Running for its 16th 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.

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, 2024
•Non-English films must have English subtitles
•Entry fees are non-refundable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ilona Laboy

    Grateful to have been part of this festival alongside so many thoughtful and inspiring filmmakers. Thank you to the programmers and team for creating such a welcoming space for independent cinema and meaningful conversations around film.

    May 2026
  • I'm so grateful for all who organise this festival. Very happy being selected and become a part of this event. The atmosphere was warm. I enjoyed the networking and watching selections. Thank you very much!

    December 2025
  • Alexander Popov

    it was really quick and fun :)

    December 2025
  • John Gardner

    Receiving an Honorable Mention from VAEFF meant a great deal to me. Their long-standing commitment to innovative, experimental work gives the recognition even greater weight. I’m truly grateful, and I wish VAEFF continued success in the years ahead!

    November 2025
  • Raymond Rea

    Thanks to this VAEFF! The communication was fluid and I'm happy to have been included in your original and fascinating program. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there in person this year!

    November 2025