New York. A city where windows burn until morning. A city where the subway beats like a heart. A city where words mingle with the noise of the street.
A city-screen. A city-frame. A city where every window is a stage.
We are the ones who shoot and watch.
We are the ones who seek truth through the lens.
We are FOCUS NEW YORK.
Here, cinema doesn't pretend, it breathes.
Unpolished. Unconventional.
It's the breath of the street, the light of a lamppost in an empty neighbourhood.
Cinema that is born from the tremor in the heart and beats in time with the heart.
We bring together those who cannot remain silent.
Artists. Authors. Actors. Directors. Cinematographers. Editors. Screenwriters.
Everyone who carries stories.
Everyone who believes that a frame can change a perspective,
that the screen is not a wall, but a door.
FOCUS NEW YORK. A territory of freedom. New York does not wait for perfection.
It waits for life.
This is cinema that is not afraid to be itself.
Come.
Bring your stories.
Here, they have a chance to be reborn in the light of New York.

Venue: Grove 34
Date: December 29

Awards & Prizes

Main Awards
Best Film
For a film that touched the heart and left a lasting impression.
We evaluate the emotional impact, integrity of the story, and artistic power.
Best Debut
For directors showing their films for the first time.
We evaluate the fresh perspective, originality, and potential of the author.
Audience Choice Award
Selected by audience vote.
We evaluate audience engagement and the emotions that remain after viewing.
Best Feature Film
For films over 40 minutes long.
We evaluate the scale of the story, the drama, the visual and technical level, and most importantly, the ability to hold the audience's attention throughout.
Best Short Film
For films up to 40 minutes long.
We evaluate expressiveness, dramatic density, originality of ideas, and the ability to tell a powerful story in a short form.
Best Director
For those who control the frame and emotions.
We evaluate visual thinking, drama, interaction with actors and the team.
Best Screenplay
For the authors of the story.
We evaluate the plot, dialogue, originality of the idea and depth of the characters.

Rules & Terms

Rules for participation in FOCUS NEW YORK.
We are open to films from all over the world. Geography does not matter.
All works must be completed at the time of application.
Films that have previously participated in FOCUS NEW YORK will not be considered again.
The original language can be any, but English subtitles are required.
The year of production must not be more than three years ago. Let's reflect on the voice of today.
When submitting, please indicate the exact year of creation and country of production.
Each film is submitted as a separate work. If you want to participate in several award categories, a separate application must be submitted for each category.
File formats: MP4 or MOV, good quality.
There is no limit to the length of the film.
We accept online links (Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive) or uploads via the submission platform.
Each video must be accompanied by a brief description explaining the idea behind the film.
A poster for the film is also required. Photos and additional materials from the film are welcome, as they are needed to feature the winners on our website and posters.
By submitting your film, you confirm that you own the rights to the film and its materials. If the film uses music, images or text, you must own the rights to them.
Works that violate human rights or promote hatred, violence or discrimination will not be accepted.
The selection committee is made up of independent curators and filmmakers. Their decisions are final.
Selection is based on artistic merit, emotional impact and honesty of expression, not budget.
We may invite a film outside of the competition if it is special and important to the programme.
You agree that the film may be shown at the festival's offline and online venues.
We do not pay for screenings, but we give you an audience and a screen in New York.
The festival does not cover travel and accommodation expenses.
If you are selected for the programme, we will ask you for screening materials, a trailer, photos and a biography. You can send these to our official email address.
The jury reserves the right to move a film to another category if it considers that the work will be better received and appreciated there.
The audience vote is separate and always unpredictable.
We may use excerpts from the film (up to 1 minute) in the festival's promotional materials.
The author always retains the rights to the film.
The main rule is respect for yourself, other authors and the audience. Everything else is freedom.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Duo 84 Productions

    Super festival ! J'attends toujours les résultats :D Merci à vous !

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Lynwood Shiva Sawyer

    This was one of our first submissions, and we were thrilled to be selected, even if it was not possible for any of us to attend.
    Wishing the team much success.
    Hope, Ellie & Lauren

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Rae Ashe

    Wonderful Film Festival! Great communication and film community ❤️

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Ariel Orama López (AG Orloz)

    Thanks for this wonderful journey!

    January 2026
    Helpful