The Hamilton New York International Film Festival

The 17th Annual Hamilton (New York) International Film Festival
July 21st- July 27th, 2025

Feature, Comedy Short, Horror Short, Dramatic/Thriller Short, Documentary Short, Canadian Short and Student Short Categories.

Global Cinema in the Heart of New York State

"Such a wonderful festival to be part of. They treated the guests and filmmakers so well. The communication was great throughout the process. Everyone involved was so welcoming and hospitable. The audience really engaged with the films and filmmakers splendidly. I learned so much through networking and participating in Q&A's. The selections of films was really strong and captivating., so if your film gets in, know you'll be in good company. Hamilton and the surrounding area are gorgeous in the summertime. Attend this festival if you can!"

- Xavier Michael Griffiths, Writer/Director B-Box

"This is such a fantastic festival. Grant and his team are so welcoming and really put on a great week of film and networking opportunities. The Q&A and director's panel were awesome and it was great to meet so many other filmmakers in beautiful Hamilton, NY. Highly recommend!"

-Will Dorney, Writer/Director Vic's Vac Shack

"One of the best festival I attended last year by far- it is in upstate NY in a beautiful area and the old theater your film is screened in is so cool on such a cute street in the heart of town. The festival organizer is incredible, he creates so many opportunities to mingle with other filmmakers in really fun local settings (we had BBQ in his backyard for one networking event a few blocks from the theater and it was a really special way to get to know the neighborhood and fellow filmmakers)."

- Molly Tomecek Director, Send Me a Color

"What a lovely festival. I had the privilege of showing my short film, "On the Sidewalk, at Night" at HNYIFF. Not only was my film included with top notch stories, it was well received by the festival's dedicated audience of local college town artists and movie-goers."

-Alex Deland. On the Sidewalk at Night

"It was a pleasure screening my film and attending your festival. Words can’t express how grateful I am to the hospitality and friendliness I experienced at your festival. I felt welcomed and like family around everyone. Truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a film festival in my 14 years of making films. Looking forward to attending again and spreading the word to other filmmakers! Thank you so very much."

- Daryl Denner, Writer Director The Jogger

"...such a great town and a wonderful festival, so welcoming. It was so inspiring to be around so many young and talented film makers.

-Finn Taylor, Director Unleashed & 3 Time Director Sundance Film Festival

"Can't say enough about how wonderful SBE's Hamilton International Film Festival has been. Truly honored to have our film "My Hero" included and I want to thank Grant & Todd Slater and everyone else involved for such a great experience. Just amazing.
Hope you'll have us back next year!"

- Loring Murtha, Actor/Director My Hero

"The charm and intimacy of the Hamilton International Film Festival makes it a MUST for all filmmakers. Grant and the entire Hamilton community couldn't be more hospitable. I can't wait to make another film just so I can come back!!"

-Doug Dearth, Producer/Director Odd Man Rush

"It was an absolute honour to be part of such a well respected film festival. Thanks to the help, hard work and commitment from SBE my career in the UK has gone from strength to strength. My Single, Worry hit the iTunes Download chart and peaked at Number 6. The follow up track I've recently released has hit the viral UK Top 50 on Spotify and we have now put a European Tour together. Its thanks to people such as Grant believing in me from an early stage of my development that has helped me get to where I am now."

-Sebastian Tree
United Kingdom Recording Artist

“Had a great time this past weekend in Hamilton, NY at the Hamilton International Film Festival with Tika Simone. "Five Dollars" was received with nothing but positive reviews from a beautifully sold out theater! Huge thanks goes out to Grant Slater and the Slater Brothers for being great hosts once again!"

- Rez Ota, Producer/Director FIve Dollars

We have safely arrived in Austria and I just wanted to thank you once again for the invitation, as well as the chance to present Noriko at your festival. I had a really great time, for it was one of the most intimate and passionate festivals I’ve ever been to.

It was a great experience to be part of the HIFF. Thank you for the support.

-Christian Jilka (Austria)
Writer/Director Noriko

SBE's Hamilton International Film Festival is located in the beautiful Chenango Valley region of Central New York. Long known as weekend retreat for city dwellers from New York, Boston, Ottawa, and Toronto, the Chenango Valley boasts some of the most beautiful vistas in North America and has gained an international reputation for its cultural events, outdoor activities and academic institutions.

The following corporate partners have made major contributions to the Hamilton (New York) International Festival: DKC, Nagano Trading, Colgate University, Price Chopper, Purina's Fancy Feast, Nestle, The Colgate Inn, Stella Artois, Vitamin Water, Chobani Greek Yogurt, NBT Bank, French Design Group, and Veev Acai Spirits.