NYMFF welcomes short-form narrative films, documentaries, music
videos, new media projects, sketches, vlogs, and experimental content
with a maximum runtime of 10 minutes.

This year, NYMFF 2026 will take place as an online festival
experience, allowing filmmakers, creators, industry professionals, and
audiences from across the globe to connect, discover new voices, and
celebrate the evolution of mobile filmmaking without borders. The
online format will also allow our growing community of more than
10,000 filmmakers, as well as audiences around the world, to
experience and engage with this year’s official selections.

More than ever, filmmakers are in control of their own stories. Mobile
technology has transformed the filmmaking landscape, empowering
creators to move from concept to completion independently, without
waiting for traditional gatekeepers or major studio approval. NYMFF
exists to champion that creative independence and provide a platform
for emerging talent worldwide.

Over the years, NYMFF has built a global community of more than 10,000
filmmakers who share a passion for innovation, creativity, and the
future of cinematic storytelling through mobile devices.

We invite you to be part of the global smartphone filmmaking movement.

Please read all Rules & Terms before submitting.

Rules & Terms

All films submitted must be shot in a mobile device, in other words, a mobile phone, drones, GoPro cameras, and tablets. Movies that include shots from an SLR camera will not be accepted.

You have to send behind-the-scenes material such as photos or video

All films submitted in a language other than English must have English subtitles.

SUBMISSIONS:

All films submitted must have a short description and the answer to the following questions:

1- With which mobile device did you record your short film?
2- Brand of the device with which you recorded your short film?
3- In how many days did you make the short film? (Includes preproduction, production, and post-production)

The films submitted should be recorded and edited no lesser than 1080 HD format. The length of the films should be no shorter than 1 minute and no longer than 10 minutes.

Films must have been produced between January , 2025, and May 2026.

We are only accepting online submissions through FilmFreeway. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT DVD's so please do not send them as they will NOT BE VIEWED.

Submitting your short films does not guarantee screening or acceptance. A notification of acceptance will be sent by written email from the New York Mobile Film Festival. The submission fee is non-refundable.

Submissions must have full clearance for all content before submitting it. Any issues that may arise due to the infringement of copyrights is the participant’s responsibility. The New York Mobile Film Festival and its members are not responsible for any infringement of copyrights.

When Submitting to the New York Mobile Film Festival participants agree to the reproduction and dissemination of their films for the display and promotion of the festival.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:
Filmmakers must be 14 and older. All filmmakers under the age of 18 must include the contact information for a parent/guardian.

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Melissa Mars

    I’m so glad I had the chance to attend in person and premiere my film The Sign in NYC. The experience was truly top notch: from the red carpet to the beautiful Regal Union Square theater, right down to the super comfortable seats.

    My only wish is that tickets had been available for friends and the general public, since many would have loved to join. Hopefully that’s something for future editions.

    Overall, it was an incredible experience. I loved the selection and the chance to see peers’ work made on smartphones, especially knowing that, in the very same theater, Danny Boyle’s feature 30 Years Later, also shot on iPhone, was playing at the same time. It’s so inspiring and promising for the future of filmmaking.

    And as a bonus, the festival team provided fantastic photos and footage for us to share on social media. This festival truly deserves to grow.

    September 2025
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  • Santiago Brizzolara

    Thank you so much to the festival. We're incredibly proud to have participated with two of my students' short films and to have made it to the festival finalists. We hope to participate again next year.
    Greetings from Argentina

    September 2025
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  • CREA FILMS COL

    Es un gran festival. Excelente comunicación con el equipo organizador. Esperamos participar el próximo año.

    July 2025
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  • Yassine Bouhouch

    We are beyond thrilled that our short film Whispers of the Past was selected as an Official Selection at the New York Mobile Film Festival. It’s a true honor to be recognized by a festival that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the future of independent cinema through mobile storytelling. Being part of this year's lineup meant so much to us. This film was created with heart, passion, and limited resources, exactly the kind of spirit this festival uplifts. We are deeply grateful to the organizers and jury for believing in our work and giving it a platform among such a talented group of filmmakers. Thank you for supporting bold, independent voices and for continuing to push the boundaries of what filmmaking can be. We’re proud to be part of the NYMFF family and look forward to sharing more work with you in the future!

    July 2025
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  • Axl Sharma

    Congratulations to the NYMFF team for their outstanding work!
    The New York Mobile Film Festival sets a high standard for independent festivals. Their dedication to showcasing bold, original voices—especially through mobile filmmaking—is truly commendable. The team’s passion, professionalism, and support for creators make this festival feel both intimate and impactful. Independent festivals like this are vital for keeping cinema diverse, accessible, and driven by authentic storytelling

    July 2025
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