20 Best Film Festivals in the Northeast US: 2024 Filmmaker's Guide

The Northeast United States, with its rich cultural tapestry and bustling film scene, offers a treasure trove of opportunities for those looking to showcase their craft. The region boasts an impressive array of film festivals that cater to short-form storytellers.

We've curated a list of the top 20 film festivals in the Northeast that every short filmmaker should have on their radar. These festivals range from internationally renowned events that can catapult your career to intimate gatherings that offer invaluable networking opportunities. Each has been selected based on its potential to elevate your visibility in the industry, provide meaningful feedback, and connect you with fellow creatives and industry professionals.

Top 20 Film Festivals For Short Filmmakers: North East US

Tribeca Film Festival (New York, NY)

Tribeca is one of the most prestigious festivals in the US, offering excellent exposure and networking opportunities. Its location in New York City provides access to industry professionals and media attention.

New York Film Festival (New York, NY)

Run by Film at Lincoln Center, this festival attracts major industry players and press, offering significant visibility for selected short films.

Maryland Film Festival (Baltimore, MD)

Known for its filmmaker-friendly atmosphere, this festival has a strong focus on independent and short films, providing great networking opportunities.

Hamptons International Film Festival (East Hampton, NY)

This festival has a reputation for identifying new talent and has several awards specifically for short films, attracting industry attention.

Rhode Island International Film Festival (Providence, RI)

An Oscar-qualifying festival for short films, it offers excellent exposure and is known for its strong short film program.

Woods Hole Film Festival (Woods Hole, MA)

One of the oldest film festivals in New England, it has a dedicated short film program and offers intimate networking opportunities.

Nantucket Film Festival (Nantucket, MA)

Known for its strong focus on screenwriting, this festival provides a platform for short filmmakers to showcase their work to a discerning audience.

Brooklyn Film Festival (Brooklyn, NY)

With its proximity to New York City's film industry, this festival offers good exposure and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers.

Philadelphia Film Festival (Philadelphia, PA)

A major festival in the region, it provides significant visibility and has a dedicated short film competition.

Montclair Film Festival (Montclair, NJ)

Growing in prominence, this festival attracts industry professionals from nearby New York City and has a strong short film program.

Maine International Film Festival (Waterville, ME)

One of the most significant festivals in New England, it offers good exposure for short filmmakers in the region.

New Hampshire Film Festival (Portsmouth, NH)

This festival has gained recognition for its support of independent filmmakers and offers several short film categories.

Woodstock Film Festival (Woodstock, NY)

Known as "the most fiercely independent" festival, it provides a platform for innovative short films and attracts industry professionals.

Boston Underground Film Festival (Boston, MA)

For edgier, more experimental short films, this festival provides excellent visibility within its niche.

Provincetown International Film Festival (Provincetown, MA)

Known for its focus on independent film, this festival offers good exposure and networking opportunities in a unique setting.

New York International Children's Film Festival (New York, NY)

For short filmmakers focusing on content for younger audiences, this festival offers unparalleled exposure in its niche.

Lighthouse International Film Festival (Long Beach Island, NJ)

This festival takes place in a unique setting on Long Beach Island, which can create a more unique and intimate atmosphere for networking.

Coney Island Film Festival (Brooklyn, NY)

A quirky festival that celebrates independent and short films, offering good exposure for emerging filmmakers.

Nitehawk Shorts Festival (Brooklyn, NY)

The festival focuses exclusively on short films, which makes it particularly relevant for short-film filmmakers, and benefits from Nitehawk's reputation as a trendy, independent cinema in Brooklyn.

Camden International Film Festival (Camden, ME)

For documentary filmmakers, including short documentaries, Camden is one of the top documentary film festivals in North America.

Regional Film Festivals For Short Filmmakers: Focus Northeast

In compiling the list we looked at festivals in: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland.

The world of film festivals is ever-evolving. These were our choices at this moment in time. A perfect festival match for one film may not be a good match for another film. Happy submissions!

By: SF Block

Writing about indie filmmaking.

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