NFFTY is the world’s largest, most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers 24 years old and younger. In 2024 we screened over 220 amazing short films representing 26 US states and 28 countries. We provide a first-class festival experience that includes four days of film screenings, parties, networking events, panels, and more!

We’re offering a 50% discount to all films submitted by Black, Indigenous, and Latinx directors, as well as to films created by directors with disabilities and/or featuring performers with disabilities using the following codes:

BLACKSTORIES2025
INDIGENOUSSTORIES2025
LATINSTORIES2025
DISABILITYSTORIES2025

We also consider additional discount and waiver requests on a case-by-case basis. To make a request, please fill out this short form: bit.ly/NFFTYSubmissionAssistance

The 18th edition of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth will be held in Seattle, Washington, April 3rd - 6th, 2025.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes
Jury Awards - We are committed to awarding the best short films created by filmmakers 24 and under from around the world, and we will be awarding both student and non-student films in the Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Animated Short, Experimental Short, and Music Video categories, as well as best overall Episodic, for a total of eleven Jury Prizes.

Audience Awards - Each showcase, or screening block, is eligible for its own Audience Award, and our festival features around 25-30 official selection showcases at each edition. Showcases are programmed based on the submissions we receive to NFFTY curatorial sensibilities, organized by themes, moods, subject matter, genres, social issues, and more.

Other Festival Prizes & Awards - We announce additional Special Achievement Awards and Special Awards closer to the festival. We'll also have awards and recognition for notable films in the age categories of "14 and Under" and "15-18".

Distribution - All NFFTY official selections are eligible for distribution deals. NFFTY prioritizes involving curators and buyers from distribution platforms as workshop leaders, panelists, jury members, and more, so getting selected for and attending NFFTY can net you valuable industry contacts!

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms
- The film’s director(s) must have been 24 years of age or younger at the time of production.

- To be considered for a Jury Award in the Student category or other Middle/High School-specific Awards, films must be conceived, produced, and finished by filmmakers 24 years old or younger with teachers and other mentors acting in advisory roles only. If students across multiple grade ranges worked on film, the film may be ineligible for certain awards, but you are still encouraged to submit.

- Films must have been completed no earlier than January 2024.

- All music and other copyrighted material used in the film must be properly licensed and attributed. This includes Student and Non-Student Music Videos.

- All films must be in English or subtitled in English. All films that are selected are required to provide an .srt file or open captions for accessibility (English SDH) during public exhibition.

YOU MUST READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING:

View the Official Rules & Guidelines here: nffty.org/official-rules-guidelines

View Frequently Asked Questions here: nffty.org/frequently-asked-questions
100 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Phoenix Park

    Truly a magical weekend in Seattle. Even though I was super nervous as this was the first time I travelled so far for something like this, I am very confident to say that this was one of my most memorable and cherished trips. There were many social events that allowed me to ease into meeting new people and have multiple chances to talk. The screenings were absolutely awe-inspiring. The city is beautiful. I love NFFTY... So honored to be part of nffty 2024. I hope to come back!

    July 2024
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  • Oisin Mc Keogh

    NFFTY is a fantastic festival - I unfortunately wasn't able to travel to Seattle to be there in person for my film 'A Farm Out West', but fingers crossed to be there next year!!! The online festival was brilliant and the events were inclusive for people not able to attend, and the virtual coverage was top notch. Definitely worth the entry fee!

    June 2024
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  • Grant Clover

    Absolutely amazing! We loved screening I Walk With Ghosts at NFFTY. Made so many connections, one of whom already jumped onto our next project.

    June 2024
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  • Philip Thompson

    Seriously so worth submitting to!!! NFFTY has amazing hospitality and puts together an amazing program filled with a bunch of inspiring filmmakers and so many opportunities to meet people! Never experienced a festival with an enthusiastic environment quite like this, seriously recommend!

    June 2024
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  • Carlos Lerma

    I was so nervous of going by myself at first but made friends within the first day in opening night! The staff was incredibly inviting and kind, and so was everybody else in the festival! Everybody was so openminded into making friends that it was so fun to talk to everybody! Once my film screened seeing the theatre full and the audience cheer was insane! The staff asked really insightful questions. Overall, I would LOVE to go again next year if I get luckily chosen again. Best festival EVER in the history of EVERYTHING.

    May 2024
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