Rooftop Films is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage and inspire diverse communities. We do this by showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers in outdoor locations, granting filmmakers to produce new films through the Filmmakers Fund, and renting equipment and supporting film screenings citywide at low-cost to artists, nonprofits and community groups.

In 2023, we celebrated our 27th annual Summer Series—our signature program of new, independent films—and we are excited to bring it back again in 2024 and your film could be part of our new season.

As a thank you for submitting, every filmmaker who submits a film will receive tickets for two attendees to a Rooftop Films Summer Series screening (a $34 value, tickets are transferable).

Submit your films for a chance to participate in one of the most unforgettable, unique, filmmaker-friendly, independent film events in the world!

No part of the Summer Series is competitive, as we hope to foster a mutually beneficial community of filmmakers, programmers and film-goers. In lieu of awards, Rooftop Films offers cash, equipment, and service grants to alumni filmmakers for future projects through the annual Filmmakers Fund.

Rooftop Films accepts submissions of any length.

• Submissions can be of any genre or category.

• Submissions must be in English or have English subtitles

• If your film is accepted, Rooftop generally screens HD QuickTime ProRes files, blurays or DCPs.

• Rooftop accepts submissions via online links. If you would like to submit by some other means, please email submit@rooftopfilms.com

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael Patten

    An awesome fest that has become a staple of the NYC summer. Really honored to have been included in their line-up.

    October 2023
  • Ethan Knecht

    Rooftop Films is hands-down the GOAT! Nothing else needed to be said.

    September 2023
  • Seth Porges

    An unbelievably positive experience from beginning to end. Run by passionate, communicative, kind folks who went above and beyond in every way. Was particularly impressed by their ability to adapt to Covid and still do live events via drive-ins in beautiful settings.

    August 2020