Running for its 13th year, the Video Art & Experimental Film Festival (VAEFF) showcases to New York City audiences some of the most innovative, provocative, and exciting works of film and video from around the world. The festival embraces a boundary-pushing spectrum of work that includes animation, music video, fashion film, documentary, visual narrative, and more.

Past selected artists have included prominent video directors such as David LaChapelle, Marie Schuller, Michelle Gomez, and Kalup Linzy, and the panel discussions have attracted prestigious artists and scholars including Alanna Heiss (founder of MoMA PS1), David Ross (former director of the Whitney and SFMOMA), Jason Sondhi (co-founder of Short of the Week and former lead curator of Vimeo Staff Picks), and Ziggy Levin (executive producer for Art + Commerce and faculty member at SVA). Panel discussion moderators have included curator and critic Lyle Rexer, and best selling author Mark Alpert.

Rules & Terms

VAEFF welcomes all genres including visual narrative, animation, music video, fashion film, documentary, dance, and more.

By submitting your work, take note that:
•Films may be no longer than 20 minutes. We do not accept feature-length films.
•You must own or have all the rights to the submitted film.
•You agree to use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster) for promotional purpose.
•All films submitted must have been completed on or after January 1, 2021
•Non-English films must have English subtitles
•Entry fees are non-refundable.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Maya Peters

    Incredibly grateful to have been part of this festival! The selection of films showcased an impressive range of talent and creativity, offering a captivating and diverse cinematic experience. The organization was impeccable, creating an inviting atmosphere for both filmmakers and audiences alike. This festival not only celebrated the art of filmmaking but also fostered a sense of community among those who share a passion for cinema. A truly enriching experience :)

    November 2023
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  • Sharon Mayo

    The selection of the films at this festival was amazing -- so much so, I wondered if my film was good enough to be included in the lineup! It was a wonderful experience on multiple levels -- Yael was extremely communicative, the audience was receptive to my film, and the Q&A was thoughtful. Wonderful curation, exciting theater in the middle of NYC, and excellent taste makes this a festival worth its submission fee. Thank you VAEFF!

    November 2023
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  • Juliette Fairley

    I am so grateful for my Honorable Mention award. Thank you VAEFF!!!!

    November 2023
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  • Harry Roseman

    I was pleased to be included in this year's screening. The experience was terrific at every stage. Everyone I dealt with was polite, patient, and helpful. The screening at the Producers Theater on 44th Street
    was perfect, the visuals and sound were very good, and the theater was very sweet, kind of like NYC in the 1960s and 70s. The other short films film were good so I was pleased with the company I was included with
    it was an excellent experience. I will certainly enter into this festival in the future.

    November 2023
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  • YUTING Cai

    As an artist filmmaker joining in this year festival physically, I am very enjoying to communicate with another filmmakers and the VAEFF team.
    Thank you, VAEFF !

    December 2022
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