🎬✨ Save the Date – A Cinematic Experience Like No Other! 🌟📽️

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of film as the Syracuse International Film Festival (SIFF) presents its highly anticipated New Filmmakers Showcase in October 2025—now integrated into our main festival lineup! This exciting change brings even more opportunities to discover fresh talent, innovative storytelling, and cutting-edge filmmaking, all within the vibrant heart of Syracuse, NY.

SIFF is not just about showcasing extraordinary films from around the world; it's about creating a dynamic platform where filmmakers, especially emerging voices, can connect, grow, and share their craft. By elevating local talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema, we aim to inspire future generations and educate youth about the transformative power of film across borders and disciplines.

Our main festival program is carefully curated to feature a diverse range of genres, from Narrative and Animation to Experimental films and Music Videos. With Music Videos, we are particularly focused on showcasing those that push the boundaries of creativity, offering an exciting fusion of music, imagery, and innovation. Each entry will be celebrated for its bold, visual storytelling and artistic merit, promising a truly exhilarating experience for audiences.

As we prepare for the return of SIFF, we invite you to mark your calendars and be part of this incredible journey. Stay tuned for the official date announcement for the New Filmmakers Showcase—an event you won't want to miss!

For more information on festival details or inquiries about the 2025 edition, feel free to reach out to Festival President Michelle DiBernardo at Michelle@SyrFilm.com or visit our official website: www.SyracuseFilmFestival.com.

🎥🎉 #SIFF2025 #NewFilmmakersShowcase #SyracuseFilmFestival #FilmLoversUnite

Let’s come together to celebrate the magic of storytelling through film! 🌟

Awards & Prizes

🎬 Exciting News for Emerging Filmmakers! 🌟

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that all Official Selections of the New Filmmakers Showcase will receive SIFF laurels—a prestigious symbol of recognition for their incredible work! But that’s not all… thanks to our generous sponsors and grant partners, exciting prizes will be awarded to select films, with details to be revealed soon!

This is an amazing opportunity to shine on the global stage and receive the recognition you deserve. The New Filmmakers Showcase continues to be a platform that celebrates creativity, innovation, and storytelling from up-and-coming filmmakers.

🚀 Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to support and uplift the voices of independent filmmakers everywhere.

🎥🎉 #NewFilmmakersShowcase #SIFF #FilmmakersAcademy #SupportIndieFilm #FilmCommunity

Rules & Terms

🎬 Syracuse International Film Festival (SIFF) Submission Guidelines 🌟

Thank you for considering SIFF as the platform to showcase your cinematic masterpiece. We are excited to celebrate the artistry and innovation of filmmakers from all walks of life. To ensure a smooth submission process and maintain the integrity of our festival, please adhere to the following rules and terms:

Submission Platform

All films must be submitted exclusively through FilmFreeway for consideration.

Eligibility Criteria

"Syracuse University New Filmmakers' Showcase" Category:
Open to current students enrolled at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2024.

"New Filmmakers International" Category:
Open to ALL students from around the world. Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2024.

Multiple Submissions:

Filmmakers are encouraged to submit films to more than one category if applicable.

Language Requirements

All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time of submission.

Submission Fees

Fees will increase incrementally as we approach the final deadline for the "New Filmmakers International" category. Please submit early to save!

Online Viewing

We require a link to your film for review purposes (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, or other streaming platforms).
Hard copies or downloadable files will not be considered for initial review.
If your film is selected for screening, we will request a high-quality, downloadable copy for festival presentation.

Rights and Permissions

Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for any third-party materials (music, footage, etc.) included in their films.
SIFF disclaims liability for any rights violations in the submitted work.

Originality

Films must be original works of the applicants. If the film is based on another person’s life or work, the necessary rights must be secured.
Submission of adaptation rights agreements is not required at the time of submission.

Student Verification

Students must provide verification of their student status. Please submit a photo of your valid university ID to Michelle@syrfilm.com to accompany your submission.

Promotional Use

SIFF reserves the right to use stills, posters, and descriptions of your film for promotional purposes (on our website, social media, and in festival materials).

Screening and Distribution

Selected films may be screened online for a limited term of two weeks on our website, SyrFilm.com, in January 2025.
Additional screening opportunities may be offered by SIFF at our discretion.

Additional Charges

SIFF does not pay additional charges for originals, masters, or special prints.

Mandatory Materials

Poster: A high-quality film poster is required for submission. This is a key part of your film's presentation to the festival.
Trailer: A film trailer (if available) is required for submission. This helps us present your work in the best light and engage potential audiences.

Thank You!

We’re excited to view your work and celebrate the magic of storytelling through cinema at SIFF 2025! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

For further details, visit our website at www.SyracuseFilmFestival.com.

🎥🎉 #SIFF #FilmFestival #SubmissionGuidelines #NewFilmmakersShowcase
2 Reviews
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  • Peam Patrathiranond

    On October 1st, Filmfreeway notified me that my festival had been selected, and a download request was sent to which I approved. I did not receive any other information from the organizers regarding details about my screening and if it was even happening. I've since emailed them asking for updates, and did not hear back.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Gabriel Ponte-Fleary

    As a Deaf filmmaker with 2 films screening on this festival I was disappointed on not being able to attend due to the lack of accessibility, as soon as I heard I was accepted to this festival I got excited to represent RIT and the Deaf community and right away I did contact them regarding my needs for access (ASL interpreter) and even I did offer my help and guidance on the topic more than once.

    3 days away from the festival I got this response "Unfortunately we do not have the budget. I have reached out to multiple organizations and have not received a response. Definitely something I would like to look more into for the future." Which I was surprised since I offered my help and this festival is called Syracuse University's New Filmmakers Showcase and according to Syracuse University’s website Accessible Syracuse “Syracuse University is an inclusive community. We aspire to provide an equitable experience for all, including individuals with disabilities.”

    I appreciate the willingness to "look more into the future" and I hope the festival really does, but the present is now and the opportunity to watch both of my films in the same festival for the first time and for networking with other filmmakers was gone.

    The National Association of the Deaf (“NAD”) seeks to ensure that all hosts of events, such as festivals and concerts, understand their legal obligations with respect to serving deaf and hard of hearing attendees. The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) has clear mandates requiring such places to provide effective communication to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Hosts who violate such provisions are subject to legal action and have been the focus of litigation by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”), as was the case in United States v. Sledge,
    Inc.. Settlement Agreement, United States v. Sledge, Inc. (2015), No. 202-35-116.

    November 2023
    Helpful