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.

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.

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vered Rodriguez

    LOVE this festival! Awesome experience.

    June 2024
  • Unfortunately I couldn't attend the film festival but the communication was top notch! Seemed like a lovely event by people who really care about film.

    June 2024
  • Jason Taylor

    Possibly the best film festival experience I've ever had! Everyone, from the directors and judges, to the volunteers and other filmmakers were helpful, supportive and just wanted everyone to have a great experience. I was recommended to submit to the Lighthouse Film Festival by a friend, and I would totally recommend it not only to those looking to submit their films, but also just to those looking for a great festival to attend!

    June 2024
  • Kristina Kendall

    This was absolutely one of my favorite festivals. Really well curated. Screenings were well attended. Great filmmaker events-- both serious (panels/etc) and parties. Cannot recommend highly enough!

    June 2024
  • Anthony Pedone

    What an incredible festival. Great parties, beautiful surroundings, hosts that care about your film and the experience you share with their community. My family and I had the best time and I would recommend this festival to all of my people.

    June 2024