"At NewFest, an LGBTQ film festival becomes a form of resistance" --Entertainment Weekly

Submissions for NewFest's 37th edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (October 9 - 21, 2025) are now open.

To see event listings for our year-round programming and receive updates on the festival, please visit our website, sign up for our mailing list, and follow us on social media. We look forward to hearing your story!

As part of NewFest’s Black Filmmakers Initiative, NewFest waives festival submission fees for Black filmmakers with LGBTQ+ stories centering Black characters and perspectives. To request a waiver code once submissions are open, please email submissions@newfest.org with information on your completed and eligible project.

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Founded in 1988, The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is one of the world's largest and most respected annual celebrations of the year’s best queer films from the U.S. and abroad--featuring nearly 150 films from more than 30 countries, as well as special events that bring together filmmakers, celebrities, movie lovers, industry professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community.

NewFest will celebrate its 37th annual edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October 2025--throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and virtually nationwide--with nearly two weeks of premieres, panels, and parties. NewFest's collection of narratives, documentaries, shorts programs, and special events showcases the best in LGBTQ+ film and media.

NewFest is distinctive among LGBTQ+ film festivals for its high-quality programming, outstanding press coverage, community engagement, savvy audiences, and sensational parties. The festival’s impact in terms of propelling the work and careers of emerging filmmakers is historic and global, and uniquely channels the collaborative creative energy of New York City to celebrate queer films.

The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is produced annually by NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization. NewFest gives voice and visibility to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences by championing films, supporting storytellers, and engaging audiences in order to inspire dialogue, shift cultural bias and empower our community.

Awards & Prizes

GRAND JURY AWARDS
Grand Jury Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature
Grand Jury Award for Best International Narrative Feature
Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary/Nonfiction Feature
Grand Jury Award for Best New York Short Film

AUDIENCE AWARDS
Audience Award for Documentary/Nonfiction Feature
Audience Award for Narrative Feature
Audience Award for Documentary/Nonfiction Short
Audience Award for Narrative Short

BLACK FILMMAKER INITIATIVE AWARDS
Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award(s)

Rules & Terms

Films should be inclusive of--and of interest to--the LGBTQ+ community. We are seeking narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films (both features and shorts) in 35mm, 16mm, or DCP (upon acceptance, NewFest will provide projection options for the specific venue in which the film will screen—IF THE FILMMAKER CANNOT PROVIDE THE CORRECT PROJECTION FORMAT, THE FILM WILL NOT BE SCREENED).

Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for submission if the completed film will be ready for QC by September 12th, 2025. Please label the screener “Rough Cut” and specify what is missing (i.e. temp sound, needs color correction, etc).

By submitting your work to NewFest, you grant to NewFest a non-exclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only.

Still photos from your work are requested with your submission and are required for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for short films. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating still. Stills must be in TIFF or JPEG format and 300dpi (dots per inch).

You are also encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, press information, and other collateral regarding your film.

For feature-length films, we typically request at minimum the New York City Premiere. Should you have any questions about premiere status and potential early decisions, please email us at submissions@newfest.org.

CERTIFICATION
I have read and agree to the festival submission and participation requirements and certify that I am authorized to submit this film NewFest. I hold NewFest harmless from damage to or loss of the print en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.
35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Festival Formula

    A stellar queer festival in NY! Thoughtful and impactful programming is the key here. We were thrilled to have our client LOVIN' HER screen in 2024.

    November 2024
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  • Sohrob Nayebaziz

    Premiering HOT SEAT at NewFest was a dream -- a warm, knowledgeable staff, meticulous programming, and an inspiring community of filmmakers and film lovers

    November 2024
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  • Charlie Tidmas

    What a fantastic festival. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it across the pond, but the communication from the team was next level and we really felt involved all the way through. Great vibes, great people, really grateful for the selection!

    November 2024
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  • Sydne Horton

    My Saturday Ritual team and I had such an affirming and championing experience with NewFest. It was clear that the programmers, festival staff, and volunteers genuinely cared about making NewFest36 one to remember and they ensured filmmakers were able to grow and foster their connections with each other throughout the festival. The communication before, during, and after the festival was also TOP NOTCH. Thank you Newfest <3 We saw so many incredible films, celebrated our queerness, and made a new goal to attend NewFest for years to come!!

    October 2024
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  • Heroic Impact

    Newfest was an absolutely outstanding festival! The dedication of the programmers, staff, and volunteers to the filmmakers and our experiences was truly amazing. Extremely Unique Dynamic had an incredible New York premiere at the Nitehawk in Brooklyn, and we owe it all to Newfest. The programming was exceptional, and the countless opportunities to connect with fellow filmmakers were invaluable. Thank you Newfest for treating us so well and being so welcoming. We love you!

    October 2024
    Helpful