The New York Independent Women Film Festival is a live event dedicated to discovering, supporting, and promoting independent women filmmakers or films centered around women's experiences. The festival provides a global stage for short films and feature films, celebrating the creativity and vision of female directors, writers, actors, and cinematographers. With awards in various categories, the festival recognizes exceptional achievements in directing, acting, writing, cinematography, and more. Each selected film is offered the opportunity to be showcased to a broad audience, including film critics, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers, all while highlighting the diverse voices of women in the film industry.

Awards & Prizes

1: Narrative Short Films
A curated selection of compelling short-form stories that spotlight women’s lives, struggles, and triumphs. These films explore diverse perspectives and voices, capturing the essence of female characters through powerful storytelling in a condensed format.

2: Narrative Feature Films
A showcase of feature-length films that delve into the intricate and dynamic experiences of women. These narratives, created by both women and men, offer profound insights into female characters and the worlds they navigate.

3: Documentary Short Films
Engaging short documentaries that bring to light the real-life stories of women from around the world. These films examine social, cultural, and personal issues, shedding light on untold stories and lived experiences.

4: Documentary Feature Films
In-depth, feature-length documentaries that explore the multifaceted realities of women’s lives. From intimate personal journeys to global movements, these films challenge perceptions and inspire change.

5: Experimental Films
Innovative and boundary-pushing works that use avant-garde techniques to explore the female experience. These films, both abstract and unconventional, invite audiences to reimagine women’s stories through a fresh artistic lens.

6: Animated Films
A vibrant collection of animated works that highlight women’s narratives, creativity, and perspectives. Through the art of animation, these films bring unique and imaginative stories to life.

7: Student Films
Emerging voices from film students who are redefining the portrayal of women in cinema. These works capture the creativity and vision of a new generation of storytellers.

8: Local Spotlights
A celebration of regional talent that focuses on the women of the festival's local community. These films offer a closer look at the unique stories, cultures, and experiences of women from the area.

Rules & Terms

Regulations:
To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants, the following regulations apply to submissions for the New York Independent Women Film Festival.

Eligibility:
The festival is open to women filmmakers from all countries or films made about women. Films can be in any language, but those not in English must include English subtitles to ensure accessibility for a global audience.

Entry Fees:
There is a nominal entry fee for submissions to support the festival’s operational costs.

Film Categories:
We accept both short films (under 40 minutes) and feature films (over 40 minutes). The festival is open to narrative, documentary, animated, experimental, and student films.

Submission Deadlines:
Films must be submitted by the specified deadlines to be considered for the current year’s festival. Late submissions will not be accepted unless under exceptional circumstances and approved by the festival committee.

Format:
Submissions must be made digitally through our official submission platform. We do not accept physical copies of films. Accepted formats include MP4 and MOV.

Originality:
All submissions must be original works. Filmmakers must have the necessary rights and permissions for the content in their films, including music, images, and other copyrighted materials.

Screening Rights:
By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the Flickers New York Independent Women Film Festival the rights to screen the film online during the festival period and use clips, stills, and promotional materials for marketing and publicity purposes.

Judging Process:
Films will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and filmmakers. All decisions by the jury are final.