Each year in August, we welcome more than one hundred filmmakers and thousands of audience members to the town of Middlebury, Vermont, offering a dynamic showcase of films from emerging voices in independent film. Dedicated solely to the work of first- and second-time directors and producers, MNFF provides a unique and supportive platform for artists taking their first steps into the world of independent cinema.

We are proud to offer visiting artists a supportive setting in which to meet their peers, connect intimately with audiences and special guests, and participate in workshops, panels and events that advance their craft. Our awards, prizes, and filmmaker grants also offer financial and career support to filmmakers at the starting line of their careers.

Over its first ten years, MNFF has showcased the work of a diverse array of passionate new filmmakers from around the world, working across all genres. Our programming team seeks out compelling and memorable narratives--fiction and nonfiction, features and shorts--that embrace risk-taking and boundary-breaking and that promote and uplift underrepresented communities and stories. 

Please join us for the 11th annual Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, taking place August 20-24, 2025 in beautiful Middlebury, Vermont.

Our festival offers the following awards and prizes:

The VTeddy Award, our coveted and iconic custom made tuxedo-clad Teddy, in the following categories: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Audience Award-Feature, Audience Award-Short. Accompanying cash award: $500.

The Hernandez/Bayliss Prize for the feature film that best captures the triumph of the human spirit and honors the inspirational power of independent filmmaking. Value: $1000.

The Clio Visualizing History Prize for the Advancement of Women in Film, honoring a woman filmmaker whose feature film boldly portrays the story of a person or events of historical significance. Value: $1000.

The Gaia Prize for Environmental Filmmaking, honoring a feature film with exceptional insights into environmental issues. In recognition of Gaia, Mother Earth in Greek mythology, this award seeks to encourage new filmmakers from around the world to bring widespread attention to global sustainability, environmental justice and climate change concerns. Value: $1000.

The Shouldice Family Prize for Best Vermont-Made Film, honoring a Vermont-based filmmaker whose short or feature length film is of exceptional significance. Value: $1000.

The Kate Hearst Prize, given to a feature or a short film that explores human connectivity in our increasingly interdependent world by revealing vital relationships between individuals, local communities, global collectives and/or species who share our planet. Value: $1000.

The Gamble-Paison Prize for Best International Feature Film, recognizing excellence in feature narrative or documentary filmmaking by a first or second time international director. Value: $1,000.

The Swift House Prize for Best Depiction of the Arts, presented to either a feature or short film that best portrays a story of an artistic creation or endeavor. Value: $1,000.

The Jeanine Basinger Prize for Best Student Film, awarded to a short film created by an enrolled student, undergraduate or graduate, that best demonstrates the art of filmmaking. Films made by an enrolled student, either as part of the academic curriculum or independent of the curriculum, are eligible. Value: $1,000.

The Thaddeus Stevens Prize for Social Engagement, in tribute to the heroic Vermonter, Thaddeus Stevens, who played a decisive role in the abolition of slavery and the establishment of free public schooling in America. Value: $1,000.

The Ralph Steiner Prize for Poetic Cinema, in recognition of the groundbreaking work of pioneering American documentarian and photographer Ralph Steiner. Value: $1,000.

The AICEF Prize for Cross-Cultural Filmmaking, honoring an American filmmaker whose work deftly explores and embraces cross cultural themes, and awarding an all-expenses-paid round trip to screen their film in Indonesia as well as a showcase screening at MNFF. Value: $3,000.

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival also offers screening fees to a select group of MNFF feature filmmakers for allowing us to present their work as part of MNFF's popular Vermont Tour, which brings the work to venues around the state. Fees to filmmakers are determined prior to the start of the Tour.

GENERAL RULES

Our 11th annual Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival (MNFF) will be held August 20-24, 2025.

Dedicated solely to the work of first- and second-time directors and producers, our festival provides a unique and supportive platform for artists taking their first steps into the world of independent cinema.

All submitted films must comply with the following Submissions Guidelines including deadlines, exhibition format, entry material, etc:

+ We accept only first or second features OR first or second short films. (If you have already completed three short films, for instance, but you want to submit your first or second feature, we welcome your submission.)

+ You must have completed your submitted film after August 2024, so that it represents current work.

+ We do not accept works-in-progress.

+ All submissions must be digital and uploaded via FilmFreeway.

+ More than one entry may be submitted, however each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry fee.

+ Any films submitted without a paid entry fee will be disqualified.

+ We collect demographic information from submitters and accepted filmmakers on a voluntary basis across a range of characteristics, including racial, ethnic, gender, sexual identity and disability status. This data is never accessed by our screening committee as they evaluate individuals films for our program, and is never shared beyond our festival leadership. We see the collection of demographic data as one tool in helping us better understand the community of filmmakers who applies to our festival, and to creating organizational programs that engage all emerging independent filmmakers.

+ Because of the heavy volume of submissions, we will not email you when we receive your submission.

+ Films submitted must be available in English or in the original language with English subtitles.

+ Entry fees are payable to Film Freeway and are non-refundable.

+ Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances and permits necessary to present their work. The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work. If your work is accepted into the Festival, we must be able to screen it without any encumbrances whatsoever.

+ Accepted films must be available in the designated exhibition formats: .mp4, .mov, .h264, ProRes, or DCP.

