Now in its 9th Year, the Katra Film Series is an internationally recognized film festival and screenwriting competition dedicated to supporting the next generation of filmmakers at the world famous Alamo Drafthouse Theater. 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, 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 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.

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 $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. Bowery Film Festival 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.

65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dominika Ożarowska

    I was honored to premiere my film here among other, carefully curated, heart-warming and unique shorts. Communication was smooth and the organizers did an excellent job moving the festival online and hosting a substantial and friendly Q&A with the authors. I hope for a chance to screen my future work here and would definitely recommend submitting.

    August 2020
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  • Eliezer Vergara

    Self Servers was the third film I have had selected by this fantastic festival. Great communication, met some great filmmakers and screening at the Alamo draft house was a massive bonus - my film never looked better up on the big screen! I highly recommend submitting your film(s). I will continue to do so.

    February 2020
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  • Wes Clark

    Was honored to screen here. My team had a great time. They were very communicative and there are great prizes.

    February 2020
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  • Galen Glaze

    I had an outstanding experience with Katra from beginning to end. The atmosphere was supportive, the curators, filmmakers and audience members all extremely positive. The Q & A was sharp and showed a high level of engagement with the work being shown. I would definitely recommend submitting.

    February 2020
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  • Keith Eng

    Katra was great. perfect communication and very accommodating to the artists. they have a deep appreciation towards the filmmakers, their craft, and the hard work that goes in to all submissions.

    December 2019
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