Film Festival in the Kaufman Arts District in Astoria NY
Films are screened in the famous Kaufman Astoria Studios, at Heart of Gold Bar in Astoria, and Online via the festival's YouTube Channel throughout the month of October 2021.

Includes the regular festival, a Halloween Horror Film Festival, a Dance Film Special Session, and the Astoria Youth Film Festival for filmmakers 18 & Under

In 2021, we are adding FEATURE FILMS & PODCASTS to the submissions

For more information visit astoriafilmfestival.org

Awards & Prizes

The Zukor Award
(named after Kaufman Astoria Studios' founder, is awarded to a film that brings positive attention to an underrepresented topic or group)
Best Feature Film
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Dance Short
Best Horror Short
Best Quarantine Short
Best Youth Short (ages 14-18)
Best Drama Web Series
Best Comedy Web Series
Best Documentary Web Series
Best Podcast
Best Lead Performance
Best Supporting Performance
Best Cinematography
Best Director
Best Editing
Audience Awards (4)
Honorable Mention (4)

Rules & Terms

Submissions for shorts no longer than 20 mins in length (30 mins for documentaries and 90 for features)

*To be sure that your films/web series are accessible to everyone, please include closed captioning.

For Web Series and Podcasts, please submit only ONE episode of the series that you think captures the essence of the series.

Categories:
Drama Short
Comedy Short
Documentary Short
Experimental Short
Dance Short
Youth Short
Drama Web Series
Comedy Web Series
Documentary Web Series
Experimental Web Series
Podcasts
Feature Films (all genres)
31 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carolynn Cecilia

    Excellent Queens based festival run by an amazing woman who supports filmmakers of all levels, backgrounds, genders and more! Astoria continues to grow as a hub for NYC based artists and film productions. Astoria Film Festival also runs an amazing program for kids and teens that brings the craft of visual storytelling to those that often do not have access to such things. By supporting and participating in this festival we are supporting great films as well as the next generation of filmmakers.

    July 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so very much!!! It’s been a pleasure to meet more of the indie filmmaking community here (like you) and around the world through the festival. And that community (and my Astoria community and its youth) is why I do it :)

  • John Noel

    Absolutely perfect film festival. Feels both international and very local, which I haven't seen another festival really pull off. Run by the most amazing folks who truly love film, and showcasing those who make them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. (Also, great for networking if you're in the NYC area)

    April 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! You’re the loveliest human and most wonderful filmmaker so I’m honored by this comment. ❤️❤️❤️ Also that’s some excellent marketing copy I might have to use :) “very international yet very local”. Kind of like Astoria itself I think.

  • Brendan Lee Hickey

    Cool festival. Would love to attend in person when safe.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so very much for this review and for your wonderful film. Look forward to it being safe again as well. It's been such a loooong year <3

  • Michaela Zannou

    Such a wonderful festival! Perfectly organized, offering creators amazing opportunities and supporting them before, during and after the festival. Highly recommend to any filmmaker.

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much Michaela!! Your work is amazing and I’m thrilled we were able to highlight it. So happy to get to know you as well. Look forward to all your future success!!

  • Chase Bolnick


    Astoria Film Festival had amazing communication, and, though it was were affected due to COVID-19, have treated filmmakers with regard and respect. I am grateful to be a part of this film festival and will certainly submit again. I hope to attend in person someday.

    November 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Chase! Without filmmakers there would be no festival so we are very grateful for everyone who participates in the festival process. Your film is wonderful and we very much look forward to seeing more of your work and hopefully meeting you in person someday soon. In the meantime please stay safe and creative :) Thanks again!