The 2024 New Bedford Film Festival wrapped its inaugural year in a triumphant bow. Audience reveled in a diverse film selection, sparking lively discussion and fostering connections between filmmakers and movie lovers.
Historic New Bedford transformed into a celebration of cinematic storytelling infusing within the city's vibrant art scene. NBFF's success paves the way for an even grander event in 2025.
Join us in the South Coast for another year of cinematic magic.
Submissions Open: September 1, 2025
Note: If you are a New Bedford resident who wants to submit under the NB Resident Film category, please send an e-mail with a photo of your license to newbedordfilmfest@gmail.com with your title in the subject line to qualify. We will provide you with a password to submit to this category.
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The New Bedford Film Festival showcases authentic and powerful cinematic stories, while also cultivating emerging storytellers and promoting the city's growing creative economy.
Taking place in the vibrant South Coast region of Massachusetts, this annual festival is committed to showcasing a diverse range of human experiences through various formats including short and feature films, student shorts, music videos, episodic, documentary shorts, and PSA shorts.
With venues including the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Steeple Playhouse, Gallery X, and the New Bedford Library, the festival offers simultaneous screenings and ample space for networking and panel discussions. Each evening, attendees are invited to network and celebrate the filmmakers, with different awards being presented.
The opening night event will be held at the prestigious New Bedford Whaling Museum Theater, where technical award winners will be recognized during the festivities and the closing Academy-award style ceremony at Steeple Playhouse will award talent as well as top award for each category.
Throughout the day, festival goers are encouraged to explore the downtown area and take advantage of special promotions offered by local small businesses when presenting their official NBFF badge.
NOTIFICATION DATE: FEBRUARY 13, 2025
NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT: MARCH 15, 2025
FEATURE FILM
Best Feature Film
Best Actress in a Feature Film
Best Actor in a Feature Film
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
SHORT FILM
Best Short Film
Best Actress in a Short Film
Best Actor in a Short Film
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
TV SERIES
Best TV Series
Best Actress in a TV Series
Best Actor in a TV Series
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
STUDENT SHORT
Best Student Short Film
Best Student Director
DOCUMENTARY
Best Documentary Short
Best Subject of a Documentary Short
Best Voiceover Performance in a Documentary or PSA
ANIMATED FILM
Best Animated Short Film
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Best PSA
MUSIC VIDEO
Best Music Video
Best Song for a Music Video
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Ensemble in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Youth Performer in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
TECHNICAL AWARDS
Best Original Song in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Wardrobe
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
*Please note some categories may be added/updated and may be shifted as to what is presented as we get closer to the award on April 13.