New York Pause Film Festival returns for its 3rd edition next year with $15,000 in Cash Prizes, Industry Resources, Production Equipment and Services, Camera loaners and more at the world famous Alamo Drafthouse Cinema!

Winner of multiple business grants and accolades, New York Pause has become a staple of the independent film and TV community in NYC. As NYP evolves it will continue its formidable mission to support diverse, inclusive and multicultural filmmakers from around the globe. We don’t discriminate against anyone. Everyone gets a fair chance to compete for cash prizes, industry support, and production services. We invite ALL independent filmmakers and digital content creators to submit for a chance to screen their works inside a packed theater full of industry insiders and up-and-coming filmmakers. We are seeking Short films, Features, Episodics, TV Pilots, Documentaries, Animation, Experimental works, Micro-Shorts and more. We are also accepting works made in quarantine and isolation for little to no budget. All entries will be considered for the cash prize and our officials selections will not only screen in New York’s premier movie theater but offered a distribution deal with a revenue share opportunity and some of our selections will be offered a monetary deal for exhibition in boutique and luxury theaters around the country.

Are you ready for New York Pause milestone 3rd Year? New York City is back and we can’t wait to showcase your talents on the biggest screen in town! Show us what ya got!!

Awards & Prizes

$15,000 in cash and in-kind prizes

Rules & Terms

All genres/forms accepted. Seeking Features, Shorts, Web Series, Documentary, Music Videos, Experimental Works, Animation, Video Art and screenplays. Please note: we accept works-in-progress.

THERE IS NO PREMIERE POLICY (Although not mandatory we prefer NYC premieres) Works must have been completed after January 1, 2020. From no budget to big budget. JUST SIMPLY BLOW OUR MINDS! All foreign-language films MUST be subtitled in English.

1. Submission Eligibility
- All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2020.
- There is no premiere policy.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

2. Exhibition Format: Standard DCP format

3. Submitters understand that submission of their work authorizes NY Pause to screen the work, and use the work for any exhibition, education and/or publicity purposes related to NY Pause. NYP is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work. Submitters may receive future correspondence from the New York Pause Film Festival.

4. Submission Fee
The submission fee is non-refundable.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sassy Mohen

    I loved the NY Pause film festival! They were very organized and communicative which made the entire process a breeze. I cannot recommend this festival highly enough!

    November 2023
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  • roberta pyzel

    YES!!! Terrific organization - clear and professional communications....and a wonderful opportunity to see work on the 'BIG SCREEN'....we're proud that SHADOW MAN received Honorable Mention as a short film.
    We will definitely submit more work in the future to this dynamic festival!

    November 2023
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  • Kween Kash

    NY Pause truly restored our faith in film festivals. Organizers were communicative, professional, thorough and clear about all ongoings. The movie theater screening was an awesome experience for selected projects and provided a pleasurable opportunity to network, view and support other projects and fellow creatives.

    Team Homegirl TV show was pleased to be a participant but winning the "Audience Choice Award" and cash prize was a great honor! Thank you to all the hard working folks at NY Pause Film Festival for pulling off an amazing festival and giving us a platform to showcase our projects and grow our network!

    January 2023
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  • Levon Manoukian

    Classy short film-fest which takes place in one of the most impressive NYC movie theaters! Thanks for having me on board!

    January 2023
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  • DGrahamer3 None

    Thank you New York Pause Film Festival. What a special evening showcasing a vast variety of different types of short form stories. It was a real honor to screen with you. Cheers!

    November 2021
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