+ Accepted films need not be festival premieres but must not already be available via commercial distribution. Vermont and New England premieres are appreciated, though not required. For clarity, the festival considers commercial distribution to include television broadcast (network, PBS or cable); subscription streaming platforms or transactional or ad-supported streaming outlets (e.g. iTunes, Vudu, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max,) or wide theatrical release. Films with wide distribution deals concluded prior to the Festival but not in effect until after the Festival will be considered for acceptance.

+ Notification of acceptance will be emailed through Film Freeway. All correspondence will be done through Film Freeway and email and only with the original submitter.

+ If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide a digital press kit which includes: director's headshot and brief bio, color and/or B&W stills from the film, brief description of the film and a downloadable video trailer (cleared for use on the Festival website).

+ The date, time and location of the screenings of films are solely at the discretion of the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival.

+ As part of its Vermont Tour, the Festival may award additional screenings to a small selection of our top feature films. These screenings will take place in a variety of venues throughout the state of Vermont. The venue booking and marketing costs of this important additional exposure will be borne by the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival and includes the payment of an exhibition fee to selected filmmakers. The Festival requires that, as a condition of acceptance into the Festival, the filmmaker allow these additional screenings of their work, appropriately compensated, unless barred by an existing distribution agreement.

+ The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival will take great care in the handling of your entry but will not pay additional charges for originals, masters or special prints. Please do not send originals or masters.

+ If an accepted filmmaker provides a DCP exhibition copy, the Festival will return that copy via a mailing or courier service upon request.

+ All films selected for exhibition grant the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

+ All filmmakers will be notified by June 20, 2025 via FilmFreeway email regarding their acceptance into the Festival.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

You hereby affirm that you are the authorized representative for the above mentioned film [as noted on the entry form]. You grant the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival all rights necessary to exhibit and promote the above-referenced film, if selected, at the 11th Annual Festival, August 20-24, 2025. You represent that such exhibition will not violate or infringe upon any rights whatsoever (including copyright, trademark, musical or contract right) of any person or entity. You further represent that you are authorized to submit the above-referenced film and, if selected, will deliver the film either digitally or physically to the Festival office no later than July 25, 2025. You also affirm that the film will not be in commercial distribution and will not have aired on broadcast or cable television or on a streaming service in the United States prior to August 20, 2025.

Further, per the specific description in the General Rules, you grant permission to the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival for additional limited and compensated public exhibition of the film for its MNFF Vermont Tour should this film be selected as one of the top features of the Festival. All decisions of the Festival regarding the designation of the films selected for additional exhibition around the state of Vermont will be final and binding on all participants.

You also grant the Festival the right to utilize an excerpt from this film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. Additionally, you will indemnify and hold harmless the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival from 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 material entered. You have read, understood, and hereby agree to the terms written in the General Festival Rules for submissions to the 2025 Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tara Young

    The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival was an unforgettable experience. The programming was impeccable, showcasing talented filmmakers from around the world, all set in a stunning location. Lloyd Komesar and his team went above and beyond to make every filmmaker feel valued and welcomed. Our short film was paired with a hilarious feature, and the combination created a perfect viewing experience. I’m deeply grateful to MNFF for their warmth and hospitality.

    November 2024
  • Danny Mitchell

    We were very pleased to have premiered our film at Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival this year. The festival has a great atmosphere and the social events provided an opportunity to meet other filmmakers. We also attended some great talks by famous Hollywood directors such as Oliver Stone and John Patrick Stanley.

    The surrounding area is also incredibly beautiful to explore.

    We will definitely be submitting there again!

    October 2024
  • Nesa Azimi

    We had a wonderful time in Middlebury thanks to the incredible programmers and festival staff who so lovingly and thoughtfully put together an amazing festival -- heroes Lloyd Komesar, Jay Craven, Francesca Medeiros, and many more. It was a special experience and treat to be in Middlebury. The audiences are generous and engaged, we made many lasting friendships with fellow filmmakers, and were very fortunate to be hosted by local Middlebury residents who have become friends. So many great films to see, and the pace of the festival allowed us to see a lot. We left Middlebury with hearts warmed and inspired by the community that the festival has brought together. Hands-down one of the kindest and most gentle and fun experiences to be at this festival and to share work.

    October 2024
  • Mabel Valdiviezo

    "MNFF holds a special place in my heart. I was truly blown away by the warmth and hospitality of the MNFF team, who genuinely appreciate filmmakers by highlighting and honoring our work. They create inviting spaces for artists to come together, fostering connections with industry professionals and the community in Middlebury—all within a wonderfully easygoing atmosphere.
    The festival featured a high-caliber curation approach, showcasing well-crafted films. It fostered friendships among filmmakers, and many of us were graciously hosted by locals who enhanced the vibrant festival experience, giving us a real sense of community. I have immense admiration for the labor of love that MNFF puts into creating such a unique experience. I highly recommend MNFF to all emerging filmmakers with a short and or a feature! It is an experience I will never forget.

    October 2024
  • Gabriel Francis Paz Goodenough

    As first-time filmmakers still learning the whole festival process, MNFF welcomed us with open arms—from setting us up with amazing homestay hosts to the engaging audiences and the many dynamic conversations at festival parties and mixers. We love this festival and wish we could have stayed for the entire event. We highly recommend it to all emerging filmmakers and film fans. Professionally, the festival provided us with the exposure we needed to continue moving our film forward and to expand its audience. We wholeheartedly recommend submitting to this very special festival that truly supports emerging filmmakers!

    September 2024