The New York Hi Cine Film Festival is an international film platform centred on Chinese-language art films, dedicated to fostering cinematic dialogue and cultural exchange between China and the United States. The festival features a curated selection of narrative features, documentaries, experimental works, and short films, with a focus on diverse perspectives, cross-cultural contexts, and expressions of individual experience.

As a Chinese-language film festival based in New York, we aim to build a cultural bridge that allows global audiences to engage with the richness and complexity of the Chinese-speaking world through film. We also encourage collaboration and exchange between Chinese filmmakers and creators from the U.S. and beyond, sparking a dynamic conversation that transcends language and borders.

To promote deeper East-West cultural exchange and respond to the national call for stronger international cultural outreach, the festival has established a special Chinese Cinema Award. We warmly invite Chinese-language filmmakers from around the world to submit their work to the New York Chinese Cinema Showcase. Selected films will receive international distribution consultation, media exposure, and invitations to premiere screenings, red carpet events, and promotional opportunities — supporting outstanding Chinese-language films in reaching a global stage.

Awards & Prizes

Film Festival Awards (winners will receive certificates/trophies)

*Feature Film
Best Picture
Best Director/Producer/Screenplay/Actress/Actor/Movie Award/Composer/Score

*Short Film
Best Film
Best Director/Producer/Screenplay/Actor/Cinematography/Composer/Score

*Documentary
Best Film
Best Director/Producer/Screenplay/Actress/Actor/Cinematography/Composer/Score

*Interactive Film
Best Film
Best Director/Screenplay/Acting/Cinematography/Composition/Score

*Best New Filmmaker

Short-form Drama / Web Series / Micro Series
*Best Short-form Series
*Best Director
*Jury Mention
*New Voices Award

Rules & Terms

Submitted films must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Contain Chinese-language elements (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, etc.);

Be created by Asian or Asian American talents, including director, screenwriter, producer, or leading cast members;

Focus on Chinese or Asian themes, cultures, or social issues.

All types of feature-length films are welcome. A short film section is also open to entries. Short films must be over 5 minutes in duration.

Films must have been completed within the 5 years.

Exceptions may be made for curated programs or retrospective sections by special request.

Applicants are responsible for securing the rights and clearances for all copyrighted materials included in the film.

Films containing unlicensed or unauthorized content are ineligible.

Non-English films must include both English and Chinese subtitles.

If your film is selected, you must submit the following materials within one week of notification:

Film poster

Film information (synopsis, credits, etc.)

Official trailer

Final screening copy in MP4, Blu-ray or DCP format

All films must be submitted in MP4 format.

Films that promote racism or graphic violence will not be accepted.

Additional Terms

Return of Submitted Materials:
Films may be returned only if the filmmaker provides a prepaid shipping label via FedEx or any preferred carrier. The festival is not responsible for return shipping unless otherwise agreed.

No Obligation for Feedback:
The New York Chinese Cinema Showcase is under no obligation to provide comments, evaluations, or feedback regarding submitted films. The festival shall not be held responsible for any internal discussions or decisions made about the submissions.

Festival Events:
The festival includes an opening ceremony, an award ceremony, and red carpet events. Filmmakers, directors, and cast members may be invited to participate in one-on-one conversations, Q&A sessions, and other promotional activities.

By submitting to the Section, your project will automatically be considered for all applicable awards within this category, submissions are not limited to a single award and will be evaluated across all relevant criteria by the festival's official selection committee.

2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • 嘉豪 杨

    The New York HiCine Film Festival has given me an incredibly unforgettable experience, and I hope it will continue to grow and thrive in the future.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Amy Huang

    I think the festival is valuable, but I think there are some points still need to be improved: The organizing committee of the film festival was lacking in communication and organization. They did not proactively contact us to list and request the necessary materials after selecting the participants. Instead, we reached out and sent the materials without knowing about it. At the venue, the film festival lacked sufficient organizers to coordinate on-site, causing the volunteers to be confused and unable to properly arrange the venue.

    August 2025
    Helpful