NFFTY is the world's largest and most influential film festival for emerging directors. In 2019, we screened 265 amazing films from the best filmmakers 24 and younger representing 24 states and 26 countries, with over 10,000 in attendance. We provide a first-class festival experience that includes four days of film screenings, parties, networking events and panels.

This year, NFFTY will be entirely virtual. This makes our festival more accessible than ever, and also allows us to keep our filmmakers and audience safe and healthy! NFFTY will release all official selections online in our inaugural virtual festival, October 23 - November 1, 2020.

In 2014 and 2016, MovieMaker Magazine rated NFFTY as one of the top 50 festivals worth the entry fee.

Awards & Prizes

- Two filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest will be selected to attend TheNextFilmFestival International in Odense, Denmark during the summer of 2021 with flight and hotel costs covered thanks to the generous support of the Scan Design Foundation.

- Jury Awards – We are committing to awarding the best short films created by filmmakers 24-and-under from around the world. We are proud to announce that a $500 cash prize will be awarded to the Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animated Short, and Best Experimental Short for both student films and non-student films, as well as Best Music Video, for a total of nine Jury Prizes and $4500 in total cash prizes in this category.

- Other Festival Prizes & Awards – We’ll be announcing additional Jury, Audience, Special Awards closer to the festival. In 2019, we gave out over $7,000 in cash awards, over $5,000 in software and gear, and over $40,000 in additional scholarships.

- Original Content Projects – In the past few years, we’ve given out over $50,000 in cash to NFFTY Alumni to produce special branded projects. Once you’ve had a film accepted into NFFTY, you will be eligible for these opportunities.

- At The Festival – When you attend NFFTY as a Filmmaker, you get to meet fellow young filmmakers from around the world, network with industry leaders and grow as a filmmaker. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Rules & Terms

- The film’s director(s) must have been 24 years of age or younger at time of filming.

- All music and other copyrighted material used in films must be properly licensed. See our Resource Guide.

- All films must be in English or subtitled in English.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING:

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

View Frequently Asked Questions here: http://www.nffty.org/frequently-asked-questions

View info on Music Licensing here: http://tinyurl.com/n2x35gp
67 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mark Kuhlmann

    Thank you to all of the team for making this a very special festival! I hope to be back in the future! Thanks for having me.

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Kate Saltel

    If you are reading this you better submit -- do itttt!

    Best staff, best films, best festival hands down.

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Summer Li

    awesome festival,
    love the content, the community and the networking, there are so many like minded people, i made some valuable friends that i wont be able to make anywhere else!
    it is the best experience i had in my life!
    thank you

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Eva Ulreich

    This was an amazing festival. So many awesome filmmakers. I was honored to have been included.

    November 2020
    Helpful
  • Lego Crafter Studios

    A fantastic film festival. Despite the limitations of a virtual film, it was an immensely rewarding process to participate in. 10/10.

    November 2020
    Helpful