Located just a short hop from the heart of New York City, Newark is the perfect hub for filmmakers looking to share their stories and connect with an eager, creative community. Whether you're an up-and-coming director or a seasoned filmmaker, the Newark Film Festival is designed to be an accessible and inspiring platform for all voices.

At the festival, you’ll have the chance to showcase your film to an enthusiastic audience eager to experience fresh, diverse narratives. From dramatic shorts to thought-provoking documentaries, animations, and experimental works, we embrace all genres. This is your opportunity to see your film come to life on the big screen while receiving valuable feedback and building connections that could shape your next project.

But it’s not just about the screenings. At Newark, we focus on building a vibrant filmmaking community. You’ll be able to engage in intimate networking events, attend insightful panel discussions, and hear from industry experts—all while exploring the endless inspiration that Newark and the nearby creative energy of New York have to offer.

It’s more than a film festival; it’s a chance to grow, connect, and be part of something bigger. Whether you're here to showcase your work or find your next creative partner, Newark Film Festival is where storytelling gets real.

Awards & Prizes

Best Film Award
Best Local Film Award
Best Documentary Award
Best Animation Award
Best Experimental Film Award
Best Student Film Award
Best Cinematography Award
Best Editing Award
Best Director Award
Best Screenplay Award
Audience Choice Award
Best Sound Design Award
Best Production Design Award

...

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

Completion Date: Films must have been completed within the last three years.

Genres Accepted: We welcome all types of films, including but not limited to:
-Narrative Films: Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Romance, etc.
-Documentary Films: Social, political, cultural, nature, and personal stories.
-Animated Films: Traditional, stop-motion, digital animation, etc.
-Experimental Films: Films that push creative boundaries and challenge the norm.

Language: Films in languages other than English must have English subtitles.

2. Film Categories

Submit your film in the correct category based on its length:
-Short Films: Films 45 minutes or shorter.
-Feature Films: Films 45 minutes or longer.

Please ensure that you choose the appropriate category according to your film's runtime.

3. Submission Requirements

Film Format: Only digital submissions are accepted in the following formats:
-MP4, MOV, or AVI (preferred).
-We recommend submitting films in high resolution (HD or higher).

Completed Films: All films must be complete at the time of submission. No rough cuts or unfinished films will be considered.

4. Rights & Permissions

Film Rights: You must have the necessary rights to all content in your film, including music, images, and any third-party materials.

Publicity: By submitting, you grant the Newark Film Festival permission to use clips or stills from your film for promotional purposes.

5. Submission Process

FilmFreeway: All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway. Please follow the submission instructions carefully.

6. Multiple Submissions

You can submit multiple films to different categories or the same category, but each submission requires a separate entry.

7. Screening Format

All selected films will be screened in digital format during the festival.

8. Notification

You will be notified of your submission status by email. Please keep an eye on your inbox for important updates.