Rules and Terms

If you want to submit to the festival, please be aware of the following rules

Films made with the use of AI in any capacity will not be considered.

All films submitted must be in English or have English subtitles. If there are words in another language, those must have subtitles.

Films that use copyrighted music or other media without obtaining the rights to it will be disqualified.

Films must have been completed after June of 2024.

All films must be under 30 minutes.

Once selected, filmmakers will need to show proof that they are a student (or were a student when the film was made).

Entry fees are non-refundable.

We do not waive submission fees for anyone for any reason.

Does not have to be a premiere to screen at NYCSFF.

No excessive praise for a religion, advertisements, or tone poems/music videos.

Filmmakers who can attend the festival in person, should indicate that in their cover letters, as we give preference to films if we know that the filmmakers will attend in person.

Filmmakers can submit more than one project

Filmmakers are allowed to re-submit a film that was previously submitted provided significant changes were made and all eligibility requirements are met. When re-submitting the film, include a brief cover letter detailing the changes made.

By entering, you waive the right of the film festival to use content from your film to promote the festival. If you get in, we may also make a meme to promote your film (all memes will be respectful of course).