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.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • roiy nitzan

    So proud Down & Up was screened at VAEFF. The festival had a fantastic selection of video works and a super professional staff. Thanks For having us.

    November 2022
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  • Shira & Yoni Cohen Elias & Green

    Unfortunately we couldn’t make it to the festival , but Yael was very helpful and generous and all our questions with out delay.
    We herd from our relatives that it was great experience in the coolest part of N.Y.C.

    November 2022
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  • Noah Zachary

    I had a fantastic time at VAEFF. Yael was a dream to work with and the other films were fantastic! I made some great new friends and I hope this festival continues to thrive. Thank you for selecting ShirtTugger. It was an Honor.

    November 2022
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  • Kevin Cooper

    Yael and their entire team were so amazing! We loved interacting with them, their clear and conscientious communication and absolute joy of cinema and filmmakers! We love VAEFF!

    November 2022
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