Who are we?
At Blended City, it’s our mission to support and connect untraditional artists in disadvantaged communities by providing a multidisciplinary space to create. Including, but not limited to teaching, workshopping, showcasing, and executing focal productions through a collaborative community in NYC. We empower people to be who they are regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social class, etc. As a production house, we want to be as inclusive as possible telling stories that can be told by anyone for anyone.

What is the Universal Lens Film Festival?
A cultural and artistic exchange film festival presenting short films and new media from artists that are in marginalized, underrepresented, and underserved communities. All genres are encouraged. Inclusivity being a priority, the film festival will stream at a later time to provide accessibility to those who are unable to attend, so they can actively engage and vote for their favorite film. The selection process will be based on a diverse panel of industry professionals with different backgrounds and experiences that will result in a well-rounded list of selectees to be showcased during the festival. The festival will commence with an award ceremony. There will also be an opportunity for a talkback with the audience and the selected films with their production teams for an in-depth conversation about the film/story and the experiences behind it. It will be fun, light, empowering, and provide a platform for networking between artists and communities in a safe environment.

Awards & Prizes

1. Universal Lens Film Festival will provide an award ceremony of the categories below:
- Best Film
- Best Cinematography
- Best Actor
- Best Screenplay
- Best Director
- Audience Choice

2. Winners will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from talent agencies and managers.

3. Winning films are also announced by social media and a press release.

Rules & Eligibility

1. Entries MUST BE 20 MINUTES OR LESS.

2. Submissions in a language other than English must be subtitled.

3. No more than 2 entries are allowed per filmmaker.

4. Online screeners are mandatory. If you choose not to upload your project to FilmFreeway’s site, please provide an online link to your submission, and be sure to include the password in an email correspondence sent directly to the Universal Lens Film Festival.

5. Universal Lens Film Festival does not download submissions or accept Dropbox submissions. Please only send links to your media hosted on 3rd party servers such as Vimeo or YouTube.

6. Written comments describing entries are beneficial.

7. DVD entries will not be accepted nor returned.

8. Universal Lens Film Festival may request a downloadable copy (.MOV, MP4, or other formats) to use for exhibition, and Filmmaker agrees to comply.

9. By submitting a film, filmmaker is agreeing to have film screened in film festival, if selected.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I love this Film Festival! Thank you so much for the award and the support that you guys are giving to all the Film creators. Love you guys!

    February 2024
  • Erik Ta

    Wasn’t able to attend for our doc ‘Confluence’ but there was great social media presence and the event seemed well organized!

    February 2024
  • Jason X. Moua

    This was my first in person film festival and the debut of my first short film. Nick, Ashley, and the whole Blended City team were so generous with their time and communication with coordinating the whole event. I actually ended up winning Best Screenplay for my short film BK Rats and thoroughly enjoyed the community that has been build around this film festival that not only highlights the work of underrepresented artists but cultivates a stepping stone for the future of up an coming filmmakers.

    January 2023