Presented by Film at Lincoln Center in partnership with Rolex, the New York Film Festival (NYFF) is an annual celebration of the most significant international films of the season. The NYFF has played a pivotal role in shaping film culture since its inception in 1963 and continues its enduring tradition of introducing audiences to bold and remarkable works from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. The 63rd edition will take place from September 26 through October 13, 2025.
Submissions to the 63rd New York Film Festival (2025) are now CLOSED.
Short film submissions will be accepted via FilmFreeway from February 24 through May 12, and for the duration of this window, the entry fee is $50. This fee will help fund a seasonal staff of short film submissions screeners as well as additional festival operations, including artist support. NYFF is noncompetitive, and all sections are curated by the selection committee with support from an international roster of programming advisors and screeners. Only short films (40 minutes or less) are accepted through FilmFreeway.
Short films submitted on FilmFreeway are considered primarily but not exclusively for NYFF's Currents section. A complement to the NYFF's Main Slate, Currents presents a diverse offering of short, medium, and feature-length work by filmmakers and artists working at the vanguard of narrative, documentary, and experimental modes.
NYFF’s call for short film submissions provides an opportunity for new and emerging filmmakers to share their work. In addition to short film submissions collected via FilmFreeway, the NYFF63 selection committee considers recommendations from alumni and industry colleagues, as well as work that has premiered in international festivals and galleries since the previous edition of NYFF. Submitted films will be evaluated by NYFF63 programming staff and considered equally with all other prospective entrants.
All films submitted through FilmFreeway will be notified of their status by August 15.
The New York Film Festival is non-competitive.