I was 17 when I first attended NFFTY. Since then, I have been able to be inspired by the films every year and build an extensive network of young filmmakers, who push each other to be better. NFFTY empowers youth and connects artists from all around the globe. It allowed me to understand that I am the future and that my films matter.
— Carol Nguyen, NFFTY alum
 

What is NFFTY?

NFFTY is the world’s largest, most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers 24 years old and younger. In 2023, we screened over 200 amazing short films representing 32 US states and 28 countries. We provide a first-class festival experience that includes four days of film screenings, parties, networking events, panels, and more!

Why Submit to NFFTY?

Inspiration & Motivation

Year after year, filmmakers tell us how much they were inspired by the work they saw at NFFTY, and how having their work included in the festival gave them the confidence they needed to keep creating, keep submitting their work to other festivals, and to keep moving forward in their filmmaking journey!

Creative Community

When you attend NFFTY as a filmmaker, you meet fellow young filmmakers from around the world, and network with industry leaders. You build personal and professional relationships that will last long after your festival years!

Launch Your Professional Career

Thousands of filmmakers have come through NFFTY over the past 16 years, and the festival has been a launching pad to celebrated festival runs, sought-after distribution deals, and successful careers in the film industry. Check out our Alumni Advisory Board and our Alumni Spotlight to see just a few examples of NFFTY filmmakers who are killing it professionally!

This festival has been one of the most motivational and humbling experiences of my life so far. If you’re serious about you having a career in this industry, you should to be serious about NFFTY.
— William Alexander Boyd, NFFTY filmmaker, "THE TRESPASSER"

Submission Deadlines & Entry Fees

Submissions to NFFTY are currently open:

  • Early Deadline: $30 | November 8, 2024

  • Mid Deadline: $40 | November 29, 2024

  • Regular Deadline: $50 | December 20, 2024

  • Final Deadline: $60 | January 10, 2025

    Note:
    10% discount available to FilmFreeway Gold members

 

Categories

All films (national and international) may be submitted into only one category:

  • NARRATIVE

  • DOCUMENTARY

  • MUSIC VIDEO

  • ANIMATION

  • EXPERIMENTAL

  • EPISODIC


You must read the Official Rules & FAQs before submitting!

I would like to thank everyone at NFFTY for hosting a festival experience that included inspiration, mentorship, and pride. I was able to gain confidence in my ability as a storyteller through my experience at NFFTY.
— Kate Saltel, NFFTY filmmaker, Audience-Award winner "METAMORPHISM"