Join us for the inaugural Reel New York Film Festival, a vibrant celebration of independent cinema that's main focus is to showcase the creativity of filmmakers across the globe. Set against the iconic backdrop of New York City, this festival is dedicated to supporting and promoting independent voices in film.

The Reel New York Film Festival aims to create a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their unique stories, foster connections, and engage with audiences. In addition to screenings, the festival will feature panels discussions, workshops, and networking events designed to empower filmmakers and provide valuable insight into the industry.

The Reel New York Film Festival was founded by filmmakers, for filmmakers. We recognize the vital role of constructive criticism in the creative process. Every film submitted will receive thoughtful feedback designed to support filmmakers in their growth and development. While we have a designated notification date, our aim is to inform filmmakers as early as possible. This allows us to start promoting their work ahead of the festival through social media, websites, recorded interviews, and more.

Awards & Prizes

Best in each category, Best actor, Best Supporting actor, Best director, and Best of Festival.
Each category will receive a personalized trophy. Best of festival will receive a prize amount of $1,000

Rules & Terms

Reelnyfest Rules and Regs

1. Reelnyfest accepts submissions for feature films, short films narratives, documentaries, pilots and one episode from a series.

2. All films submitted must have been completed on or after January 1, 2014.

3. All films must be submitted with an online screener

4. All feature submissions must be between 40-130 minutes in length.

5. All short film submissions must be under 40 minutes in length.

6. There is no premiere requirement

7. ALL SUBMISSION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

8. All Submission media completed forms, and submission fees must be received by specified First, Deadline, Early Deadline, Regular Deadline, Late Deadline, Extended Deadline and no later that Final Deadline for each festival season.

9. All films and videos in a language other than English "MUST BE SUBTITLED" for the festival

10. SCREENING REQUIREMENTS: If your film is selected for exhibitIon, please be advised that we will require AT LEAST MP4 1920 X 1080

11. LEGAL (By submitting you are agreeing to the following)

A. The Feature, Short, or Other Media I am submitting as my entry is not subject to any litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;

B. I am duly authorized to submit this Production to the Reelnyfest. I hold Reelnyfest harmless from any damage to the print(s) or tape(s) or media en route or otherwise during the course of the Festival;

C. I hold Reelnyfest harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry;

D. I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the Production; I give permission for Reelnyfest to use excerpts of up to three minutes of the Production for promotional purposes;

E. I give permission for Reelnyfest to use stills, titles, copy, and/or information from the Production for promotional purposes;

F. I give permission for Reelnyfest to screen the Production at Reelnyfest event as well as at ancillary Festival presentations, programs, and/or events;

G. I own or have authorization to all necessary copyrights and licenses; (If requested) I will be able to provide model/actor release verification as well as provide music, product and other copyright licensing verification. As the Submitter/Producer, I agree to take on all copyright liability in regard to submitted film.

H. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into Reelnyfest.

I. No award will be given if there are no nominations for a category.

J. All awards are selected by the President and the judges.