The Hell Gate Film Society Greek American Short Film Festival is a new celebration of Greek-American voices in cinema, taking place in October 2026 at the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria, New York.

This festival is dedicated to showcasing short films by Greek and Greek-American filmmakers or films that meaningfully explore Greek-American identity, culture, history, or lived experience.

We welcome bold, personal, and original storytelling across all genres, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation.

Hosted at the Greek Cultural Center, and featuring a panel of experienced filmmakers and top Greek American cinematic voices, the festival aims to create a welcoming space where filmmakers and audiences can gather to celebrate Greek American storytelling. Over three days, the festival aims to showcase a wide range of films, host panels of filmmakers, actors and below the line talent, and will feature a brief awards ceremony for the top rated films across the board.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes

• Grand Prize (Best Short Film): $500
• Second Place: $250
• Third Place: $100

Winners will be selected by a jury of filmmakers and arts professionals.

Rules & Terms

• Films must be 20 minutes or less, including credits
• Films may be in Greek or English (English subtitles required for Greek-language dialogue)
• Films must demonstrate a Greek or Greek-American affiliation, defined as at least one of the following:
– The filmmaker identifies as Greek or Greek-American
– At least one department head or leading actor identifies as Greek or Greek American
– The film meaningfully explores Greek or Greek-American themes, culture, history, or community
– The film is produced in Greece or within the Greek diaspora

Filmmakers may be asked to briefly describe their Greek or Greek-American connection as part of the submission process.

General Rules
• All genres accepted (narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, etc.)
• Films must be completed prior to submission (Works-in-progress are not accepted)
• Multiple submissions from the same filmmaker are allowed (each requires a separate submission)

Judging & Awards

Selected films will be reviewed by a jury of filmmakers and arts professionals. Awards will be presented as follows:

• Grand Prize (Best Short Film): $500
• Second Place: $250
• Third Place: $100