“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.

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
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
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    Danny Ryan

    My short film screened at MFF this year. Great events, good networking, and high quality screenings. The festival staff did an excellent job pairing my short with a feature. They really complimented each other perfectly and it was clear that they put thought and effort into the programming and scheduling, which a lot of festivals don't do right. I brought a lot of friends and family to my screening and I was really happy to have them experience such a well organized festival. Great group of films and filmmakers. Definitely worth it!

    May 2017
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    Marvin Glover

    We've been very fortunate to attend film festivals around the globe. Philip and the rest of the team at the Manhattan Film Festival were so on top of every aspect. The communication and response to questions was awesome. This should not be ignored. You won't be so fortunate at other festivals.

    May 2017
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    Charles Randolph

    Excellent festival to be in. Met so many wonderful people and wonderful coordinators of the event.

    May 2017
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    Elizabeth Licht

    The festival was a wonderful experience. Vapiano's was a great place to host the kick-off celebration. I found it a bit overwhelming and disorganized however. It seemed like they just lumped a bunch of folks into a room and assumed they would figure things out for themselves. It was interesting to me that the communication was great up to the event at which point the communication completely ended. I sent a few emails asking questions to help me navigate the festival but none were returned. I realize this was a large event and that they probably had lots to do in managing it but I felt a bit lost as this was my first time participating in a festival. I would have appreciated a bit more guidance.
    I highly recommend this festival. It seems like it fits better for folks who have more familiarity with festivals than I do.

    May 2017
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    Gus Scharr

    Excellent and consistent communication, invitations to all events related to the festival, great screening venues, and a caring, attentive, and enthusiastic coordinator Philip Nelson. This festival CARES about filmmakers and did everything to promote, educate, and inspire. It made me feel like a winner even before actually awarding me with the BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT honor. The MANHATTAN FILM FESTIVAL is at the very top of my list for future film submissions.

    May 2016
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