Now in its milestone 10th Year, the Katra Film Series is an internationally recognized film festival and screenwriting competition dedicated to supporting the next generation of filmmakers and content creators. Hailed by Tribeca Films for its "honorable mission to spotlight new and emerging cinematic talents…where some of their top alums have since gone on to great things in the indie world and beyond" while the New York Times agrees “From the bottom up an amazing and excellent festival that has made it in New York,” and Remezcla writes “An innovative new model pushing for the future of its filmmakers,” while Time Out NY states “Nothing but the best.” And last year ‘LLERO magazine sums it up succinctly “A memorable film fest like none other. In over 6 years, the Katra Film Series has become a hub for up-and-coming filmmakers.”

Our prizes are provided by Canon, Final Draft, UKW Media, JMR Rentals, Rhino Films, Screenblade, International Screenwriters' Association, NY Women in Film and TV, Museum of the Moving Image, and more. Every season we curate a diverse selection of independent works where audience participation is central in choosing the winners. Regardless of who wins each season all official selections will be considered for the Year-End Grand Finale where our jurors are comprised of industry veterans and professionals who watch the films and select the top winners. The Grand Jury Prize Winner is awarded a one-on-one meeting with acclaimed Hollywood Producer Stephen Nemeth and the winner also takes home a top of the line CANON camera.

Some of our past alums have landed theatrical distribution and have gone on to write, produce and direct feature films and TV shows for HBO, FOX, Netflix, Showtime, ESPN, Vice Media including festival stops at Sundance, Tribeca, Berlin and Cannes Film Festival.

We have also been featured in the The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Huffington Post, Daily News, NY1, NBC, Women & Hollywood, Metro NY, The New Machine, Bklyner, and many other local and national publications.

Awards & Prizes

Over $50,000 in prizes. The 2021 Grand Prize Winner of The Year will be awarded a top of the line Canon camera and a one-on-one meeting with acclaimed Producer Stephen Nemeth from the Academy-Award Nominated The Sessions Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Rules & Terms

All genres/forms accepted. Seeking Features, Shorts, Web Series, Documentary, Music Videos, Experimental Works, Animation, Video Art and screenplays. Please note: we accept works-in-progress.

THERE IS NO PREMIERE POLICY (Although not mandatory we prefer NYC premieres. Many of our alums have gone on to screen at the biggest festivals worldwide). Works must have been completed after January 1, 2018. From no budget to big budget. JUST SIMPLY BLOW OUR MINDS! All foreign-language films MUST be subtitled in English.

1. Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2018.
- There is no premiere policy.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

2. Exhibition Format: h.264 quicktime file.

3. Submitters understand that submission of their work authorizes the Katra Film Series to screen the work, and use the work for any exhibition, education and/or publicity purposes related to Katra Film Series. Katra Film Series is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work. Submitters may receive future correspondence from the Katra Film Series.

4. Submission Fee
The submission fee is non-refundable.

71 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Rory O'Connor

    A great festival...so well-coordinated, as it was brilliant to be in a theater again, and so well-curated with fantastic films.
    I was honored to have won best short screenplay...thank you. In the future, even if I don't submit, I will certainly attend. Fun party too.

    August 2021
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  • Yerania Del Orbe MFA

    I am still so honored, this was such an amazing festival, La Santera in AMC Times Square Theater was a dream come true. Thank you for supporting this Latina Made Media film. Thank you for the win!!! Winning Best Short Film is such an amazing award and prizes. Such an honor and great experience. See you soon with our next project, Orcosmic. This festival Rocks! Woot woot!! Yayayayayay!

    August 2021
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  • Lauren McCann

    Wonderful communication, personal involvement and quality films. We could not have been happier with The Katra film series. Consider yourself lucky to be chosen for this festival .

    July 2021
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  • John Gray

    Had a great time at this festival for the 2nd year in a row! Geoffrey is a master organizer and knows what's important in running a filmmaker and audience friendly festival. It was a great lineup of diverse films, and you can't beat the projection and sound at the AMC venue. Highly recommend!

    June 2021
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  • Julianna Pitt

    I'm so happy Katra got to have their 10th Annual fest live in-person this year! It was such a great experience for everyone to get back in a theatre finally, and the films were phenomenally talented. We're proud to say we won Honorable Mention. Geoffrey and his team are fantastic, and we look forward to submitting our next film next year!

    June 2021
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