Join scores of filmmakers and screenwriters from all over the world and have your work showcased in Harlem, Manhattan – in the heart of New York City!

As always, we do not shy away from passionate or even controversial work. In fact we encourage it.

The marriage of Little Africa to El Barrio, Jazz to Dance, History to Art, and cinema to one of the world's most vibrant communities signifies the 19th Annual Harlem International Film Festival (Hi XIX). Home to New York City's richest cultural and academic institutions, landmarks, boutiques, parks and restaurants, Harlem is an experience that satisfies the five senses. As the epicenter of New York's current arts movement, Upper Manhattan and Harlem Int'l embody the New Harlem Renaissance.

The Festival has premiered works from today's most promising international filmmakers. Subject matter is varied and compelling: An IRA leader hiding out in a British-Jamaican neighborhood; A mother's life dedicated to her two sons, one with down-syndrome; A musician's journey through War ravaged Iraq; a Harlem Man's struggle with loss of love. Hi is a festival that truly embraces the beauty of diversity and is committed to representing it on our screens.

Keeping in line with its mission, Hi offers discounted admission to young filmmakers and work produced in Harlem or Upper Manhattan & the Bronx, about the area and its history or featuring key cast or crew members from Uptown New York City. We award the best local work and hope you will join us for the magic in May 2024.

In September 2005 the Festival opened in historic Harlem at Columbia University with the Renaissance Awards by honoring Oscar winning actress Susan Sarandon; Harlem's own Emmy Award-winning actor, Keith David; and Mira Nair, the Oscar-nominated Harlem based director of SALAAM BOMBAY and VANITY FAIR and initiated the Mira Nair Award for Rising Female Filmmaker the same year.

Hi has since become known as the festival that "brings the world to Harlem and Harlem to the world". Filmmakers and attendees have journeyed from across the globe to experience this four day event consisting of film screenings in state of the art facilities, celebrity-filled awards ceremonies, networking events and Harlem's unsurpassed night-life and history.

NEW YORK SHOWCASE
New York, known for its array of world class directors such as Martin Scorcese, Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch, Mira Nair, and Stanley Nelson is also a mecca for aspiring auteurs. We offer audiences the opportunity to experience stories by New York's finest filmmakers featuring the City and its Burroughs in a uniquely artistic way.

HARLEM/ UPPER MANHATTAN/ BRONX (HUB)
All submission fees are heavily discounted for this category. Furthering our efforts to encourage continued recognition of the Harlem, Upper Manhattan and Bronx communities and the contribution of the numerous artists that reside within, Hi spotlights films produced or directed by local residents; films where at least 50% of the production has taken place in the area; or films about Harlem, Upper Manhattan or the Bronx and their legendary history, present and future.

HARLEM360, VIRTUAL REALITY and VIDEO-ART INSTALLATION SPACE
In line with the Harlem Renaissance - the home of the foremost comprehensive art movement in US history ranging from poetry, literature, performance and painting to sculpture, music and cinema, Hi has established the Video-Art Space. With an abundance of contemporary art galleries and open spaces, Harlem serves as an ideal location to experience modern video art installations and Harlem360/ Virtual Reality.

THE RENAISSANCE AWARDS AND Hi HONORS
The excitement and anticipation of the entire festival culminates during this final awards celebration crowning the leading international films and hosting directors from around the world. Join the magic!

AWARD CATEGORIES
Best Film, Best World Film, the Mira Nair Award for Rising Female Filmmaker, Best Documentary, Best World Documentary, Best Director, Best Documentary Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Animation, Best Experimental Film, Best Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Youth Film, Best Music Video, Best Webisode, Audience Award, the New York Vision Award, the Harlem Spotlight Awards, Uptown Awards and Screenplay Awards and Screenplay Showdown Competition.

GENERAL RULES
- Works can be submitted regardless of when they were completed.
- Screenplays may be submitted online.
- Submissions do not have to be premieres to be selected for exhibition.
- Shorts are considered Documentary works 44 minutes and under and Narrative Fiction pieces are 59 minutes and under.
- Works in progress may be submitted, but only during the Late or Extended deadlines and only if the film will be completed for final review at least seven weeks before the Festival opening. The review committee will only watch one version of your film, so make it your latest/greatest cut possible.
- Films that have had a limited commercial theatrical run or other distribution are allowed to submit.

- There is no limit on number of works submitted, but each entry must be separate, appropriately labeled and accompanied by the required fee.
- Submit works online (preferable).

- In rare cases the filmmaker may have to provide another format version to be exhibited if the film cannot be programmed into a slot where the original format can be projected.
- Submitted screeners, screenplays and press materials will not be returned.
- The Harlem International Film Festival is not responsible for lost or damaged materials.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Upon selection applicant is requested to provide Harlem International Film Festival (Hi) with highest quality film format available, trailer, color film stills and posters, and any other available press and related materials.

Upon acceptance applicant gives Hi the right to use images and information from the film and trailer for all advertising and promotion purposes.

Submission of film indicates applicant's full intention to exhibit at the Harlem International Film Festival if selected for programming. As such, filmmaker waives the right to withdraw their film from the Harlem International Film Festival at any time for any reason.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kris Fleerackers

    It was a great honour for my puppet short film IDOL to have its New York premiere at the Harlem International Film Festival! There were some communication hiccups that prevented it from participating in the awards competitions but I don't regret having submitted. I only wish I could have attended in person!

    July 2023
  • Gabrielle Lansner

    I have been screening my films and film festivals for over 10 years and my interaction or non-interaction with the Harlem FF was the worst experience I have had in my career. I was notified that my short film was accepted and that someone would contact me during the week with more info about screening times etc... The only person I heard from was their PR agent inviting me to opening night. After that weeks went by where I tried emailing the rest of the team. No response whatsoever. The opening weekend happened and my film was not included. A few days before the end of the festival, I was contacted. My film was going to screen online. It screened for two days. I was very disappointed and angry at the lack of communication from the team.
    Perhaps the festival was having some issues with staffing .... who knows, but how hard is it to send an email to participants to inform them one way or the other.

    June 2023
  • Very proud that my film was selected. Just sad i couldn't be there in person ! thanks

    June 2023
  • Azimuth Films

    Many heartfelt thanks to the Harlem International Film Festival for their wonderful reception of our short Documentary: JOHN LEGUIZAMO LIVE AT RIKERS. We are thrilled to have received the award for BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY in 2023.

    June 2023
  • Clayton Allis

    THe Harlem International Film Festival was a great experience with excellent films. Our screening was packed and we had a very memorable and lively Q&A. Nasri & Lorenzo really care and do everything they can to make the festival welcoming and fun. Great work guys!

    June 2023