"At NewFest, an LGBTQ film festival becomes a form of resistance" --Entertainment Weekly

Submissions for NewFest's 36th edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (October 10 - 22, 2024*) will open on February 7th, 2024.

To see event listings for our year-round programming and receive updates on the festival, please visit our website, sign up for our mailing list, and follow us on social media. We look forward to hearing your story!

As part of NewFest’s Black Filmmakers Initiative, we will waive festival submission fees for Black filmmakers with LGBTQ+ stories centering Black characters and perspectives. To request a waiver code once submissions are open, please email submissions@newfest.org with information on your completed and eligible project.

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Founded in 1988, The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is one of the world's largest and most respected annual celebrations of the year’s best queer films from the U.S. and abroad--featuring over 150 films from more than 30 countries, as well as special events that bring together filmmakers, celebrities, movie lovers, industry professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community.

NewFest will celebrate its 36th annual edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October 2024--throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and virtually nationwide--with nearly two weeks of premieres, panels, and parties. NewFest's collection of narratives, documentaries, shorts programs, and special events showcases the best in LGBTQ+ film and media.

NewFest is distinctive among LGBTQ+ film festivals for its high-quality programming, outstanding press coverage, community engagement, savvy audiences, and sensational parties. The festival’s impact in terms of propelling the work and careers of emerging filmmakers is historic and global, and uniquely channels the collaborative creative energy of New York City to celebrate queer films.

The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is produced annually by NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization. NewFest gives voice and visibility to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences by championing films, supporting storytellers, and engaging audiences in order to inspire dialogue, shift cultural bias and empower our community.

*(exact dates within October 2024 are tentative)

Awards & Prizes

GRAND JURY AWARDS
Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature
Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature
Grand Jury Award for Best New York Short Film

AUDIENCE AWARDS
Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature
Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature
Audience Award for Best Documentary Short
Audience Award for Best Narrative Short

BLACK FILMMAKER INITIATIVE AWARDS
Emerging Black LGBTQ+ Filmmaker Award(s)

Rules & Terms

Films should be inclusive of--and of interest to--the LGBTQ+ community. We are seeking narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films (both features and shorts) in 35mm, 16mm, or DCP (upon acceptance, NewFest will provide projection options for the specific venue in which the film will screen—IF THE FILMMAKER CANNOT PROVIDE THE CORRECT PROJECTION FORMAT, THE FILM WILL NOT BE SCREENED).

Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for submission if the completed film will be ready for QC by September 1st, 2024. Please label the screener “Rough Cut” and specify what is missing (i.e. temp sound, needs color correction, etc).

By submitting your work to NewFest, you grant to NewFest a non-exclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only.

Still photos from your work are requested with your submission and are required for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for short films. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating still. Stills must be in TIFF or JPEG format and 300dpi (dots per inch).

You are also encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, press information, and other collateral regarding your film.

For feature-length films, we typically request at minimum the New York City Premiere. Should you have any questions about premiere status and potential early decisions, please email us at submissions@newfest.org.

CERTIFICATION
I have read and agree to the festival submission and participation requirements and certify that I am authorized to submit this film NewFest. I hold NewFest harmless from damage to or loss of the print en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Emory Chao Johnson

    As a queer and trans filmmaker, playing my work at this festival feels like coming home. I can't stress enough how uplifting and encouraging NewFest's team has been for me.

    February 2024
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  • Nicolas Blanco

    It was such an honor to be part of Newfest!! They really care for the filmmakers, I'll treasure all the relationships I've made here. I can't wait to be back.

    November 2023
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  • Christopher Coats

    What an amazing festival! The staff and volunteers were so friendly and on-top of everything and the programming was top notch.

    November 2023
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  • Julia Berkey

    An amazing festival filled with amazing queers and their films. There were several networking events for all filmmakers involved in the festival. Lots of fun and lots of connections!

    October 2023
    Helpful
  • Blake Griffey

    I LOVE NewFest. I had the most wonderful time premiering my film. The whole team is so inviting and friendly, and I so admire their commitment. There are many opportunities to connect with other filmmakers. Could not recommend this festival more.

    October 2023
    Helpful