ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Be a part of the first annual Sea Cliff Film Festival, June 12-14, 2026. The Festival will consider entries of all genres from shorts to full-length features.

Perched atop dramatic steep bluffs above the Long Island Sound, the Village of Sea Cliff has all the charm and heart of a small town, with the convenience of being just an hour outside Manhattan.

Sponsored by the Sea Cliff Arts Council, the Sea Cliff Film Festival will showcase outstanding and meaningful narrative and documentary films that challenge and inspire us – films that make a difference.

As the media landscape further constricts, we believe that an ecosystem of vibrant local film festivals will become increasingly important in supporting artists and audiences that value fearless, authentic, and original storytelling.

We are particularly interested in films that engage with the idea of community. What deepens our bonds to each other, and what threatens those bonds? What role can film play in building community and expanding our understanding of who is part of our community?

The festival aims to curate a weekend of films that inspire rich and lively conversations that continue while sharing a coffee on Main Street, a sunset stroll by the shore, or an IPA at the corner bar.

ABOUT SEA CLIFF

Sea Cliff, a one-square-mile village on Long Island’s North Shore, is packed with charm—think colorful Victorian homes, quirky cafes, and some of the best views of Hempstead Harbor. It’s an artsy, tight-knit community with a laid-back vibe.

Incorporated in 1883, Sea Cliff, NY, began in the 1870s as a Methodist summer campground before evolving into a popular Victorian-era resort on the Long Island Sound. Known for its steep bluffs and distinct artistic, bohemian character, the village retains many historic homes, offering a unique, walkable community with a rich history of maritime and seasonal tourism.

Today, Sea Cliff is a town that celebrates art, music, and the spirit of community.
Events like the annual Porchfest Music Festival and MiniMart Art Festival draw participants and large audiences from across the region.

DEADLINES

• In order to be eligible to screen at the 2026 Sea Cliff Film Festival, a film must be submitted by the Final Deadline (April 30, 2026). Exhibition copies of accepted films must be received no later than June 1, 2026.

• Accepted filmmakers will be notified on a rolling basis. All filmmakers will be notified no later than the Notification Date (May 15, 2026).

• For further information, please contact seaclifffilmfestival@gmail.com.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By submitting a film to the Sea Cliff Film Festival, you understand and agree to the following:

• I have the legal right to represent and to submit this film for screening to Sea Cliff Film Festival ("SCFF") and to the best of my knowledge, all statements on this document are true;

• There is no action, suit, claim or proceeding pending, affecting or, to the best of my knowledge, threatened against this film or its producers in connection with this film;

• Music and any other third party material clearances and all copyright clearances are my sole responsibility. SCFF will not be held responsible for any legal disputes regarding the exhibition of this film. Noncompliance may affect, delay, and/or disqualify my entry;

• I hereby grant SCFF the right to screen this film at the Festival;

• I understand and agree that my film entry may be used for promotional purposes for SCFF and/or its partners; and I grant SCFF and its partners the rights to use footage (not to exceed 5 minutes), stills and/or titles and information from the film for such promotional purposes;

• I fully indemnify and hold SCFF and each of its respective officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, contractors, sponsors, licensees and assigns harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses in connection with my film, including:

• Reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses of defense arising from or in connection with any breach of any of the foregoing agreements, representations or warranties or from or in connection with any litigation or any claim or proceeding commenced by a third party alleging or arising from libel, slander, defamation, invasion of privacy, infringement, unauthorized use or any other right of such third party or wrongful conduct;

• Damage to or loss of the film print, DCP, or blu-ray discs en route to or from SCFF or during the course of SCFF possession of the entry;

• And any claims which may arise in connection with my film.

Note: SCFF has the right to change any information contained in this document (including Festival dates, venues, events, awards and eligibility requirements) without further notice.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Deirdre Faughey

    This film festival was incredible. So many wonderful films and opportunities to learn from filmmakers.

    June 2026
  • Alan Brooks

    Sea Cliff punches above their weight! This is a fun fest in a great town that believes in itself and its citizens. Everyone was welcoming and organized, the events were fun and the festival runners encouraged filmmakers and visitors to explore the town and enjoy everything they had to offer. I highly recommend this festival to film lovers and filmmakers!

    June 2026