Hello filmmakers,

We were so happy to again hold an in-person festival in 2022 and look forward to 2023 again in person with a virtual program afterward.

NBPTDocuFest Team

The Newburyport Documentary Film Festival (NDFF) is held every September in a charming seaport village 40 minutes north of Boston. For 18 years we have been committed to bringing the highest caliber documentary films to our community. In addition to screenings all weekend at two historic venues, we also hold filmmaker receptions, after-parties, panel discussions, Q&As and workshops. Most of the filmmakers attend and our audience loves to meet them! We provide two nights lodging at a local B&B and go out of our way to keep you well-fed. Films will also be available in a virtual format to extend our geographic reach. For more information, visit our website www.nbptdocufest.org.

NDFF has six awards:
-Best Feature
-Best Short
-Best New England film (either the crew has ties to New England or the subject matter is related to New England)
-Best First Time Filmmaker
-David Kleiler Cinephile Award
-Audience Award (audience-selected)
While we are unable to provide financial prizes, the bragging rights are priceless!

The filmmaker has read and understood the rules and regulations and to the best of their knowledge, all statements are true. The filmmaker is duly authorized to submit this film to the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival.
- Upon submission, the filmmaker consents to allowing their screener material to be shared in its entirety with appropriate Newburyport Documentary Film Festival staff, including programming staff, volunteer screeners, and other appropriate members of staff; shared with press outlets in efforts to secure press for the film; with final jury members; and with select individuals representing community partners who may be interested in supporting the film’s screening or taking part in a panel or Q&A associated with the film.
-The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize image(s) and/or biographical information of the filmmakers for promotional purposes. The festival reserves the right to fill in any information not supplied by the filmmaker from whatever source available and will not be responsible if incorrect information is entered.
- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to secure authorization for any copyrighted material that may be used in the film. The filmmaker shall indemnify and hold harmless Newburyport Documentary Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
- Films should be completed no earlier than October 1, 2021
- By submitting, the filmmaker expressly acknowledges and agrees that they shall be bound by the terms of this agreement.
-If your film is accepted, you'll be asked to provide digital press materials that include a short 30 word synopsis, filmmaker credits, high resolution digital photos and a trailer.
-The screening format and all technical requirements will be shared in the acceptance letter sent to those filmmakers whose films have been selected.
-Foreign language films must be made available with English subtitles.
-For international submissions outside the U.S., filmmakers must write on the package: "NO commercial value - for cultural purposes only."
NDFF is not responsible for customs fees and other charges.
-Submitters of accepted films agree to pay for shipping the exhibition copy of their film to NDFF to arrive to the festival by the date requested by the technical team, usually three weeks prior to the festival. NDFF covers return shipping of accepted films' exhibition copies and backup materials only. NDFF does not return marketing materials such as posters or postcards after the conclusion of the festival.
-All entry fees paid are non-refundable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bradley Berman

    Newburyport is a wonderful festival! The town is full of smart, engaged people who love documentaries. It's such a cute place and everything is walkable. The screening spaces are excellent, and everybody at the festival is incredibly supportive. What else could a documentary filmmaker want in a festival? The experiences I had at the 2022 festival are exactly why I wanted to make films--to share non-fiction stories with audiences who care and to meet other doc filmmakers. I'll be at the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival every chance I get. It's a gem!

    September 2022
  • Barry Rosenthal

    I cannot find anything online about the festival this past weekend...what's up?

    September 2022
  • Yunhong Pu

    That was a wonderful experience!
    As a first-time filmmaker, I felt hugely supported and welcomed. They treat the filmmakers so well and the town is very lovely and inviting!
    Thank you!

    September 2022
  • Aynsley Floyd

    This festival was a joy. It is extremely well planned and organized, and the staff and volunteers are communicative and warm. Great audience participation and enthusiasm. Highly recommend!

    September 2022
  • Daniel Maurer

    It was a very good experience for me having my movie "And outside life goes on" at this very well organised and very nice festival! A very human & enthousiasic ambience. Thanks again for the special mention & all the best for the future!

    September 2022