The Northeastern Ohio International Film Festival isn't like the other Film Festivals. Our judges aren't looking for big name actors or directors. We are truly an independent film festival and our judge's rate and grade films on the merits of the films using an extensive proprietary grading system. Each judge will also provide notes and a short constructive critique of the film.

We guarantee that every submission will be screened by our judges and fairly graded. Selected submissions will be screened at our event to a large viewing audience. We'd love to have you attend our event, especially if we're screening your film. There will be popcorn and networking opportunities for all attendees.

All submissions, whether accepted or not, will receive judges critiques on their film if requested. You may enter more than one film or the same film in multiple categories but a separate entry fee is required for each. Contact us for your entry fee discount code if you reside in the Northeastern Ohio region for 50% off all fees.

We guarantee that every submission will be screened by our judges and fairly graded. Select submissions will be screened at our event to a large viewing audience. Please see the screening schedule which is usually posted a few days before the festival date. Prizes in each category will be an Official NEOIFF Certificate of Recognition with Laurels. The certificate will be delivered electronically. Physical trophies or certificates will be presented to category winners who are in attendance. Trophies and certificates will not be shipped.

NEOIFF Awards will be awarded in the following categories:
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Documentary
Best Music Video
NEOIFF Award Feature
NEOIFF Award Short
NEOIFF Award Doc
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Score
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Costume
Best Make-Up/SFX

Winners of the Best Feature and Best Short Awards will receive an InkTip Script Listing to promote themselves and their scripts to InkTip’s entire network of producers, managers, and agents.

Companies who are InkTip members include ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Echo Lake, Zero Gravity, Bad Robot, 20th Century Fox, and many more.

All entries must be submitted with an online screener via FilmFreeway.

All submission fees are listed on the deadline/fee schedule. Submission fees are non-refundable. We recommend that entries submit press kits including a short synopsis, a filmmakers bio, a list of the principal cast and credits, black/white production still and any other media information available. Any photo submitted may be used for festival promotion. Electronic files only.

Submissions using the NEO Ohio Resident Discount MUST include a copy of a current drivers license or state issued ID with the submission. Submissions using the Student Discount MUST include a copy of a current student ID with the submission.

Non-English language films must have subtitles.

The number, date and time of screenings are at the discretion of the festival.

NEO International Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless NEO 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 videos entered.

If a film is accepted, the programmers request the right to screen the film for educational and promotional purpose, for the period of one year. And will do so, unless directed otherwise. NEOIFF categories are subject to change.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Our film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" got official selection which is a great encouragement for us.

    December 2020
  • Nice festival and very friendly staff. Enjoyed watching the films and meeting new filmmakers.

    February 2020
  • Thanks so much for showing my film!

    January 2020
  • Dan Edwards

    We were honored to have our film "Thirty-Seven Minutes" play at the NEOIFF. The organizers were enthusiastic and welcomed us with open arms. A lot of great films played and the audience was very responsive. I plan to submit future films.

    January 2020
  • An amazing festival! Very professional, intimtate, and supportive. I highly recommend it, and will be submitting my future film here as well!

    December 2019