The Newark International Film Festival is a three day festival that showcases the innovation and breadth of the film industry. Located 15 minutes from New York, Newark IFF maximizes exposure for your film, screenplay or series by drawing film and entertainment leaders from around the world.

Events include:
--screenings at a number of cultural anchor institutions and outdoor screenings;
--stunt exhibitions;
--pitch opportunities and auditions for TV and film;
--acting, directing, producing and crowd funding workshops, and much more.

The festival provides a number of engaging experiences for attendees such as Film premieres, Bob Sumner's comedy showcase, pop-up concerts from hip hop to jazz, house to gospel and more, as well as a televised awards and entertainment showcase and a film scavenger hunt.

The NIFF is the first international film festival hosted in Newark. A main feature of the NIFF is the Hannibal Goodwin Award for Innovation in Filmmaking in homage to Hannibal Goodwin, the inventor celluloid film 1887 in Newark, NJ.

Jury Award -- Best Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Director, Narrative Feature
Jury Award-- Best Screenplay, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Award for Best First Feature
Jury Award -- Best Documentary Feature
Jury Award -- Best Web Series
Jury Award -- Short Film Award
Jury Award -- Top Honor Hannibal Goodwin Award
International Distribution.
Film Equipment.
Over $100,000 in cash and prizes

See full rules and terms on our website at NewarkIFF.com.

All submissions must be submitted via the online system, no exceptions.
All submissions must be received by the deadlines indicated, no exceptions.
All submissions must include the designated deadline fee, no exceptions unless authorized by the Submissions Coordinator or Festival Director.
Submissions which do not include the designated deadline fee may be considered for screening and awards, but not for cash prize categories.
Submissions submitted under student categories may be included in the NewarkIFF Youth Festival.
All submissions must be in English or with English subtitles. Screenplays must be in English.
All submissions must be produced post-January 1, 2019

If accepted to the festival, filmmakers will be notified of the necessary playback format.

General submission information for Narrative Features:
Run Time: 72 minute minimum.
.May NOT be posted online or available for download or purchase on any platform, including but not limited to Netflix, HULU, digital download, or DVD/Blu-ray.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Short Films:
Run Time: 40 minutes or less including credits.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Documentaries:
Run Time: 45 minute minimum.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Web Originals:
Must submit no more than two original episodes of the series for consideration (as one upload).
Running Time: Each episode must be no more than 20 minutes in length.
Episode(s) must be produced post-January 1, 2019 – not web series itself.
Genres accepted: animation, drama, comedy, documentary-style, reality-based, etc.
Genres NOT accepted: extreme violence, degradation of any sort (included but not limited to women, children, religious groups, gender degradation, ethical/racial profiling and/or degradation).

General submission information for Screenplay Competitions:
Submitted scripts must be original screenplays, and the sole property of the applicant(s).
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE IN ENGLISH.
Feature screenplays must be between 65 and 125 pages in length; short screenplays must be between 1 and 49 pages. Absolutely no exceptions.
You may submit a screenplay one time and resubmit that screenplay post analysis; one person/entity may only submit one work.
Screenplay titles cannot be changed upon resubmission under any circumstances.
If a submitted screenplay becomes optioned, produced or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, that screenplay will no longer be eligible.
Screenplays, including but not limited to outlines, treatments, pitches, log lines or any developmental material related to said screenplay, that have previously won any contest, competition, grant, lab, fellowship, mentorship, workshop, deal, reading or award of any kind, are not eligible.

General submission information for Reality TV Competitions:
A pilot episode of a reality-based television must submitted.
All Entries must be in English or have English subtitles.
Running Time: Pilot episode must be no more than 20 minutes in length.
Genres NOT accepted: extreme violence, degradation of any sort (included but not limited to women, children, religious groups, gender degradation, ethical/racial profiling and/or degradation).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Campion

    Hi- I’ve been trying to withdraw my film and get a refund, but nobody is responding to emails. I’ve been emailing since June…

    Update: Film Freeway just had to pull my film and refund my submission fee because this festival didn’t respond to emails. Disgraceful communication with the filmmakers. Disrespectful and unreliable. Avoid.

    Update #2: This response is the first time I’ve heard from the festival since 16th September. I had to ask Film Freeway to withdraw my film because the festival didn’t respond to any of my correspondence.

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hello David, please do not spread false information. Not only were you asked if you wanted your film removed or held over, you were emailed and notified with exact information as to why. The festival was clear and transparent and you chose to withdraw your film and it was. Thank you and we wish you the best.

  • I was looking forward to the festival, but they had to move it online this year. I'm very grateful and pleased that they gave the option of screening my film next year in-person instead. I chose that option because I want to meet other filmmakers in person. Hopefully next year will be a success--we'll see!

    September 2024
  • Hello and don't be tired to the festival managers. You had informed in an email that the festival will not be held in September and you have postponed it to October or November. Has there been a festival where you asked for feedback from the participants?

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Majid, the festival has not been held yet, I would ask that you send an email to kgifford@newarkiff.com and he will be more that glad to discuss with you next steps. All film makers have received emails explaining the logistical issues this year and their options. Please send an email so that it can be further discussed. Thank you

  • i had a lot of fun and enjoyed the event

    April 2024
  • Go Takeuchi

    Thank you for nominating my film. It means so much to me. Thanks a lot!! Wonderful festival!

    August 2023