The People's Film Festival is an annual 3-Day event MAY 30- JUNE 1, 2019, designed to showcase the best in independent films, media, music & art. It’s comprised of film screenings, panel discussions, music showcases and tech expo—celebrating the work of both emerging and established filmmakers, producers, and creatives—reflecting traditional and avant-garde style films with an emphasis on films that integrate multiple digital platforms using today’s new media & technology.
Rooted in the belief of freedom of speech and media access to all—The People’s Film Festival (TPFF) was founded in 2012 with the goal to provide venues, resources, and information for independent filmmakers, producers and creatives.
Over the last 7 years TPFF has become to be known as the “The Voice of ‘The People”—essentially the place to tell your story your way and have a true impact on that audience. TPFF’s mission is to inspire future creatives and innovators, while exposing audiences of all ages to new tools in technology for storytelling. Many of the filmmakers who screened at TPFF have broaden the outreach for their films to screen at other festivals and venues including, HBO, NetFlix, FOST, PBS- Public Broadcasting Service, Revolt TV and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives.

The People’s Film Festival is an initiative of The People’s Media, Music & Arts Foundation (TPMMAF)—which is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote awareness in independent film, technology, media, music, and art across the globe while encouraging those—particularly in the Harlem New York area, to develop a greater appreciation and understanding for cultural diversity in media.

The People’s Film Festival is held in Harlem, NY, which is not only known for its rich vibrant culture, historic landmarks great music, literature, arts and entertainment—also collectively known as The Harlem Renaissance, but the synergistic atmosphere in which filmmakers and filmgoers alike come comeback each year after year to actively share information, break bread and build relationships.
We are looking featured films in all categories and genres i.e—Features, shorts, narratives, webisodes documentaries and virtual reality. This event is open to everyone.

This event is open to everyone.

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS
The Peoples Film Festival recognizes filmmakers for their work and present a “People’s Awards” to winners selected in each category, including Cash Awards & Prizes provided by our sponsors.

Category Winners—A unique custom-designed Award will be presented to the winners of the best films in each category in competition. BEST Feature Narrative, Feature Narrative short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary short, Music, Best International Animation, and Experimental).

Rules & Terms

The People’s Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries.
If accepted, we will notify filmmakers by email. Programming decisions are made by the festival programmers and our selection committee. Films selected for screening in all categories will be notified on or about March 31, 2019. After acceptance, the final presentational format including electronic press kit materials if available, must be received prior to April 7, 2019. Any films not submitted by that date can be disqualified.
All films must be in English or with English subtitles. Foreign films must be dubbed in English or presented in their original language with English language subtitles.
ELIGIBILTY
• To be eligible, films MUST NOT HAVE EXHIBITED PUBLICLY IN HARLEM, NY prior to The People’s Film Festival. Priority is given to World Premieres for features & shorts.
• All films must be in English or with English subtitles. Foreign language films must be dubbed in English or presented in their original language with English subtitles.
• Promotional, instructional or industrial films, and raw documentation of performances are not eligible.
• Films must not have been broadcast on US television or online before the festival or commercially released on DVD/Blu-ray, VOD, or for download to the public.
• These rules will be strictly monitored.

ENTRY FEE
• We will accept online payment by credit card, (American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa). Please do not send checks, money orders. The nonrefundable Entry fees are in U.S. Dollars, are per film and must be payable in US dollars to The People’s Media Music & Arts Foundation Inc. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival.
• The Festival reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met including if eligibility status changes post-submission. Incomplete entries without proper fees will be rejected.
• TPFF does not pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
• ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO US AS SECURE ONLINE SCREENERS. TPFF no longer accepts DVD/BluRay screeners as standard submissions.
• You can submit via FilmFreeway or a password protected streaming link. Our preference is Vimeo, however, TPFF will accept links to other streaming sites that is unlisted i.e. private YouTube that is not linked to the public or by filling out our online entry forms.
• Filmmakers may submit more than one film however, each film must have its own Entry Form and Entry Fee.
• Premiere Status - We accept all films, however, priority will be given to World Premiere and Harlem related stories.
• Completion Date - There is no mandatory completion date for your film submission.
• Prior Screenings - Entries must not have been broadcast (televised) on US television or online before the festival.
• Prior Submission - Films previously submitted to TPFF will only be considered if they reapply as a new submission with 60% changes to your film, including all applicable entry fees.
• Completed & Signed Entry Form POSTMARKED by the deadline.

AGREEMENTS
Submission of your work confirms that The People’s Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize any film including promotional stills and information submitted and accepted during the Festival and/or at any other Festival event for promotional purposes in The People’s Film Festival 2019. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations for participation in The People’s Film Festival. The individual or corporation also warrants there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the submission and this film is not subject to any litigation nor is any litigation threatened. The individual or corporation also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and will indemnify and hold harmless The People’s Film Festival, The People’s Public Media Awards of Excellence, The People’s Media, Music & Arts Foundation, its directors, management, staff, and sponsors, and defend them against all claims, demands, losses damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including attorney's fees) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos screened or entered arising out of TPFF’s exhibition and promotion of said film- should such film be programmed as part of the 2019 People’s Film Festival.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SUBMISSION RULES & ENTRY INFO go to
www.thepeoplesfilmfestival.com

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adjua Mantebea

    I was fortunate that our film was aired. It opened abruptly at the onstart. One person’s film was not shown. There was a huge interruption in the middle of the screening. We never had our Q&A, nor were we told we wouldn’t start as the representatives in our theater left to find someone’s film that was missing. My cast, guest (30 or more) and I were forced to watch a 58 minute film (not scheduled) while waiting for our Q&A which never took place. We lost contact with some of the guests who were frustrated and left before being greeted. Our trailer and interviews were not aired at all.

    July 2019
    Helpful
  • Ashley Brim

    We are very proud to have screened at The People's Film Festival. It was exciting to have a screening at such a great venue in Harlem and Bella made all communication seamless. We were not able to attend the festival but were impressed by the overall programming from a distance, our project was in great company in our block and at the festival at large. Thank you Bella!!!

    June 2019
    Helpful
  • Shauntay Cherry

    I must say, I was extremely disappointed with my experience at TPFF 2019. It was such a surprise because the team had been very gracious and communicative leading up to the disappointment. Long story short, I was accepted into the festival last year, but my sister had a stroke, so I had to forego attending. Needless to say, I was extremely excited to have two films accepted into TPFF 2019. I made it a priority to be in attendance. My first screening was ‘ok’. There was a gentleman at the door who was harrassing the female filmmakers a little, but he was ignorable, though bad for business. Turnout was light, but it was also a late night screening. I still had the MJ Theater screening to look forward to the following day. My DP attended with me, in town from Texas. To my complete and utter dismay, MY FILM WAS NEVER PLAYED. The projectionist skipped my film and NO ONE from the festival could explain what was happening. I wasn’t even asked for a back-up copy. They moved to the next segment and told me someone would talk to me a little later about possibly screening at another time or refunding my money. I was extremely agitated, so I opted for the refund. To add insult to injury, I have yet to hear from the festival with a formal apology nor have I recieved my refund. This should NEVER happen to an indie filmmaker. Our struggle is hard enough. Really disappointed with this experience.

    June 2019
    Helpful
  • Tyrel Hunt

    Amazing festival. Great crowds every night and an overall positive environment. Can’t wait to go back next year!

    June 2019
    Helpful
  • keith harmon

    fantastic place to showcase your work

    February 2019
    Helpful