Held in scenic Cooperstown, New York, Glimmerglass Film Days is Central New York's preeminent film festival, presenting powerful films reflecting our complex relationship with the natural and manmade world.

Film Days is a program of Otsego 2000, a nonprofit committed to the health and well-being of the people, land and resources of the region. Now in its 13th year, Film Days continues to encourage environmental stewardship and social justice activism, through encounters and lively collaboration with filmmakers, artists, activists, scholars, local businesses, and local nonprofit organizations.

The festival has been a draw to the Leatherstocking region through its inspiring films combined with local foods, art, walks, hikes and bike rides exploring the tranquility of an Otsego County autumn.

Our Film Days theme for 2025 is "revolutions," a word that conjures political and social rebellion and a turning aside of established ways of thinking in favor of transformation. But it's also a term that means cyclical constancy, as in celestial movements, history, and the regenerative cycles of nature and family. Moreover, we often experience revolutions within ourselves that can lead to better lives and accepting new ways of understanding the world. In this year's Film Days, you'll hear stories from activists and innovators engaged in all sorts of constructive change; from pundits who debate the practicality of change; and from communities everywhere that have joined together to push back or push forward in an ever-changing world.

Glimmerglass Film Days this year, reflecting the unsettled and clamorous time we are living through, is an invitation to explore how we might shift the narrative, shape the future, and develop new perspectives.

Testimonials:

“We had a wonderful time, saw 13 films (a great program); had a great screening of our film with an excellent Q&A; and met and talked to a lot of different people, on a wide array of subjects. You’ve put together a top-notch festival. ” — John Haptas and Kristine Samuelson, Oscar Nominated "Life Overtakes Me"

"The film lineup was stellar, and opportunity to connect with other filmmakers made so organic - not to mention that you take such thoughtful care of the filmmakers. We just wanted to extend our gratitude & appreciation." — Peter Hutchison, director/producer Devil Put the Coal in the Ground

"I have had some wonderful festival experiences in my life and Glimmerglass ranks near the top of that list." — Lucas Sabean, producer/editor Healing from Hate: Battle for the Soul of a Nation

“It was a true honor to be included in the event. I was quite taken by the programming, which so perfectly spanned the artful and emotional facets of non-fiction filmmaking.” — Mike Attie, director, Moment to Moment

“Thank you for having me and for doing such a nice job. Everything was just fabulous. Such a nice group of people. Totally worth the trip!” — Lisa Hurwitz, director, The Automat

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award for Best Feature and Short

Rules & Terms

Films must in some way explore the connection between humanity and the natural and manmade environments. We encourage filmmakers to include a cover letter with their submission highlighting the ways their work might reflect these themes (we are open to many interpretations here). We consider both fiction and non-fiction subjects.

We always love to highlight films made in our Central New York region (and/or made by local filmmakers), but please keep in mind that our environmental focus will still be the primary lens through which we consider entries.

We reserve the right to decline any submission for consideration for any reason.

By entering your film for consideration to Glimmerglass Film Days, you certify that your work is cleared for public exhibition and accept full legal responsibility for the intellectual property therein. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Glimmerglass Film Days, Otsego 2000, and their representatives or affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses that may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the submitted content.

1 Review
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  • D C Cummings

    I had a wonderful time at the Glimmerglass Film Days. The festival communicated with me from the day I was selected and made me feel welcome. The crowd was amazing and the atmosphere was excellent for post-Q&A. At the festival, all the staff was eager to help and treated me very well. I was very pleased with the quality of the films, which made me proud that I was in a very good group of peers. I would recommend this festival to any producer.

    November 2024
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