Now in its 7th Year, Katra Film Series is an internationally acclaimed film festival and screenwriting competition dedicated to supporting the next generation of filmmakers with the exhibition and promotion of independent cinema from around the world. 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.” ‘LLERO magazine sums it up succinctly this year “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, Rhino Films, Final Draft, 3636 Studios, The Yard, 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 taking place at the Alamo Drafthouse Theater 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 deals and have since gone on to write, produce and direct features and TV shows for HBO, FOX, Netflix, Showtime, ESPN, Vice Media including festival premieres at Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes Film Festival.

Additionally, we have also been featured in the 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 20K in prizes. The 2018 Grand Prize Winner of The Year will be awarded 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 Feature Films, Short Films, Web Series, Documentary, Music Videos, Experimental Works, Animation, and Video Art. We accept works-in-progress.

NO PREMIERE POLICY (although works that have premiered with us in the past have gone on to screen at the biggest festivals worldwide). Works must have been completed after January 1, 2016. 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, 2016.
- There is no premiere policy.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

2. Exhibition Format: h.264 quicktime file

3. Please disregard any automatic notifications from FilmFreeway. If you don't hear from us DIRECTLY via email, your work is still in consideration for the 2018 Katra Film Series. Please bear with us as we carefully review all works submitted to us with extreme care and consideration.

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

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Markham Michael

    Thanks so much to KATRA for the screening. I met the DP for my film at a previous installment of KATRA. It felt like coming home to get to screen there. It's a relaxed and friendly environment, great staff and a fun and engaging evening of films. Solid presentation. I felt like I was well taken care of by the staff with communication before the event. Plenty of help coordinating guests needs.

    There were some excellent filmmakers there that night all with different things going on. Good connections to make.

    August 2018
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  • Lester Greene

    Great festival. This was my first time attending, and everything was done so professionally. The founder Geoffrey Guerrero really appreciates his filmmakers/supporters, and the films I watched were of great quality. He clearly sets the bar high. Thank you so much, Geoffrey, and kudos to the hostess Jasmine Clemente on a job well done.

    August 2018
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  • Walter Brandes

    Geoffrey Guerrero runs a tight ship. Screenings were seamless, quality of films were all very nice, and the venue is really great. Was so happy to have KILL AL part of the mix. Geoffrey also followed-up on the awards after they were won....so there is a lot of caring from this festival. GREAT!

    August 2018
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  • Antonio Jefferson

    Awesome Festival will submit always to these great group of talent people they help to inspire your dreams.

    July 2018
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  • Jerry Mathew

    Wonderful, positive environment, and great people to meet.

    October 2017
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