The Lighthouse International Film Festival on Long Beach Island, New Jersey is not only a world-class film festival, but also a unique cultural beach-centric experience like no other. LIFF was recognized twice by MovieMaker magazine as one of "The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" (2018, 2020).

The 17th edition of the festival will take place on June 4-8, 2025. In addition to extraordinary screenings of hot new films from Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, etc., LIFF also offers engaging panels, masterclasses, and networking events. Elevating the festival experience, LBI's epic beach and bayside catered parties make for a weekend of fun, uniting filmmakers from the United States and around the world.

Located in close proximity to NYC and Philadelphia, LIFF is an ideal destination for both filmmakers and film lovers alike.

Filmmakers who have attended the festival over the years include Academy Award winners Julia Reichert, Steve Bognar, and Guy Nattiv; Oscar nominees Nisha Pahuja, Tomer Shushan, Jean de Meuron, Joan Stein Schimke, and Raphaela Neihausen; critically acclaimed filmmakers Niels Arden Oplev, Ondi Timoner, Nanfu Wang, Kelly O'Sullivan, Ellie Fiombi, Jack Sholder, Keith Maitland, Sonia Kennebeck, and Lynne Sachs; producers Meredith Kaulfers, Dan O'Meara, Chester Algernal Gordon, Lee Broda, and Jonathan Duffy; programmers Thom Powers, Meira Blaustein, and Dan Sullivan; international critics Nathalie Chifflet and Wilfred Okiche; as well as film scholars and industry executives.

SUBMISSIONS AND COMPETITIONS
LIFF accepts submissions of narrative features, documentaries, shorts, TV/web series pilots, surf films, and (high school) student films.

Selected films compete in one of six categories: narrative features, documentary features, narrative shorts, documentary shorts, TV/web series pilots, and high school shorts. Award winners are decided by the festival jury.

TWO CASH AWARDS INCLUDE:

The Honey Levine & Ed Sinatra Audience Choice Award ($1,000 prize) for narrative and documentary features.

The Jennifer Snyder Bryceland Award ($2,000 prize) for exceptional environmental/social issue documentaries.

LIFF ACCEPTS SUBMISSIONS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
- Narrative Features
- Documentary Features
- Narrative Shorts (up to 45 minutes)
- Documentary Shorts (up to 45 minutes)
- TV and Web Series Pilots (up to 45 minutes)
- Darkhouse Genre Films (Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy Features & Shorts)
- Surf Films (Features and Shorts)
- High School Student Short Films

OUR VISION
LIFF, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to showcasing diverse, dynamic storytelling with a focus on unique voices. It combines a carefully curated lineup of films, screened at the highest standards (DCP or 422 ProRes), with the intimacy of local screening venues.

Awards & Prizes

Every year, the festival offers jury awards in numerous categories. Jurors for these awards represent some of the most talented leaders in the industry, including the likes of Oscar-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar ("American Factory") and Guy Nattiv ("Skin"); Oscar nominees Tomer Shushan, Jean de Meuron, Joan Stein Schimke, and Raphaela Neihausen; critically acclaimed filmmakers Ondi Timoner, Jack Sholder, Charlotte Regan ("Scrapper"), Kelly O'Sullivan ("Ghostlight"), Keith Maitland ("Tower"), Sonia Kennebeck, and Lynne Sachs; producers Meredith Kaulfers, Dan O'Meara, Chester Algernal Gordon ("The Inspection"), Lee Broda ("Tesla"), and Jonathan Duffy ("Sorry To Bother You"); programmers Thom Powers (TIFF), Meira Blaustein (Woodstock FF), and Dan Sullivan (Lincoln Center); international critics Nathalie Chifflet and Wilfred Okiche; as well as film scholars and industry executives.

The Jennifer Snyder Bryceland Filmmaker Award
This special prize recognizes documentary filmmakers whose projects embody the generous, thoughtful, and positive energy demonstrated by beloved Long Beach Island resident Jennifer Snyder Bryceland in all aspects of her life. The $2,000 award is given to a filmmaker whose feature-length documentary displays artistic excellence, incorporates environmental and social themes (local, regional, or global), and inspires optimism in audiences. The award is offered by the family of Jennifer Snyder Bryceland.

