The NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival presents work from independent theatre artists defying labels and branching out into film, TV, and digital media. Each year we screen narratives, documentaries, shorts, features, dance, experimental, webisodes, and everything in-between.

We also honor one exceptional theatre artist who has crossed over into recorded media in a big way. Past featured artists include John Cameron Mitchell, Julie Taymor, Theresa Rebeck, Erica Schmidt, Charles Busch, and Qui Nguyen.

2024 was a special year because it was our first since the closing of New Ohio Theatre, after 30 years of presenting innovative theatre artists in New York City. We mourned the loss of such a special institution, and we were excited to go forth out into the world on our own! The 2024 festival was held at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre, at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, on 53rd Street, in Manhattan.

ELIGIBILITY

Please read this section carefully!

The NYCITFF showcases film/video/web content created by theatre artists branching out into new areas of creative expression.

At least one Primary Creative Artist for the film/video/web content must be a working Theatre Artist.

Primary Creative Artist for the content means writer, director, cinematographer/DP, or producer. "Was the theatre artist involved in creating the content?" is a question we will examine.

We define Theatre Artist as: Actor, Director, Playwright, Designer, or Producer with involvement in at least one professional theater production since 2018. Student theater productions are NOT eligible.

We want to see theatre artists stretching themselves, trying new things. Perhaps things they don't have extensive training for. Or maybe they do, but they also have a body of theatre work, as well.

Film artists have many festivals where they can have their work screened. This festival is for theatre artists first.

PREMIERES

While the NYCITFF does not require submissions to be world premieres or New York City premieres, we will prioritize the acceptance of submissions which are premieres.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

Works-in-progress are accepted. Incomplete projects must be clearly labeled. Films should be marked as either a “Rough Cut” or “Work In Progress”. All incomplete materials or changes to be made should be clearly indicated (ex: temporary sound, no color-correction).

The entrant may update their screener up until the final deadline, as long as the link and password for the submission remains the same. However, NYCITFF is only responsible for considering the project as it exists at the time of review.

If selected, the final version of the film must be available by Feb. 1, 2024.

COPYRIGHT & LEGAL TERMS

By entering your film for consideration to the New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival, you authorize that your work is cleared for festival exhibition and accept full legal responsibility for the intellectual property therein. The submitter and all filmmakers associated with the project shall indemnify and hold harmless the New York City Indie Theatre Film Festival, Purple Man Theater Company, and any of their employees, representatives, funders, or affiliates, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Should your film be accepted for exhibition in the NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival, you grant NYCITFF the right to utilize a short excerpt for promotional purposes.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Samantha deManbey

    It was an honor to have my documentary "One World is Writing" premiere here, and I really enjoyed the other shorts and features at the festival. A great lineup of unique and engaging films! Well organized and professional from the beginning of the process to the end of the festival. Enthusiastic audiences and some thoughtful Q&A sessions after each screening.

    February 2024
  • I screened my film "Wake" at the 2024 NYCITFF and am so pleased with the event.

    February 2024
  • Top notch all around! Thank you for a wonderful experience!

    February 2024
  • Ash Singer

    This is a wonderful festival that I highly recommend for all artists. From the well organization, the networking and the great promotion I was so honored to have my short screen at NYCITFF. They truly care about the art and the artists and that is felt throughout the entire festival.

    February 2024
  • Ryan Spahn

    This was an excellently run and attended New York Film Festival. We felt lucky to screen our films there and look forward to submitting again in the future.

    February 2024