The New York-Istanbul Short Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing emerging talent from around the globe.

At NISFF, we embrace independent projects across all genres, with a special focus on films that have been traditionally underrepresented in the global cinematic landscape.

Committed to maintaining the utmost quality for our film aficionados, an academic jury meticulously evaluates every submission each season.

**Note:** The New York-Istanbul Short Film Festival is proud to be IMDb accredited!

🎬 FILM AWARDS 🎬

🏆 Best Short Film
🏆 Best Feature Film
🏆 Best Animation Film
⭐ Newly Added Category
🏆 Best Thriller Short Film
🏆 Best Comedy Film
⭐ Newly Added Category
🏆 Best Documentary Short Film
🏆 Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Film
🏆 Best Drama Short Film
🏆 Best Documentary Feature Film
🏆 Best Ultra Short Film
⭐ Newly Added Category
🏆 Best Experimental Film
⭐ Newly Added Category

🎥 CAST & CREW AWARDS 🎥

🏅 Best Director
🏅 Female Director Award
🏅 Best Lead Actor
🏅 Best Lead Actress
🏅 Best Cinematography
🏅 Best Editing
🏅 Best Original Score
🏅 Best Low Budget Film
🏅 Best Poster Design
🏅 Best Sound Design
🏅 Best Visual Effects

🌟 SPECIAL NOTES 🌟

Award winners will receive an Award Certificate and an Official Statue. (Official Statues cost $179, which includes delivery within the USA and Turkey.)
Filmmaker Meet and Greets are available, subject to pandemic guidelines.
All chosen projects advance to final evaluations. Nominated films will be graced with Selection Laurels, accessible on our website and FilmFreeway.com.

NYC - IST | New York Istanbul Short Film Festival (NISFF)

The NISFF is an inclusive film festival open to all: organizations, producers, agencies, independents, and directors.

Festival Agreement:
By sending movies to the NISFF, participants confirm that they:

Understand and adhere to all the rules, conditions, guidelines, and disclaimers related to the festival.
Grant the festival rights to use and/or publish films and related materials for promotional purposes, including on the festival's website, digital and printed event programs.
Acknowledge that any commercial or private property, trademarks, or copyrighted materials shown or recorded are their responsibility.
NISFF retains the right to amend regulations or festival scheduling as required.

Submission Guidelines:

All submissions and payments must align with the deadline dates on the FilmFreeway platform.
Films submitted should be produced post-2015.
Non-English films must have English subtitles.
Short films can be up to 40 minutes, and feature films up to 160 minutes.
Entry fees are paid via FilmFreeway and are non-refundable.
Submissions are accepted digitally or via YouTube/Vimeo link. Remember to provide passwords.
Films must be HD-ready.
Selected films' announcements follow the FilmFreeway's notification date. Provide required screening files at least a week before the festival.
The winners' announcement will follow the official date on the platform.
The jury's decisions are final.
Participants are responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and rights.
Review NISFF Guidelines, Terms and Conditions, Disclaimer, and Rights before submission.
The jury reserves the right to select winners irrespective of category specifics.
Films with explicit adult content will be disqualified.
Non-selected films won't receive notifications.
NISFF may revise the Rules; winners will be announced on the festival website.
Films categories may be altered post-acceptance.
Winners of Best Short Film & Best Feature Film will be streamed on NISFF's YouTube channel. Award ceremonies will be held in Turkey, pandemic permitting.
Submission Method:
Filmmakers can submit online via our festival partners or use the film form on the festival website.

Copyrights:
The submitting entity must have all rights and bear content responsibility. Films will be posted online only with express consent; otherwise, only trailers or posters will be displayed.

Disclaimer:
Applicants must understand the festival's rules and regulations. They should either have or acquire the necessary permissions to enter the film into NISFF. Festival winners may receive an official winners' plaque.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting my film "Zindagi Ek Kashmakas" at this prestigious Film Festival. Your acknowledgment means a great deal to me, and I deeply appreciate the support.

    December 2023
  • 中国成都 捷森文化

    Hello, I haven't received the award certificate! 76543556@qq.com

    December 2023
  • Thank you for selecting our documentary movie The Victims of Sundarbans as an Award Winner 🏆

    November 2023
  • Calvin Oyula

    A wonderful festival! Looking forward for next round. Thank you for the Official Selection of my film WHEN IT RAINS.

    November 2023
  • Extremely honored my ultra short film CONNECT received an award, and my one-minute film PERFECTION was selected. Thanks so much to all producing artists making this festival happen.

    November 2023