The Long Island Youth Film Festival (LIYFF) provides young filmmakers from Long Island, NY with the opportunity to showcase their work through public screenings and a weekend-long festival celebration. Submit your films for a chance to be featured at Long Island's premier arthouse cinema and compete for a variety of prizes recognizing your filmmaking achievements!

In addition to screenings, LIYFF offers educational and networking opportunities, including filmmaker Q&As, guest speaker panels, and industry networking events designed to connect young creatives with professionals and peers in the film community.

Supported by the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, NY, LIYFF highlights local filmmakers ages 25 and under from the greater Long Island area, fostering a creative community for young storytellers. The festival is created and managed by the Cinema Arts Centre’s Youth Advisory Board, a passionate group of volunteers ages 25 and under dedicated to organizing film events for young people.

LIYFF is currently seeking film submissions from youth ages 25 and under who reside in or create films on Long Island, New York, including Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings Counties. Submissions are open in the following categories: High School Short Films, Narrative Short Films, Documentary Short Films, and Feature Films.

Awards & Prizes

Long Island Youth Film Festival is offering a range of prizes to the top winners of the four film categories: High School Short, Documentary Short, Narrative Short, and Feature.

Specific details will be shared as the festival date approaches.

Rules & Terms

Films must be created by filmmakers who are 25 years old or younger, defined as turning 26 years old on or after September 15, 2026.

Films must be created by filmmakers residing or making films in the greater Long Island area, defined as Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, or Kings counties in the state of New York.

Films must have concluded production less than one year before date of submission.

Submission does not guarantee selection for inclusion in The Long Island Youth Film Festival. Submission fee is non-refundable.

Legal responsibility for all intellectual property rights falls on the submitter.

Entrants under 18 years of age must submit a release signed by a parent or guardian.

All entrants must be prepared, if accepted, to provide a screen-worthy file of your film, DCP preferred. Please contact us if you have any technical specification questions or if you are unable to convert your file to DCP.

6 Reviews
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  • Omar Antonio Figueroa

    So happy to be a part of this year's festival. Great and supportive community. It's one of the best festivals for younger filmmakers

    November 2025
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  • Aidan Serviss

    Had an excellent time screening "Lavender" at LIYFF! Made some amazing connections and watched a lot of great, young talent.

    November 2025
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  • Anthony Guadagna

    The LIYFF was a fantastic experience. My feature film, Groom-To-Be was selected and given a showcase screening. The staff of the festival were communicative and helpful. There were tons of networking opportunities throughout the weekend and the venue was amazing. Thank you LIYFF, and good luck with future years!

    November 2025
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  • Jayden Metellus

    What a GREAT CROWD! Loved this film festival and seeing everyone's work, can't wait for the next event!

    August 2025
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  • Ryan Gross

    This was a really fun experience! The communication was really great, I always got thorough and timely responses to my questions. The event was well planned and a lot of thought went into it. They did a great job showcasing the filmmakers and making them feel valued for their work. I definitely recommend submitting to this festival!

    November 2024
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