identifying filmmakers. I only wish I had seen the plays too, which I find to be such an original addition to a film festival!

What made the experience even sweeter was the audience. Engaged, warm, and generous during the screening and in the conversations after. Great memories.

The theatre in Garrison, NY, is right next to the train station, easy to reach from New York City, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. A lovely setting for a film festival.

What made it truly special was the community. Many of the filmmakers were present, which made for genuine connection.
Highly recommend it.

June 2026

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Kelsey Siepser

This was my favorite festival of my debut short film's run. The quality of the other films was outstanding, the other filmmakers supportive and the hosts were warm and inspiring!

June 2026

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Donna Bonilla Wheeler

A wonderful festival with an important mission! Thank you for the support and inclusion and keeping me looped in throughout. I could not attend in person (regrettably) but felt the vibes across the miles!

November 2025

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Carol Bash

I was honored to have had "Blueprint For My People" screen at the Glass Ceiling Breakers Film Festival 2025. And I was doubly honored to have it win an award for Best Editor! This film festival is a gem and showcases the talent and important work of women filmmakers! If you're a female (trans, non-binary or cisgendered) filmmaker, I highly recommend submitting your work to Glass Ceiling Breakers. Gaby and Nora are the best!

September 2025

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