Distribution & Licensing

One of the core tenets of NFFTY’s mission is to bring the most exciting films by emerging talent to as wide an audience as possible. This extends beyond the main festival in Seattle — with live events throughout the year at other festivals, popups, public screenings, etc — right into your home through our partnerships with some of the leading curatorial platforms.

Here are a few places you can find NFFTY films:

FILM MOVEMENT PLUS

We partnered with Film Movement to curate a special selection of NFFTY films for their premier platform. This is the exclusive way to view these incredible films in the US and Canada. Click here to link to the collection.

CINELIFE SHORT SHORTS

We partnered with CineLife on their Short Shorts Program, bringing NFFTY films to their preshow package on over 600 independent and art house theater screens across the US. Thanks to Film Festival Alliance for their support of this program.

PLANETOUT

We partnered with Here Media as the exclusive distributor for some of our top LGBTQIA+ films, including QUEEN FOR A DAY, SEAHORSE, PROM QUEENS, RAINBOW MOTHERS, and A TO B. You can view them on their PlanetOut YouTube channel.

PLANET CLASSROOM

Planet Classroom is a global education network, created for peer-to-peer learning for youth worldwide. NFFTY is a Curator, providing conversation and inspiration on topics such as human rights, climate change, and more. Interviews with the participating filmmakers and other content is available as well! You can check the films out on their website here.

FILMMAKERS -
Want to Distribute With NFFTY?

The first step to distribution with NFFTY is to submit your film! All NFFTY official selections are eligible for our distribution deals. We work with some of the most prestigious shorts platforms in a variety of first look deals, and work closely to pair with curatorial sensibilities which will best grow an audience. Besides the platforms listed above, we have presented slates in recent years to DUST, ALTER, NowThis, Directors Notes, Short of the Week, DEDZA Films, and Vimeo Staff Picks, to name a few. NFFTY involves curators and buyers from these and other platforms as workshop leaders, panelists, jury members, and more, so getting selected for and attending NFFTY can net you valuable industry contacts!

Distribution deals and terms are offered at NFFTY’s sole discretion, based upon invitation from our distribution partners. Filmmakers retain right of refusal for all offers. Some deals include license fees, but each deal is unique and the terms will be laid out to filmmakers at the time of offer.

DISTRIBUTORS + EXHIBITORS -
Looking to license or screen the best short films by emerging filmmakers?

We work with niche platforms specializing in genre, LGBTQIA+, young audience, and various other content categories. We can provide all requested assets and put together slates based on what you are looking for. We can also provide complete, exhibition-ready programs for festivals and exhibitors. Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!

NFFTY typically works as the sole licensee, allowing bulk acquisition of shorts while only having to secure one contract. We work to negotiate win-win-win terms between NFFTY, distributor/exhibitor, and filmmaker(s). NFFTY is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and all funds received go directly back into serving our mission and are shared with participating filmmakers. Schools and nonprofits are eligible for free or reduced licensing.