LES, The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, is an annual celebration of this area's rich artistic culture and ethnic diversity. Since 1996, the festival has provided a platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.

The Film Program

The Film Program is a 10-hour-long film festival featuring art-house, experimental, and independent films. Each year, the Film Program continues to highlight unique and thought-provoking cinematic works that challenge conventional storytelling and push creative boundaries.

Festival Events & Activities

For three days over Memorial Day Weekend, TNC produces a cabaret-style festival featuring over 100 performing groups from the Lower East Side. All cultures and disciplines are represented.

On Saturday afternoon, a Street Fair is held on East 10th Street. It features food and goods sold by local merchants, as well as performances by local poets, musicians, and performance artists. Inside, there is a children's program performed for and by students from local schools, along with a Film Festival running throughout the afternoon and evening.

A Poetry Reading is held on Sunday evening, showcasing local and emerging voices.

This highly anticipated and popular event has grown tenfold since its inception, attracting over 3,000 attendees annually. The festival's purpose is to unify the community, create a positive image for the Lower East Side, and discover new writing talent.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms – LES The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts

1. Submission Guidelines

- Submissions are free.

- NEW YORK FILMS ONLY
-We strongly encourage films related to the Lower East Side, East Village, or West Village, as well as works by filmmakers from these districts.

- Films that made by New Yorkers are also welcome, regardless of the film’s geographical origin.

- We accept films in any premiere status, including those already available online.

- Films do not have to be recent, but documentaries and music videos will likely not be accepted.

- All films must be in English or include English subtitles.

- All submissions must be made exclusively through FilmFreeway. Physical copies will not be accepted.

2. Screening & Public Access

- All screenings are free and open to the public.

- By submitting, you grant the festival the non-exclusive right to screen your film in front of a live audience as part of the Film Program of LES, The Lower East Side Festival for the Arts.

3. Rights & Responsibilities

- You confirm that your submission is your original work and does not infringe on any copyrights or third-party rights.

- Filmmakers are fully responsible for securing all necessary rights, including music, footage, and other licensed materials used in the film.

- By submitting, all listed creators authorize the submission on behalf of the film.

4. Code of Conduct

- Any filmmaker or member of a film’s entourage who acts disruptively, aggressively, or disrespectfully toward festival staff or volunteers may have their film removed from the program.

5. Technical & Scheduling Policies

-Films should be in Full HD 1080p, MP4, less than 5 GB. If possible.
No 4K videos. The projector we use is a Full HD LED projector.

- By submitting, you acknowledge that you are not entitled to any claims for damages if:

Your film is unable to screen due to technical or operational difficulties.
Your screening needs to be rescheduled, canceled, or delayed for any reason.
The festival is not liable for any costs resulting from schedule changes.

- If selected, filmmakers must provide final screening materials by May 5th in the requested format and size.

6. Attendance & Promotion

- If your film is accepted, we encourage the director and key team members (actors, writers, producers, etc.) to attend and present the film.

7. Terms Updates

- The festival reserves the right to update these terms and conditions at any time.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Motion Hr

    Communication was always through mail chains. We didn't attend.

    July 2019
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  • Stacey Larkins

    Awesome experience, very interesting selection of films, and the Theater For the New City was a really cool location for the film screenings.

    June 2019
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  • Rod Sáez Chávez

    Great event, excellent platform.
    We hope being back next year.

    June 2019
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  • Thomas Cooksey

    This festival was FANTASTIC! Not only was it very organized and time efficient but it was a fun experience. They were very welcoming and it felt like home. I will definitely be attending and submitting again. EXCELLENT, ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT!!!

    June 2019
    Helpful