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.

Awards & Prizes

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.

Rules & Terms

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
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • Rachel Black Spaulding

    This fest was lovely, well run, and well-curated. Gaby and Nora were so welcoming and they know what they're doing! The talk-backs were excellently, moderated by Tara, and the audience was divine. My film, HER TURN, was well received - it was a pleasure to screen it there. I couldn't make opening night, but the closing party was a lovely, well-attended gathering, champagned and light fare served. Well done, and thanks for hosting my film!

    June 2025
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  • Daphne Macy

    Had the most incredible experience at the Glass Ceiling Breakers Film Festival. 10/10 would recommend! Gabby and Nora created such a welcoming, supportive, and positive atmosphere. And Tara, who moderated the Q&As, asked really insightful questions and facilitated thoughtful conversations. The communication leading up to the festival was incredible, and the whole festival was extremely well-organized. The team clearly invested a lot in creating a professional environment with many personal touches.

    The other official selections were phenomenal, there were seamless opportunities to connect with the other amazing filmmakers, and it was truly the most beautiful celebration of women’s voices. I left with many new local connections, with an immense feeling of creative inspiration, and with so much gratitude to the team for a very special weekend (and for the honor of “Best Writer”!).

    Will definitely submit future projects, and would highly recommend this festival to all female filmmakers!

    June 2025
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  • Kacie Newport

    This is my second year attending GCB. First, I was a spectator and this year as a filmmaker. The team at GCB are super communicative and warm. They really have an inclusive and supportive environment that makes artists feel at home. The content is spectacular and the networking is some of the best I've seen in this type of boutique festival. As a Hudson Valley native, it is incredible to know how many people we have to both support and be supported by in our community. LOVED IT! Thanks again :)

    June 2024
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