Duo theater black stage

The NYC Downtown Short Film Festival is a program of DMAC-Duo Multicultural Arts Center a (501 c3) non-profit organization located at 62 East 4th Street in New York City's East Village. The mission of DMAC is to create, promote and celebrate multicultural arts through theater, music, dance, art and film. Our screenings take place at our historic turn of the century theater where everyone from John Philip Sousa, Emma Goldman, Andy Warhol have graced our stage. The sensa mamma scene from The Godfather 2 was shot by Francis Ford Coppola in this theater.

Awards & Prizes

Welcome to the 21st NYC Downtown Short Film Festival (NYCDSFF)
For the past 20 years, our festival has proudly upheld the philosophy: “No red carpets, no celebrity judges, just great films.”

We have led the way in championing the work of Women, POC, and LGBTQ filmmakers. Last year, we made history as the first festival to introduce non-gender-defined performance awards and expanded our commitment to inclusivity with the addition of a new category: Disability Inclusive Films.

In the heart of New York City’s East Village, our intimate and welcoming venue sets the stage for innovative, challenging, and inspiring short films. We place a strong emphasis on works by Women, LGBTQ, and International directors, while celebrating the talent and creativity of filmmakers from right here in NYC.

In an era when many festivals have turned to online screenings, we remain committed to the unique magic of a live audience. There is nothing like the shared experience of strangers coming together in a darkened theater to witness the art of filmmaking. It’s dynamic, evocative, and profoundly impactful. For filmmakers, few moments rival the thrill of debuting a film before a NYC audience.

Welcome to NYCDSFF—where the spirit of film comes alive!

Rules & Terms

The NYCDSFF accepts submission in most genres (except for web series episodes, television pilots , music videos) provided they adhere to our time limitations. Films cannot be longer than 25 minutes to be considered by the festival.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Louis Carrasco

    It was a great festival with a good mix of films and filmmakers. Michelangelo was a great host and put together a fun event.

    December 2023
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  • Greg Roderick

    Wonderful event. The organizer, Michelangelo, is communicative and welcoming. We thoroughly enjoyed (and were honored) by our time at the festival

    December 2023
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  • Donna Weng Friedman

    My short film Never Fade Away was screened at the Duo Multicultural Arts Center last night as part of the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival, and oh, what a night! This was truly a celebration of storytelling, filmmaking and people from all backgrounds! The director, Michelangelo Alasa' was welcoming and entertaining . I am truly grateful that Never Fade Away won Best NYC Film last night, and I am delighted to have been part of this very well run , fun and extremely "New York" film festival. I highly recommend this festival to all who want to experience a real New York City moment.

    December 2023
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  • Elisa de la Roche

    What an exciting experience to participate in the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival! Every selected film was high quality, interesting and noteworthy. There was a ceremony after the screenings with food and drinks, and a congenial space to meet and converse with other filmmakers. Each selected film was honored and given a special citation or award. Thank you for gracing my film "The Park Bench" with the "Best Director - Drama" award. It was an honor and privilege to attend this festival. Thank you.

    December 2022
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  • Zoe Kim

    One of the best film festival experiences I've ever had. Warm, cozy, intimate, casual, personal, diverse, and just a lovely event to be part of. Highly highly highly highly recommended!

    December 2022
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