“The Manhattan Film Festival is one the best film festivals on the East coast. It is a festival about films and filmmakers-they just really care. The prestigious New York City environment mixed with the caring down to earth nature of the festival coordinators make this Fest a Filmmaker best possible partner-don't miss out on it or the great community you can be a part of at MFF” says Director Jamison M. LoCascio (The Depths).

As an organization founded by independent filmmakers, we continue to find new ways to help independent filmmakers pursue a career in filmmaking. While we work with some of the biggest names in the film industry, every year we work to program a diverse film lineup that includes student, emerging, and established talent. Other than unique situations, every official selection is a submitted film. We book some of the best venues in New York City including commercial theater Cinema Village and the Empire State Building serves as our year round home and host to panel discussions and workshops.

The festival is covered by local, national, and international media outlets. This includes The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Good Morning America, The New York Times, as well as international outlets such as The Sun, BBC, and The Guardian. The festival has been named both “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “The Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine.

Awards & Prizes

Last season we implemented a new program called “Polling Places.” It was an effort by MFF to encourage audience participation and online reviews for filmmakers. As a result of the success we have decided to build upon that program. Audience Choice voting will be on center stage during the 13th annual Manhattan Film Festival. The winners be given encore screenings following the conclusion of the festival. We will send out press & industry invites for these screenings and will honor Tribeca press passes as well. These awards are described below:

Audience Choice
Best Short
Best Feature

Audience Choice
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary

Audience Choice
Best Short Drama
Best Feature Drama

Audience Choice
Best Short Comedy
Best Feature Comedy

Audience Choice
Best Short Action
Best Feature Action

Audience Choice
Best Short Horror
Best Feature Horror

Audience Choice
Best Student Short
Best Student Feature

Rules & Terms

• All film submissions are non-returnable unless sent with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
• If a film is accepted, filmmakers will be responsible for delivering their exhibition materials by a date determined by the festival or to and from festival venues.
• The Manhattan Film Festival is not liable for submission or exhibition materials which are lost or damaged.
• Filmmaker must have all clearances including trademark and/or copyrighted materials shown must have authorized permission. Filmmaker remains entirely liable for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film.
• Filmmaker authorizes the Manhattan Film Festival permission to screen their film at the festival.
• The festival must receive the exhibition copy by the date specified in order to screen the film
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Darien Sills-Evans

    This is a great festival! Not only was it an honor to be selected, but Philip and his team were so kind and accommodating. They were organized, communicative, and extremely supportive. There a few venues that are as perfect to show independent films as the Cinema Village. This is a festival that loves true indie film and I hope to return some day. We were honored to win Best Comedy. I can't recommend Manhattan Film Festival enough. Submit your film, you won't be disappointed.

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Laura Carruthers

    A top-notch festival packed with high quality, well-crafted films...Director, Philip Nelson, his festival assistants, and the technical and theater staff were all very professional, accessible, and accommodating. It was a great honor to be recognized and screened at this competitive, authentically independent festival, in the world's city-center of art on stage and in film!

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Cynthia Wikler

    I would highly recommend submitting to the Manhatten Film Festival. We were honored to screen my short film, The Underhanded Free Throw. It’s a well organized festival with a great location in downtown Manhattan.

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Steven Swancoat

    It was an absolute honor to have my short film included at this year’s Manhattan Film Festival. The festival was absolutely wonderful. Well organized, good line up, ran very smooth. The opening VIP / Press party was a great way to break the ice with other filmmakers. It was an excellent opportunity to network, both as a filmmaker and for actors / actresses and both myself and my lead actress were able to establish some great contact that we are already following up with. Philip ran the festival and was very attentive to the need to the filmmakers. He had great communication and always seemed to have things under control. Lucy was the main volunteer and was so pleasant to work with.
    The Venue is a classic theatre in NYC and is located just two blocks from Union Square so its easy commute from anywhere in NYC. The Red Carpet outside allowed for easy photo opportunities with cast, crew, friends and fans. The Film selections were outstanding with the best line up of films both in production value and story telling of any festival I have been to thus far. Its no doubt that lines were half way down the block waiting for the next screenings.
    I attended most all the days of screenings and except for maybe one or two, there always seemed to be a good size crowd. After each screening block they do a Q&A session which is fantastic as some festivals don’t do this.
    I give this festival my highest regards. I would not hesitate to apply if you are a local to Tri-State area and also if you are from outside the New York area as its well worth making the trip into the city if you can afford it. At the end of the festival, there was an award ceremony. Unfortunately, I had to leave town that day and missed it however was more than surprised when my short one “Best Fantasy Short”, especially given the strong line up of films. 5 stars Manhattan Film Festival and I will plan to attend next year regardless if I have a film in it or not!

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Lorraine Portman

    We had our NYC premiere with The Manhattan Film Festival. The venue is terrific. The red carpet set up outside made it easy to get photos and also broadcast that the theater had a festival going on. Lead volunteer Lucy is every friendly and helpful. Festival runner Philip completely understands filmmaker concerns. There were opening and closing events. We could hang out by the red carpet and in the theater lobby to meet other filmmakers. We worked to invite all our friends and family. We were with other short films and we had a great turn out. I'll be submitting future work and attending. Very happy with our Manhattan Film Festival experience.

    May 2018
    Helpful