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.