3-Day Film Festival held in Ithaca, NY.
The Ithaca Experimental Film Festival's mission is to provide a platform for filmmakers to screen their work and discuss it among a community of DIY independent filmmakers.
Our intent is to give a platform to unique creative voices and cinematic aesthetics that are often ignored in larger spaces and festivals, ranging from documentary, to animation, to non-traditional narrative films.
Best in Show
ITHACA EXPERIMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL'S RULES & REGULATIONS 2025:
We are looking for experimental films of any kind, ranging from documentary, non-traditional narrative, animation, and everything in between. By submitting your film for consideration to the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival you agree to the following Festival Rules, Terms, and Conditions as well as being contacted by Ithaca Experimental Film Festival in relation to its current and future festival competition:
1. I have read all of the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival rules. I understand and agree with the rules.
2. I warrant the submission of my original work, and there are no disputes regarding the ownership or distribution, or exhibition rights of the submission in part or in entirety. I also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and I fully indemnify the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival against any claim made for such violations of law.
3. To the best of my knowledge, the statements herein are true and correct. I understand that failure to adhere to festival rules will result in disqualification from screening and forfeiture of the entry fee.
4. The festival reserves the right to use a clip, and or clips or photos from accepted entries for up to three minutes in length for promotional purposes. The festival reserves the right to screen accepted entries as part of the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival.
5. I agree and hold the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival, Inc. harmless from and defend them from all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, whether groundless or not, based on any film submitted to the festival.
6. Ithaca Experimental Film Festival reserves the right to cancel and modify the schedule with any entry or entry fee and can do so at its discretion.
7. Ithaca Experimental Film Festival has a zero-tolerance policy on abuse and harassment. Any communication deemed aggressive, threatening, abusive, or defaming from any team members will result in immediate disqualification.
8. Third parties submitting films on behalf of their clients must include the filmmaker's contact information within the submission. If selected, the festival will contact the filmmaker directly.
9. It is the responsibility of the submitter to provide a link and a password that works. Otherwise, the project will be disqualified and not selected.
Films may not be longer than 20 min.
Premiere status is not required, and all films are qualified to submit. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Students MUST UPLOAD A STUDENT ID TO THEIR PROFILE.
**At present our event is scheduled for early March however if natural disasters or isolation laws with COVID-19 prevent the running of our event the festival will be postponed or run online only.
DEADLINES
All film submissions must be uploaded by the particular discount deadline, ie. for student films entering their film on FilmFreeway before December 30th. Online screeners MUST be uploaded ON or BEFORE the deadline, or the entry will be disqualified and required to submit with the proper submission fees.
JUDGING
Selected films will be judged by professional filmmakers and professors based in Upstate NY.
ALL FILMMAKERS will be notified on or around January 30th, 2026. This is subject to change, we ask for your patience.
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Jeremiah Carter
Looking for the ideal film festival experience? Look no further. You have arrived. Ithaca Experimental provides a cosy home nestled between the hilly landscapes and timeless atmosphere of Ithaca, NY. Inside of a bustling and creative college town the curators and organizers of Ithaca Experimental are successfully fostering healthy relationships between fellow filmmakers while simultaneously programming meaningful and bold movies. Through the careful curation and participation from local sponsors and volunteers, Ithaca Experimental fuses practicing artists and educators for a unique spark and opportunity for growth. Their ability to bring these films to a thoughtful and attentive audience at the wonderful independent cinemas of Ithaca clearly showcases their care and desire to bring you into an incredibly well-rounded experience. You don’t have to be a filmmaker to indulge in the fervent ground of cinema enthusiasm and education that Ithaca Experimental provides. They have a depth that is unmatched. From affordable submission fees to the thoughtfully moderated Q&A’s, you can tell this festival is lead by a team of filmmakers who have a deep respect and love for the filmmaking community. Submit now, or forever hold your peace.
March 2025
