The Hudson Valley International Film Festival is a lifestyle that celebrates an interactive and contemporary experience, which will inspire, challenge, and enlighten viewers and participants alike. HVIFF is a contemporary festival, showcasing only current productions. All submissions must have completed filming after January 1st, 2015.

According to Fodor's Travel, The Hudson Valley is listed on the 25 places around the world to visit in 2015. With a rich historical background and breathtaking views, it's no wonder why Fodor's gave the nod to The Hudson Valley, located just north of New York City.

The newly renovated Monroe Arts & Civic Center, home of The Hudson Valley International Film Festival, is equipped with stadium style seating with three screens capable of displaying films, two theaters dedicated to filmmaker Q&A sessions and seminars, and an additional theater that will be utilized for events such as slam poetry and music.

Filmmakers are welcome to submit shorts, pilots, features, music videos, animation, one minute (and under) videos, and much more! The red carpet event will be sure to give a Hollywood feel to all participants.

The HVIFF is the haven for free thinkers, innovators, and pioneers of the arts community.

Awards & Prizes

Every film that is selected as a winner in the HVIFF will receive a plaque award under the category that had been awarded for. Some of our categories will be receive a cash prize along with a plaque.

Best Narrative Feature Film

Best Director (In a Feature Film)

Best Director (In a Short Film)

Best documentary

Best Actor (In a Feature Film)

Best Actress (In a Feature Film)

Best Supporting Actor (In a Feature Film)

Best Supporting Actress (In a Feature Film)

Best Actor (In a Short Film)

Best Actress (In a Short Film)

Best Supporting Actor (In a Short Film)

Best Supporting Actress (In a Short Film)

Best International Film

Best Animated

Best Screenplay

Best Student Film

Best Ensemble Cast

Best Music Video

Best Pilot

Best Hudson Valley Film

Narrative Feature Films
60 minutes up to 120 minutes. This category includes a cash prize for the following: Best Feature ($1000); Best Director ($500). This category also awards Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Cinematography.

Narrative Short Films
Short films must be under 60 minutes. This category includes a cash prize for the following: Best Short Film ($500).

Documentary Feature
Documentary features are over 60 minutes. This category includes a cash prize for the following: Best Feature Documentary ($500).

Documentary Short
Documentary shorts must be under 60 minutes. This category is a competition and will receive an award. A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the winner.

Animated Short
Animated short films must be under 60 minutes.This category is a competition and will receive an award.

Animated Feature
Animated Feature films must be fictional and 60 minutes. This category includes a cash prize for the following: Best Animated Feature ($250).

TV Shows - TV Series Pilots
TV Pilots may include presentations or full-length pilots, and must be over 5 minutes, but no more than 60 minutes.This category is a competition and will receive an award.

Music Video
Music Videos must be a minimum of 2 minutes and maximum of 8 minutes. This category is a competition and will receive an award.

Rules & Terms

1) All films must have completed post production AFTER January 1, 2015.

2) Films must be in English or have English subtitles

3) HVIFF, does not require a World Premiere, but appreciates if you notify us if you are either a World Premiere, International Premiere (your first premiere outside your country of origin), North American Premiere or New York Premiere.

5) Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, per film entry and are non-refundable.

6) Submitting filmmakers/individuals will be notified by e-mail on or before July 15, 2015

7) Regarding shipping to HVIFF, the submitting filmmaker will be responsible for the mailing/shipping costs of submissions

8) Award recipients must be present to receive their cash prize. Prizes will not be mailed or available for pickup at a later time.

9) Best Narrative Feature Film must be accepted by the Director, Writer, Director of Photography, or Executive Producer.

10) All submitted entry materials will not be returned.

11) If accepted into HVIFF filmmakers will be required to send 3 bluray copies to the address listed for Hudson Valley International Film Festival. Hard copies will not be returned.

12) A filmmaker with multiple entries (titles) must submit each entry separately.

13) Fee waivers are limited in number to grant, but those granted a film submission fee waiver are not eligible to receive any cash prizes.

14) Anyone who submits a film understands they are in no way entitled to any of the ticket sales, concession sales, merchandise sales, and so forth made at the venue.

15) Films submitted may be spliced up by HVIFF staff to use for promotional purposes

16) ALL FILMS MUST BE A PREMIERE WITHIN 30 MILES, WINNERS OF FESTIVALS, OR NOMINATIONS OF FESTIVALS.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Isioro Jaboro

    It was a pleasure for Saving Dreams to compete at the 2016 film festival edition. We would like to thank your organization and the organizers for a fabulous job and a successful film festival and for the opportunity given to our film. We look forward to taking part at your festival again in the future. Thanks!

    November 2016
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  • Theresa DeSalvio

    This was an awesome event! Lots of events and opportunities to meet other filmmakers. Beautiful theaters with wide screens and great sound. It was amazing to be part of this event.

    November 2016
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  • Paul Cenzoprano

    We had a great time, met so many great film makers. The location was very nice.

    September 2016
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  • Janel Tanna

    Great festival. A very nice networking event for filmmakers in an encouraging environment.

    September 2016
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  • Daniel Hendrick

    This was one of the best organized film festivals in the NYC metro area. The audiences were good. The organizing team was good. The venue was nice. The events around the festival were good. Outstanding job. Highly recommended.

    September 2016
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