We will be screening all selected films in person at our venue located in Newark NJ. Selected film's filmmakers will be invited to attend, if they would like to come out. Our facility will be following all local covid guidelines, if any are in place. Please stay tuned to our facebook page for current updates. Thank You

As one of the featured events of the upcoming Newark Arts Festival, the Short Film Festival will be held October 6 - 7 , 2023 at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ , and other locations. The Newark Short Film Awards is presented in partnership NJIT, and I'm So Newark.

In addition to the Awards Ceremony, this two day event will full of creativity providing film-making and or acting workshops / panels, networking events, entertainment, and an overall support system for filmmakers, artist, actors, composers, directors, writers, and all aspects of video production.

Films may be submitted in the categories of Short Documentary, Short Narrative, Short Comedy and Short Student Film.

Included in our all day lineup are continuous movie screenings, acting workshop, film-making discussion panel and a networking session that will provide an opportunity to converse and share information and promote individual specialties within the film industry.

This event is designed for all artists interested in creating and working in and around the film-making industry and for Movie Lovers alike. The Short Film Festival prides itself on being informative, lively and entertaining.

Passes for the Newark Short Film Awards will be on sale right here on FilmFreeway. You can find more information on our website http://facebook.com/ShortFF as the event grows near.

We are proud to have had Sony Pictures Television as one of our sponsors. Selected filmmakers email addresses may be shared with Sony. Email addresses may be used to contact you about Sony's Diverse Directors program and others offers Sony may have that can support you as a filmmaker.

Awards & Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the winners, during the Awards Ceremony on the evening of Saturday, October 8, 2022. Winners will receive the Short Film Festival, award.

Rules & Terms

All film submissions must be 2-15 minutes long including credits.
At least 25 short films will be selected from the submissions that are received online.
Selected films will be screened during the Newark Short Film Awards.

Films may be submitted at https://filmfreeway.com/NewarkShortFilmAwards
All submissions must be received by August 31 ,2023.

If your submitted film has been screened and won awards at other festivals, please indicate which festivals and the awards given.

All Entries should include a mini press pack including a one paragraph synopsis and short staff biography with a photo of director and producer for promotional use.

All Entries must include a list of the cast including high-quality photos for promotional use. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Student Submissions
(Must Be a Registered Student. High School, College,University, Trade, Art School)
There's no age restrictions for filmmakers, but submitter must be at least 18 years of age.

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SUBMISSION RULES
1. Films must be between 2-15 minutes including credits.

2. Films must be submitted online with download capabilities enabled.

3. Filmmakers may make multiple submissions, but you must submit projects separately and are required to pay entry fees for each film submitted.

4. Entries must include contact information, with both an email address and phone number if possible, on all submission materials.

5. The Short Film Festival reserves the right to screen any film projects submitted to the Newark Short Film Awards.

6. In order to receive your Award at our Awards Show, you must be thorough in supplying us with you contact information. (Name /Phone / Email/ Address)

7. The Short Film Festival has the right to post selected films to our website or use clips for promotional purposes, unless the filmmaker opts out by contacting the Short Film Festival Matt@ImSoNewark.com when submitting your film.

8. All Newark Short Film Awards decisions are final and at our discretion.

9. Foreign language entries must have English language subtitles.

10. Films must have been produced in the past 3 years.

We are proud to have had Sony Pictures Television as one of our sponsors. Selected filmmakers email addresses may be shared with Sony. Email addresses may be used to contact you about Sony's Diverse Directors program and others offers Sony may have that can support you as a filmmaker.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • David Ambrose

    Such a well run festival for independent filmmakers! The venue is great to see your work and others on the big screen. Highly recommend for anyone looking to submit!

    December 2022
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  • Mike Mentor

    Very great festival. Love how diverse the films were. Thank you everyone, for selecting my film and receiving the best narrative award!

    October 2022
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  • Mark Leschinsky

    Excellent festival! The organizers are very friendly and welcoming! I enjoyed it!

    October 2022
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  • Squeaky Wheel Entertainment

    We were so excited to screen Cutbacks at Newark Short Film Awards, and had a wonderful time attending a few of the events. We connected with a few lovely filmmakers and look forward to submitting to next year's festival!

    October 2021
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  • Lisa Durden

    The Newark Short Film Awards was AMAZING!! I encourage all filmmakers to submit their short films. In addition to the access and networking, the panel was THE BEST!! Very informative. We were even given information to apply to a huge director's fellowship in real time.

    October 2021
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