Independent filmmaking has always been there and it's not to be forgotten! Welcome to the bi-monthly IMDb qualifying competition of NY Independent Cinema Awards! We are dedicated to independent filmmaking and indie artists! We believe in the power of independent filmmaking as an artform. Members of the jury are selected from award winning film directors, producers, actors, critics and artists from New York, Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles and all over the world. The festival is a creative event which stands with all the artists involved in film and script projects. Our festival is dedicated to the discovery and promotion of independent U.S. and international projects.

U.S. Narrative Short
International Narrative Feature
International Narrative Short
U.S. Documentary Feature
U.S Documentary Short
International Documentary Feature
International Documentary Short
Best Script
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Cinematographer
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Composer
Best Editor
Best Animation
Best Comedy
Best Experimental
Best Science Fiction
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Trailer
Best Student Film
Best TV Series-Web-Pilot

We consider films regardless of their completion date. You can submit any film no matter when it was made.
Award winners of each edition can request for certificates, laurels and screening through NY Arts & Cinema.
Shorts must be less than 50 minutes.
Films over 50 minutes should submit to the feature category.
New York Independent Cinema Awards can use trailer/teaser/film poster for promotional purpose.
Any submitter who is disrespectful toward other artists and the festival, will be disqualified from the festival at any stage of the contest upon the decision of the team.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
You own all the rights to the film project.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Deborah Kurtz

    It was exciting to see my first short film selected in the New York Festival. Thank you 🙏 sincerely

    March 2024
  • Such a blessing to be part of this wonderful festival. Gives me hope, gives me joy, gives me thrills!!

    March 2024
  • Joseph Polito

    I greatly appreciate my screenplay, The Persistence Of Amazing Grace being nominated to compete in your NYICA competition!

    March 2024
  • I was honoured that my film Routine was nominated to this amazing festival! Very greatful for the opportunity and the acknowledgment the festival gave internationaly to our film! Thanks for all support.

    March 2024
  • So grateful to have our film chosen and become a Nominee at your festival.! Very profession and great communication.

    December 2023