The Newark International Film Festival is a three day festival that showcases the innovation and breadth of the film industry. Located 15 minutes from New York, Newark IFF maximizes exposure for your film, screenplay or series by drawing film and entertainment leaders from around the world.

Events include:
--screenings at a number of cultural anchor institutions and outdoor screenings;
--stunt exhibitions;
--pitch opportunities and auditions for TV and film;
--acting, directing, producing and crowd funding workshops, and much more.

The festival provides a number of engaging experiences for attendees such as Film premieres, Bob Sumner's comedy showcase, pop-up concerts from hip hop to jazz, house to gospel and more, as well as a televised awards and entertainment showcase and a film scavenger hunt.

The NIFF is the first international film festival hosted in Newark. A main feature of the NIFF is the Hannibal Goodwin Award for Innovation in Filmmaking in homage to Hannibal Goodwin, the inventor celluloid film 1887 in Newark, NJ.

Jury Award -- Best Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Director, Narrative Feature
Jury Award-- Best Screenplay, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Award for Best First Feature
Jury Award -- Best Documentary Feature
Jury Award -- Best Web Series
Jury Award -- Short Film Award
Jury Award -- Top Honor Hannibal Goodwin Award
International Distribution.
Film Equipment.
Over $100,000 in cash and prizes

See full rules and terms on our website at NewarkIFF.com.

All submissions must be submitted via the online system, no exceptions.
All submissions must be received by the deadlines indicated, no exceptions.
All submissions must include the designated deadline fee, no exceptions unless authorized by the Submissions Coordinator or Festival Director.
Submissions which do not include the designated deadline fee may be considered for screening and awards, but not for cash prize categories.
Submissions submitted under student categories may be included in the NewarkIFF Youth Festival.
All submissions must be in English or with English subtitles. Screenplays must be in English.
All submissions must be produced post-January 1, 2019

If accepted to the festival, filmmakers will be notified of the necessary playback format.

General submission information for Narrative Features:
Run Time: 72 minute minimum.
.May NOT be posted online or available for download or purchase on any platform, including but not limited to Netflix, HULU, digital download, or DVD/Blu-ray.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Short Films:
Run Time: 40 minutes or less including credits.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Documentaries:
Run Time: 45 minute minimum.
If the film has screened and won awards at previous festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

General submission information for Web Originals:
Must submit no more than two original episodes of the series for consideration (as one upload).
Running Time: Each episode must be no more than 20 minutes in length.
Episode(s) must be produced post-January 1, 2019 – not web series itself.
Genres accepted: animation, drama, comedy, documentary-style, reality-based, etc.
Genres NOT accepted: extreme violence, degradation of any sort (included but not limited to women, children, religious groups, gender degradation, ethical/racial profiling and/or degradation).

General submission information for Screenplay Competitions:
Submitted scripts must be original screenplays, and the sole property of the applicant(s).
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE IN ENGLISH.
Feature screenplays must be between 65 and 125 pages in length; short screenplays must be between 1 and 49 pages. Absolutely no exceptions.
You may submit a screenplay one time and resubmit that screenplay post analysis; one person/entity may only submit one work.
Screenplay titles cannot be changed upon resubmission under any circumstances.
If a submitted screenplay becomes optioned, produced or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period, that screenplay will no longer be eligible.
Screenplays, including but not limited to outlines, treatments, pitches, log lines or any developmental material related to said screenplay, that have previously won any contest, competition, grant, lab, fellowship, mentorship, workshop, deal, reading or award of any kind, are not eligible.

General submission information for Reality TV Competitions:
A pilot episode of a reality-based television must submitted.
All Entries must be in English or have English subtitles.
Running Time: Pilot episode must be no more than 20 minutes in length.
Genres NOT accepted: extreme violence, degradation of any sort (included but not limited to women, children, religious groups, gender degradation, ethical/racial profiling and/or degradation).

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Go Takeuchi

    Thank you for nominating my film. It means so much to me. Thanks a lot!! Wonderful festival!

    August 2023
  • Crystal Roman

    Great festival. Loved the experience!

    July 2023
  • Jasmine White

    I had such an excellent time and felt valued! This was a great event and I love that it's so close to home.

    July 2023
  • Derek Layton

    My overall experience of the Newark International Film Festival was one of complete elation and joy. Every scheduled event was a purposeful, informative and helpful. I would highly recommend attending and I plan on adding it to my annual calendar.

    July 2023
  • I couldn't attend but I'd love to; great festival

    July 2023