NoBudge is a streaming platform and live screening series for young and emerging filmmakers. We focus on low-budget, no-budget, and DIY indie films. "One of the best places to sample what’s happening in low-budget cinema worldwide," says Glenn Kenny of The New York Times. Our mission is to provide a supportive home for indie filmmakers working with limited resources and without major industry connections.

We premiere new short films and features online, and also host live screenings bi-monthly in Brooklyn, New York at Nitehawk Cinema (Prospect Park).

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"NoBudge celebrates the creative freedom often only found in work made free from commercial considerations. It’s a place to discover fun, stimulating short works from artists you didn’t previously know."
-Vulture

"Like a great film festival shorts section beamed into your home, NoBudge is one of the internet’s top showcases for independent work." -Eric Allen Hatch, Endcrawl.

"One of the most singular streaming outlets on the block." -The Guardian.

"One of the premier destinations for true independent movies."
-No Film School.

"Should be on every film fan's bookmark list"
-Film School Rejects.

"With the hurdles of theatrical distribution increasing all the time, NoBudge stands as a valuable alternative — a way for cash-strapped directors to have their work seen and written about without having to worry over the financial and logistical headaches."
-Village Voice

Featured by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vulture, The Guardian, Indiewire, Filmmaker, Village Voice, The Wall St. Journal, No Film School, Paste, Film School Rejects.

The NoBudge Short Films of the Year
Each year, we name our top shorts of the year.

NoBudge F.A.Q's:

Can I submit my film if it's already available online?

Yes. Feel free to submit any film regardless of premiere status or existing availability. NoBudge is not an exclusive platform.

What type of films do you screen?

Narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, web series, sketch comedy, music/dance videos.

Is there a fee to submit to NoBudge?

Yes, there is a $35 submission fee for shorts (under 30 minutes) and $50 for features (over 30 minutes). There is a discount for FilmFreeway Gold members, and NoBudge subscribers.

Do I get feedback with my submission?

No, we don't offer feedback on film submissions. But you will be notified whether your film is selected or not.

How do I submit for a live screening in Brooklyn?

Submit the same way you do for the online platform and make a note in the Cover Note section that you are interested in screening live. However, not all accepted films are guaranteed placement at a live screening. Priority is given to filmmakers who can attend the screening, and for shorts under 20 minutes long. Note: your official notification via FilmFreeway corresponds to whether or not you are accepted to our online platform -- it does not reflect an automatic inclusion in our live screenings.

Can I re-submit if my film wasn't accepted previously, or if I want to submit to the live screenings?

If you've made significant changes to the film, you can re-submit. (Please denote the editing changes in your cover letter). Otherwise, all programming decisions are final and films that were not selected can not be reconsidered for future live screenings.

If selected, will I be able to choose my release date?

Yes, we can accommodate your preferred time frame as long as we have enough notice. Ordinarily we book our schedule around 6-8 weeks in advance. Once selected, filmmakers have a 1 year period to set a date for a NoBudge release. Since our programming shifts over time, films that were accepted over a year ago are not guaranteed a release.

Do you accept films from outside the United States?

Yes. As long as it's in English or has English subtitles.

Can I ask for a waiver?

We don't grant waivers. Sorry. We think it's only fair that everyone submits on equal footing.

When do films screen online?

Anytime. Depending on a film’s strategy, a film may premiere directly online, or it may wait till after a festival run. If your film is chosen for NoBudge, you have complete control over the screening availability.

How will you post my film, if accepted?

We upload all of our films to our streaming platform, which is available to watch on the web, as well as through our apps on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, and Android.

Who decides if a film is accepted?

The films are all watched and selected by filmmaker and actor, Kentucker Audley.

When will I hear back?

All films will be notified within 1 week if they are accepted or not.

Can I submit a web series?

Yes, we consider serialized content. If we accept, we would post all of the episodes at once, rather than a separate post for each episode. If the total run time is under 25 minutes, submit it as a short film. If over 25 minutes, please submit as feature film.

How does NoBudge publicize its films?

We post about every film via our Instagram, Tiktok, X, Threads and Facebook accounts and send out a recap email to our mailing list. However, we are a small site with no advertising or publicity budget, so it’s largely the responsibility of the individual filmmaker to generate exposure / traffic.

Is NoBudge a distribution company?

No. We curate self-released films. We encourage our filmmakers to seek out additional channels to spread their film.

*Please note: we don't accept all films on the basis of having no budget. We are a curated site. Thank you.*

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adesola Thomas

    Kentucker, Jinho and the No Budge team were incredibly kind and warm. When I was accepted into the December showcase and needed to postpone my attendance due to a family emergency - the team was receptive and rescheduled me for the February screening.

    I received tickets in advance, clear communication about the run of show at the event, and got to meet fellow filmmakers. I was surprised there weren't more filmmakers of color billed or in attendance but I believe No Budge is working on this

    February 2024
  • Great experience on all fronts. Much love.

    October 2023
  • Marissa Goldman

    No Budge is the saving grace of any DIY film scene. Kentucker is really one of the only people to explore the world of no budget cinema in this way, and artfully curates every film. It has become an amazing community to meet likeminded filmmakers and collaborate.

    July 2023
  • NoBudge is NoJoke. Thanks for showing me

    May 2023
  • Kentucker at No Budge is understanding, responsive, and just generally lovely to have worked with! Submit. It truly is a great place for an online release. :)

    May 2023