The Honey Levine and Ed Sinatra Audience Choice Award
LIFF offers an award for narrative and documentary features on the festival's program that are eligible for audience voting. The festival wishes to commemorate the legacy of Honey Levine and Ed Sinatra, cinephiles and local patrons of the arts. The winning film will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES

ENTRY REGULATIONS

Completion Date:
- Entries must have had their first showing on or after January 1st, 2024.

Language:
- Foreign language films must include English subtitles.

SUBMISSION REGULATIONS

Formats:
- Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway's online platform with a working screener.

Notification:
- Films selected for screening will be notified on or around May 1st, 2025.

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS

- Paid entry fee.
- A working screener. (We welcome works in progress; however, trailers, reels, or anything other than a complete screener for the film will not be considered.)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

- The filmmaker has read and understood the rules and regulations, and to the best of their knowledge, all statements are true. The filmmaker is duly authorized to submit this film to the Lighthouse International Film Festival.

- LIFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission without refund of submission fees.

- Films must not have publicly screened in the greater Central New Jersey area prior to the festival (NYC and Philadelphia are not included in this area). While premiere status (world premiere, U.S. premiere, or otherwise) is not a requirement for LIFF, this information is taken into consideration when making final programming decisions.

- All accepted films may be screened at least once or more than once and are scheduled at the discretion of the Lighthouse International Film Festival staff.

- Films included in the festival's "Headliners" lineup are not eligible for jury awards.

- Upon submission, the filmmaker consents to allow their screener material to be shared in its entirety with appropriate LIFF staff, including programming staff, volunteer screeners, and other appropriate members of the staff; shared with press outlets in efforts to secure press for the film; with our jury members to determine award winners; and with select individuals representing community partners who may be interested in supporting the film’s screening or taking part in a panel or Q&A associated with the film.

- The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize images and/or biographical information of the filmmaker(s) for promotional purposes. The festival reserves the right to fill in any information not supplied by the filmmaker from whatever sources are available and will not be held responsible if incorrect information is entered.

- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to secure authorization for any copyrighted material that may be used in the film. The filmmaker shall indemnify and hold harmless Lighthouse International Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening files entered.

- LIFF does not pay screening fees for submitted films, nor can LIFF guarantee travel, lodging, or distribution for filmmakers.

- By submitting, the filmmaker expressly acknowledges and agrees to these terms in consideration for LIFF's consideration of their film, and the filmmaker agrees that they shall be bound by the terms of this agreement.
92 Reviews
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  • Gordon Phillips

    One of the most engaging, fun and well organized festivals I've ever had the pleasure of being a part of. From the very beginning, the whole team was super fun and exuberant to deal with. They invited all the filmmakers to engage with each other and made everyone feel special. It was an incredibly well run and well curated event - congratulations to all involved!

    June 2025
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  • Michael George

    was able to attend the screening of my short film because I lived the next town over. great location. thank you so much for creating a safe space for horror/scifi at such a prestigious event. would submit again in the future!

    June 2025
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  • Bob Celli

    This festival is truly a jewel in the crown. One of the friendliest festivals we have come across. The lineup of films was stellar. The entire staff and and the 200+ volunteer's were all hands down some of the best crews I've encountered at any festival...anywhere. They love film and filmmakers and, so do the locals who came out in numbers in support. All screenings were well attended and most sold out. It was truly an honor to be invited to screen our film Because I Love You. Yes...it was that wonderful and I could go on and on.

    June 2025
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  • Emily Abt

    This is a really wonderful festival. The beach town location (only 2 hours from NYC) is really cool. You can tell these folks really care about indy filmmakers and they worked hard to make us feel special. Great events, great hospitality, great film selections. Filmmakers, add this one to your submission list!

    June 2025
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  • Brandon Maxwell

    We could not have asked for a better festival for our short film "To Nora" to screen at! The LIFF team is truly a joy to work with. Not only is it a phenomenal festival filled with talented filmmakers, the community is so supportive and passionate. One of my favorite weekends of my career. We look forward to returning in a future year! :)

    June 2025
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