The New York State International Film Festival is located in the heart of New York, Albany!
Since 2016, we have screened 425 short films from all around the globe.
We have connected filmmakers with their audiences through short films each year, and we'd like to thank everyone for joining us! We continue to aspire to become one of the greatest film festivals in the nation. We are an international short film festival. The festival invites people from all over the Capital Region of New York and all over the world. Everyone is welcome to submit their short films. We support students and first-time filmmakers too. We encourage all types of documentaries, animation, drama, comedy, experimental, music videos and horror short films. Films will be viewed during the festival by the public. We have Q/A Panels throughout the festival. Our greatest goal is to celebrate the art with you and your viewing audience, so it's important that you have fun in the process!

Awards will be given to compliment the following talents:

Best Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Drama
Best Music Video
Best Horror
Best Experimental
Best Animation
Audience Favorite Films

1. All films must be 30 minutes or less.
2. All entries must be in English or subtitled in English.
3. By submitting your film, you agree to allow your film (and the other artistic work) to be screened by the festival, for which you are submitting, at no charge to the festival. With entering your film, you are also giving permission to New York State International Film Festival to use poster, stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the submission for promotional purposes. The NYSIFF might upload your film on YouTube. Your name and information about your project may be used for promotion. We can possibly post the film on our YouTube channel.
4. All fees are non-refundable.
5. Participants are able to submit more than one film, however every submission must complete a separate entry form and pay entry fees for each film.
6. Screenplays will not be returned. Always make sure you have a backup copy of your project.
7.Film can have been made at any time.
8.The Festival reserves the right to make any necessary changes in regulations or scheduling.
9. The Festival reserves the right to shut the festival at any time without any notifications.
10. All submitted films are non-refundable.
11.NYSIFF is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work.
12. After NYSIFF decides on the screening of your film, notification of acceptance will be sent out via email or notified by phone.
13. NYSIFF reserves the right to show all films accepted into the festival at another time following the festival as part of our ''If you missed it'' screening or/and other special screenings during the year.
14. All ages, races, religions are eligible to enter the competition, provided that entry does not violate any laws in your jurisdiction.
15.The decisions of the judges are final.
16.If you still have a question that hasn’t been covered here, please send us an email to: nysifilmfest@gmail.com

**Rules & Terms are subject to change without notice.**

GENERAL AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATIONS
I have read and accept the Rules and regulations of New York State International Film Festival. I certify that I hold necessary rights for the presentation of this film in NYSIFF 2024 and that all rights and permissions have been made. This film is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation. By accepting these conditions, I transfer to NYSIFF 2024 the right to use excerpts of the submitted film, its stills, and trailers, for the purposes of publicity and marketing of the film at the various social networks and on the website of the festival to the promotion of the festival. The NYSIFF has right use your film on YouTube in festival's official channel. They might upload my film on YouTube and share with public after screening is completed in festival. Our YouTube channel might help you to promote your film and reach more audiences. I hereby agree to indemnify NYSIFF, in the event that such rights have not been properly transferred.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Samuel Crow

    What a terrific festival! A great selection of thoughtful, well-made films, a top-shelf venue, great attention to each filmmaker in the Q&As and otherwise, large crowds, and great hospitality. Thanks so much for having me!

    October 2023
  • Paul McGreevy

    Having my film screened at the NYSIFF was a wonderful experience that I would recommend to any filmmaker. The staff were welcoming, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the films showcased were truly special. To top it all off, each filmmaker had the opportunity to answer audience questions after their film was screened. Do not miss this festival!

    October 2023
  • The NYSIFF is a gem of a festival, in beautiful Albany, at a gorgeous time of year. We had a great time screening Billy Boy, and loved the chance to meet the other filmmakers and many great members of the upstate NY filmmaking community!

    October 2023
  • Francesco Cordaro

    Neko and all the volunteers at the NYSIFF were amazing! Great venue, wonderful energy. Great program with wonderful thoughtful Q+As after every film. Honored to be apart of theis wonderful event. and Thankful to have won Best Horror Film 2023!

    October 2023
  • Ela Acur

    It was a pleasure to be a part of NYSIFF! it is a fantastic festival to network and watch a great selection of films! Really enjoyed it!

    September 2023