Independent filmmaking has always been there and it's not to be forgotten. Welcome to the bi-monthly IMDb qualifying NY Independent Cinema Awards, dedicated to independent filmmaking and artists. We believe in the power of independent filmmaking as an artform. Members of the jury are selected from award winning film directors, producers, actors, critics and artists from New York, Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles and all over the world. The festival is a creative event which stands with all the artists involved in film and script projects. Our festival is dedicated to the discovery and promotion of independent U.S. and international projects.

Awards & Prizes

U.S. Narrative Short
International Narrative Feature
International Narrative Short
U.S. Documentary Feature
U.S Documentary Short
International Documentary Feature
International Documentary Short
Best Script
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Cinematographer
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Composer
Best Editor
Best Animation
Best Comedy
Best Experimental
Best Science Fiction
Best Horror
Best Music Video
Best Trailer
Best Student Film
Best TV Series-Web-Pilot

Rules & Terms

We consider films regardless of their completion date. You can submit any film no matter when it was made.
Award winners of each edition can request for certificates, laurels and screening through NY Arts & Cinema.
Shorts must be less than 50 minutes.
Films over 50 minutes should submit to the feature category.
New York Independent Cinema Awards can use trailer/teaser/film poster for promotional purpose.
Any submitter who is disrespectful toward other artists and the festival, will be disqualified from the festival at any stage of the contest upon the decision of the team.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
You own all the rights to the film project.
213 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brandon Harris

    Supportive of the local New York City Independent Film scene, respectively.

    May 2023
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  • Michael Gould

    Thrilled to have been selected for festival with my fantasy/horror feature screenplay, SACRED SUN.

    April 2023
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  • Sean Coleman

    Great to have my script “Ball of Fire selected for the New York Independent Cinema Awards.

    April 2023
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  • Alan Lau

    Thank you for nominating my documentary, it is a very valuable encouragement for me. Looking forward to attending New York Independent Cinema Awards again in the future.

    April 2023
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  • Manouchehr Kholghi

    Fantastic New York Independent Cinema Awards

    April 2023
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