NFFTY is the world’s largest, most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers 24 years old and younger. In 2026 we screened over 250 amazing short films representing 30 US states and 41 countries and territories. We provide a first-class festival experience that includes four days of film screenings, parties, networking events, panels, and more!

We’re offering a 50% discount to all films submitted by Black, Indigenous, Middle Eastern/North African, and Latin directors, as well as to films created by directors with disabilities and/or featuring performers with disabilities using the following codes:

BLACKSTORIES2027
INDIGENOUSSTORIES2027
LATINSTORIES2027
DISABILITYSTORIES2027

We also consider additional discount and waiver requests on a case-by-case basis. To make a request, please fill out this short form: bit.ly/NFFTYSubmissionAssistance

The 20th edition of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth will be held in Seattle, Washington, April 1 - 4, 2027.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes
Jury Awards - We are committed to awarding the best short films created by filmmakers 24 and under from around the world, and we will be awarding both student and non-student films in the Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Animated Short, Experimental Short, and Music Video categories, as well as best overall Episodic, for a total of eleven Jury Prizes.

Audience Awards - Each showcase, or screening block, is eligible for its own Audience Award, and our festival features around 25-30 official selection showcases at each edition. Showcases are programmed based on the submissions we receive to NFFTY curatorial sensibilities, organized by themes, moods, subject matter, genres, social issues, and more.

Other Festival Prizes & Awards - We announce additional Special Achievement Awards and Special Awards closer to the festival. We'll also have awards and recognition for notable films in the age categories of "14 and Under" and "15-18".

Distribution - NFFTY prioritizes involving curators and buyers from distribution platforms as workshop leaders, panelists, jury members, and more, so getting selected for and attending NFFTY could net you valuable industry contacts!

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms
- The film’s director(s) must have been 24 years of age or younger at the time of production.

- To be considered for a Jury Award in the Student category or other Middle/High School-specific Awards, films must be conceived, produced, and finished by filmmakers 24 years old or younger with teachers and other mentors acting in advisory roles only. If students across multiple grade ranges worked on film, the film may be ineligible for certain awards, but you are still encouraged to submit.

- Films must have been completed no earlier than December 2025.

- All music and other copyrighted material used in the film must be properly licensed and attributed. This includes Student and Non-Student Music Videos.

- All films must be in English or subtitled in English. All films that are selected are required to provide an .srt file or open captions for accessibility (English SDH) during public exhibition.

YOU MUST READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE SUBMITTING:

View the Official Rules & Guidelines here: nffty.org/official-rules-guidelines

View Frequently Asked Questions here: nffty.org/frequently-asked-questions
121 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jaquan Williams

    I had the honor of showcasing my film “Home Away From Home”, an intimate documentary centered around my cousin ongoing 27+ years incarceration. I was able to meet and network with such amazing like minded individuals and I greatly enjoyed my time at NFFTY. I couldn’t have asked for a better first film festival experience. Thank you NFFTY for the opportunity!

    May 2026
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  • Mia Alejo

    I am tremendously grateful to have returned to NFFTY this past April. This is a festival that truly supports filmmakers and tries to make the festival experience as enjoyable and inclusive as possible. I urge all young filmmakers to attend!

    April 2026
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  • Sea Sombar

    This was a once in a lifetime experience and I will be back!

    April 2026
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  • Logan Weisberg

    Simply one of the best festivals to attend as a young filmmaker. NFFTY puts a lot of effort into building an environment for people to connect and build a sense of camaraderie. There is a general air of excitement, encouragement, and appreciation for art that pervades the weekend. Truly, no one is out here doing it like NFFTY.

    April 2026
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  • Jacob Bertrand

    NFFTY is one of the best film festivals out there, it is truly a unicorn. There are very few non-youth festivals that put together such a well-run, community-based festival like this one. If you're under 25, NFFTY should be a major goal for your festival run.

    April 2026
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