Now in its 13th Year, the Katra Film Series is an award-winning independent film festival and screenwriting competition dedicated to championing the next generation of talented emerging and established filmmakers and content creators from around the world. Hailed by Tribeca Films for its "honorable mission to spotlight new and emerging cinematic talents…where some of their top alums have since gone on to great things in the indie world and beyond" while the New York Times agrees “From the bottom up an amazing and excellent festival that has made it in New York,” and Remezcla Media writes “An innovative new model pushing for the future of its filmmakers,” while Time Out NY states “Nothing but the best.” A few years ago ‘LLERO magazine summed it up succinctly “A memorable film fest like no other. The Katra Film Series has become a hub for up-and-coming filmmakers.”

Our prizes are provided by Universal DCP, Canon USA, Urbn-TV, JMR Rentals, Rhino Films, Screenblade Studios, International Screenwriters' Association, New York Women in Film and TV, BKLYN Commons, Bowery Film Festival and more. Every season we curate a selection of independent works where audience participation is central in choosing the winners. Some of our past alums have landed theatrical and streaming distribution and have gone on to write, produce and direct feature films and TV shows for HBO, CNN Films, FOX, Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Showtime, ESPN, Vice Media including festival stops at Sundance, Tribeca, Berlin and Cannes Film Festival.

RECENT SUCCESS STORIES:

Amir Arison - Partners with ReachTV and Lightbeam to create original TV series

Courtney Camerota - Featured in DEADLINE magazine for her debut narrative feature film, starring Michael Shannon, Eva Longoria, Luis Guzman, Judy Greer, Rory Culkin and more.

John Campbell - Featured in the Hollywood Reporter for his documentary “Who’s Behind Black Art?”

Gabriella Moses - Won the Nora Ephron Award for her debut feature film, Boca Chica, at TRIBECA FESTIVAL this year.

Judd Ehrlich - Sundance institute awards $1 million in documentary funding to his next project

Katra Film Series has been featured in the The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NY1, Time Out Magazine, CNN, The Huffington Post, Daily News, NY1, NBC, Women & Hollywood, Metro NY, The New Machine, Bklyner, and many other local, national internationals publications.

***Please note festival dates are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances***

Awards & Prizes

Over $100,000+ in prizes including distribution deals, camera loaners, equipment rental packages, free studio time, production and post-production services, and more.

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. Many of our alums have gone on to screen at the biggest festivals worldwide). Works must have been completed after January 1, 2021. 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, 2022.
- There is no premiere policy.
- Works-in-progress are accepted.

2. Exhibition Format: DCP

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

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

102 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hugo Salazar Jr

    The Katra Film Series is an absolutely wonderful experience.

    My team and I are incredibly honored for our film to have won The Audience Choice Award at the Katra Film Series.

    From arriving, getting interviews & pictures done, to the screenings and overall presentation of the event, the entire team at The Katra Film Series are just super-professionals, very warm, talented, and welcoming.

    Many thanks to Geoffrey Guerrero and the entire Katra team for a fantastic experience!

    Much love,
    Hugo Salazar, Jr.
    Director / Producer - "271 Raeburn Avenue"
    Salazar Productions

    November 2023
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  • Dane Benko

    Had a great time attending the Fall 2023 Katra Film Series events. Met lots of great people, enjoyed screenings of well-curated films, and both the filmmaker and festival crew involvement was very personable and enriching.

    November 2023
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  • Leon Jackson

    I had a great time at the Katra Film Series 2023. Delivering my film in a DCP format and viewing it at the Regal Essex Crossing & RPX Theater was phenomenal. The theater has a huge screen and super sound system. The experience was great.

    October 2023
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  • Kevin Foster

    The Katra Film Series is one of those hidden gems that was a nice surprise. The first time submitting to them, I just didn't know what to expect, but they do a professional job of putting on a festival (no small feat) and go all out for the films they select and the filmmakers they invite. Originally, started as a seasonal event (4 times a year), they will be going to a once a year program next year (2024). They use a top of the line Regal theater to show the selected films and have multiple opportunities for networking. It was a surprise win for our film, A PERFECT LOVE, as the Best Documentary to top off the event, and I look forward to returning in the near future.

    October 2023
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  • Zen Dot

    Fall 2023 was our first screening with Katra and it was an absolute pleasure. Very well organized. All communications are prompt and helpful. Gorgeous theatre and convenient location. Loved all the entries they showed.

    October 2023
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