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New York Film Legacy IFF
Build the future. Appreciate the past. Own the moment. New York doesn’t wait. This city was built on hustle, achievement, rebellion and a whole lot of heart. It has seen it all: the rise of Martin Scorsese, the poeticism of Spike Lee, the dark essence of Jim Jarmusch. Now it's your turn.
About
New York City has always been a launchpad for the bold, the brave, the misfits who turn stories into legacies. This is your moment. Submit your film. Bring your best. Let’s make history.
New York Film Legacy IFF isn’t here to play it safe. We’re not looking for glossy, focus-grouped, pre-approved cinema. We want films with teeth. Stories that cut deep, shake things up, make people walk out of the theater in stunned silence—or arguing on the sidewalk. If your film is too weird, too loud, too real for the mainstream, guess what? You just found your home.
We want directors with vision, writers with fire, actors who don’t just perform but live on screen. Cinematographers who turn grime into gold, editors who know that silence can hit harder than words. We want the voices that will define what New York cinema means for the next generation.
Our festival is a moment of life in the epicenter of cinema: a red carpet without falsity, Q&As and discussions where they argue about the future of the industry, live performances of authors, meetings with those who are not afraid to break boundaries, networking and a lot of inspiration. And in the finale - awards, when some of you will write your name in the history of cinema.
New York Film Legacy IFF – Awards
The Legacy Award – Best Feature Film
Honoring a feature film that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, artistic vision, and lasting cultural impact.
Best Director
Awarded to the director whose work exhibits outstanding creativity, technical skill, and the ability to bring a compelling cinematic vision to life.
Best Screenplay
Recognizing excellence in writing, this award is given to the screenplay that showcases originality, depth, and masterful storytelling.
Best Cinematography
Presented to the cinematographer who achieves outstanding visual storytelling through composition, lighting, and movement, enhancing the film’s narrative and emotional impact.
Best Original Score / Sound Design
Honoring a composer or sound designer whose work significantly enhances the film’s atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling through an innovative and immersive auditory experience.
Best Actor / Best Actress
Awarded to the performer who delivers the most compelling and authentic on-screen performance, demonstrating exceptional skill and emotional depth.
Best New Filmmaker
Recognizing an emerging director who brings a fresh perspective and originality to filmmaking, marking them as a talent to watch.
Best Experimental Film
Celebrating innovation in film, this award honors a work that challenges conventional storytelling, explores new cinematic techniques, and pushes creative boundaries.
Best International Film
Presented to an outstanding non-U.S. feature or short film that exemplifies excellence in filmmaking while offering a unique cultural or artistic perspective.
Best Short Film
Honoring a short film that effectively tells a complete and impactful story within a limited runtime, demonstrating excellence in direction, storytelling, and execution.
Audience Choice Award
Voted on by festival attendees, this award recognizes the film that resonates most with the audience, leaving a lasting impression.
Rules
We look forward to celebrating bold, independent voices and shaping New York City's cinematic legacy.
Acceptance of applications
The competition accepts original works by independent filmmakers. All genres and formats are welcome, including narrative, documentary, animation and experimental films.
Completion Date
Films must be made after January 1, 2020.
Language Requirements
Non-English language films must have English subtitles.
Movie Duration
Feature films: Minimum 40 minutes.
Short films: No more than 40 minutes.
Experimental films: No length limit.
Premiere Status
Premiere status (New York/US/World Premiere) is not required but will be given special consideration.
Submission Format
Films must be submitted digitally via secure link or through the festival's partner platform.
Technical Requirements
Films must be in HD quality (resolution at least 1920x1080) with clear sound.
Multiple Submissions
Authors can submit multiple projects, and it is also possible to submit one project for several topical categories.
Distribution Status
Films that have been released widely online or shown on television prior to the festival are not eligible for the competition.
Rights and permissions
Authors must own all necessary rights to submitted works, including music, images and third party material.
Screening Requirements
Selected films must submit a high-quality digital copy for festival screening two weeks prior to the event.
Promotional Use
By submitting an application, filmmakers grant the festival the right to use photos, clips and promotional materials for marketing and press purposes.
Rights to screen films at the festival
Films selected for screening will be screened at designated festival venues in New York City, with possible additional online screening.
Selection and Notification
Authors will be notified by mail in advance that their film has been selected for screening. Films will be required to be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event.
Use of materials
By submitting a film, you consent to the use of your materials for publicity and promotion of the festival.
