Now in its 11th Year, the Katra Film Series is an award-winning international 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.” A few years ago ‘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.
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 2022 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, 2020. 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, 2020.
- There is no premiere policy.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

2. Exhibition Format: Theatrical DCP Format

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.

78 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Ed Toolis

    After years of work, that borders on self-torture, It's great to finally get validation. Thanks.

    June 2022
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  • Harold L. Brown

    Terrific festival, professional, timely communications on the status of festival submissions. Definitely a go to festival on my festival circuit.

    June 2022
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  • Human Telegraphs

    This is the best festival we've participated in, hands down! Shakilya and everyone else who works at Katra are simply amazing! The quality of the films selected was wonderful too. The best curation we've seen yet! Highly recommend this festival!

    June 2022
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  • Lisa Anderson

    Katra Film Series is great. The staff is so friendly and supportive, they program great films, and their post-screening Q&As are well thought out and organized. Highly recommend!

    June 2022
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  • eve austin

    Cannot say enough good things about this Festival. There is a reason it is rated as a top 100. on Film Freeway. Wonderful communication, quality films, personalized service. They go above and beyond to make it a fantastic experience for filmmakers and audiences alike. Grateful and honored to have won best pilot series with Lola Dose Manhattan.. Cannot believe that along with the honor came a gift of a 32" Smart TV. Unique and amazing festival. Screening venue was superb and press availability fantastic. They even treated us to the afterparty. Aces in my book.

    May 2022
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