The 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 joins 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 14-16 and a selection of films will be presented at GCB's Best of the Fest at the Bedford Playhouse in September 2024.

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. Films selected for Best of the Fest will be DCP

-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 2024 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
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jennifer Rau

    This is a wonderful festival and our team was honored to screen there. The festival directors and team are kind, communicative and produced a thoughtfully curated festival. Garrison is a beautiful place and the audiences were enthusiastic and a joy. It was a pleasure to meet the other filmmakers and see their inspiring work! Thank you GCB3!

    July 2023
    Helpful
  • Sharon Cooper

    I was super impressed with the quality of the films as well as the quality of how the films looked and sounded in the venue! It was wonderful, too, to be part of a film AND theatre festival celebrating women in the same weekend. What a great way to see lots of work and support each other. They connected with visual artists as well for a celebration! Thanks GCB3!

    July 2023
    Helpful
  • Robin Johnson

    Wonderful festival! Warm, communicative organizers, a beautiful venue (right by the river), and a fabulous day of inspiring feminist art.

    June 2023
    Helpful
  • Ana Trkulja

    I am deeply honored that my film 'Bill Murray Lost in Berlinale' was included in the 'Glass Ceiling Breakers Short Play & Short Film Festival.' Even though I wasn't able to be there in person, knowing that my work was part of this important event makes me feel as though I've joined an inspirational march of creative women breaking barriers in filmmaking.

    It is truly humbling to have been in such esteemed company, even from afar, surrounded by creators who persistently inspire, challenge, and redefine the landscape of film. My heartfelt thanks go to the organizers for providing a platform for our stories and voices, and for the inclusion of my work in the program.

    Even though I was unable to be present, I felt the support and solidarity of this wonderful community. I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary opportunity and am further encouraged to continue contributing to this pivotal revolution in filmmaking. Thank you again for recognizing and celebrating the work of women in film. Onwards we march, whether in person or in spirit!

    June 2023
    Helpful