Now in its fourteenth year, the Northeast Film Festival showcases top independent films from filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from all genres, as well as documentaries and screenplays. The festival is hosted in Teaneck New Jersey at the historic Teaneck Cinemas; with planned parties to kick off the festival in style and spirit. In addition, we offer an atmosphere for the film enthusiast to interact with filmmakers as well as filmmakers being able to interact and network with each other and industry professionals.

The festival includes after parties, to offer opportunities for interacting and networking with other filmmakers, actors, and film festival goers. In past years, Harry Lennix, Lloyd Kaufman, Danny Roebuck, Matthew Modine, Vinnie Pastore, David Harris, Robert Clohessy, Brian O'Halloran, Fatima Ptacek, Gianni Russo, Duane Whitaker, Jefferson White, producers from NBC, among many others attended the festival's after parties (and festival).

All winners receive a trophy presented during our awards gala.

NORTHEAST FILM FESTIVAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Northeast Film Festival competition categories are open to the United States and International entries.
2. All entries must submit preview screeners online through FilmFreeway. Any other method must receive prior approval from the festival.
3. Foreign language entries must have English language subtitles.
4. Entries must have been completed in the past 3 years.
5. Applicants may submit as many entries as they wish, as long as each entry has a separate entry form and fee.
6. Entries must include contact information, submission tracking #, and both an email address and phone number if possible, on all DVD and Blu-Ray submissions.
7. For DVD and Blu-Ray submissions, please submit in sturdy containers and/or bubble wrap to avoid damage. No fiber filled envelopes. DVD and Blu-Ray submissions will not be returned to the submitters.
8. Northeast Film Festival has the right to screen any film or projects submitted to the Northeast Film Festival without paying screening fees.
9. In order to receive an award trophy, the project's producer or director must be present, unless a physical festival is not held.
10. If officially selected, it is the responsibility of the submitter to send the festival their film in DVD or Blu-Ray format, or as a digital downloadable file.
11. Screening copies will not be returned to the submitter, unless a pre-paid return mailer is included.
12. All decisions made by the festival are final and at their discretion.

Payments can be made through FilmFreeway by credit card, or by check or money order. If payment is not made by credit card through FilmFreeway, the submission must also include a check or money order of the appropriate funds made out to: Northeast Film Festival or NEFF. Send all materials to: Northeast Film Festival, PO Box 2026. Teaneck, NJ 07666. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • The Northeast Film Festival was such a fantastic event to attend! The venue is absolutely gorgeous and getting to see two of my films that were selected on such a huge screen was truly amazing. The festival team was very good with communication prior to the festival. At the festival I got to network with many great filmmakers and make some great connections. The whole experience was fantastic and I recommend this festival to all filmmakers looking for good networking opportunities especiallly!

    October 2025
  • Keisha Bissram

    I am truly grateful to have had my film featured at the Northeast Film Festival. I felt supported as both a filmmaker and storyteller. The communication and organization were excellent, and the festival created a space where diverse voices could shine. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such thoughtful programming and a community that genuinely values independent film. I left feeling encouraged, seen, and excited to continue sharing my work. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!

    September 2025
  • Bryan Huynh

    Thank you so much to the festival 2025, for your recognition of Best Unproduced Screenplay "Don't Break Any Hearts". I couldn't make it this year, and am looking forward in 2026 to be there. The communication is awesome and kudos to festival and Larry Rosen, festival director. Your professionalism is much appreciated.

    September 2025
  • Great festival with great people!

    September 2025
  • Mario Lopez

    I’m thrilled my script made it to the semifinals. The communication from Northeast Film Festival was fantastic! Look forward to submitting again in the future!

    September 2025