The Red Hook Brooklyn Film Festival began as a grassroots effort to create a space for cinema in one of New York’s most storied neighborhoods. Originally launched as the Red Hook Community Cinema Festival, the event was born out of a desire to highlight the creative voices of a rapidly changing city, particularly in Red Hook. What started as a local screening event has now evolved into a vibrant platform that supports underrepresented voices, nurtures local talent, and cultivates community dialogue through film - all while celebrating Red Hook as an amazing place to film and one of NYC’s homes for film industry.
In 2024, the festival leveled up—expanding to a full 10-day lineup hosted at Green Lung Studio. With over 25 films ranging from shorts to features, the program highlighted stories made in, about, or by Red Hook filmmakers. Events included an opening night party with live music, panels of directors and documentary film experts and special presentations of International Cinema. A lively mix of trivia nights, filmmaker Q&As, and neighborhood-based storytelling events reinforced our mission to celebrate cinematic craft while building community connections.
Red Hook has long been home to artists, filmmakers, and creative workers—its waterfront history and cultural resilience shaping generations of storytellers. This festival honors that legacy by curating films that are shot in Red Hook, celebrate Red Hook, or are made by its residents. As we grow, our vision expands to include the entire South Brooklyn region, championing the stories of neighborhoods in flux—stories of migration, resistance, identity, and transformation. The Red Hook Brooklyn Film Festival is a celebration of place, people, and the ever-evolving rhythm of New York City itself.
Red Hook Grand Jury Prize – Feature Film
The festival’s highest honor for an outstanding feature-length narrative or documentary.
Red Hook Grand Jury Prize – Short Film
Awarded to the most compelling short film across all genres.
The Red Hook Award (Best Use of Red Hook in Film)
Celebrates a film that authentically incorporates Red Hook through story, setting, or community involvement.
Best Ensemble Cast Award
Recognizes a film whose cast demonstrates exceptional chemistry and collaborative performance.
Green Lung Studio Independent Award (Cinematic Language & Risk-Taking)
Honors a filmmaker whose work demonstrates bold cinematic vision, innovation in storytelling, or formal experimentation.
Best Dance or Experimental Film
Celebrates outstanding visual exploration in either a dance-based or experimental film.
Audience Choice Award
Chosen by festivalgoers via in-person ballots.
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Amatus-sami Karim
May 2026 -
May 2026
