We screen the best documentaries from around the world at the Roxie Cinema, the oldest art house theater west of the Mississippi. Many of our titles end up with calendared runs at the Roxie later in the year. We get great press coverage in San Francisco, the second largest film market in the country, plus industry reviews.
San Francisco is a very receptive town for documentaries and our fest has built a passionate following over the past 24 years.
LAST YEAR'S PRESS COVERAGE: https://sfindie.com/press-coverage
SF DocFest is an annual festival devoted to documentary cinema. Since 2001, this event has brought the most weird and wonderful aspects of real life to the big screen.
"What makes the scrappy San Francisco Documentary Film Festival a treasure to SF Bay Area filmgoers is its willingness to take that extra step to show films a little more out there than bog standard documentaries." - Peter Wong, Broke Ass Stuart
“Docfest offers a zippy blend of politics, music, social issues and youth-oriented subcultures. The good news is that DocFest promotes documentaries as a vibrant, irreverent form of entertainment to a younger demographic, blasting the notion of educational films to smithereens. There’s no room for anything approximating — watch it, I’m about to blaspheme – the obsessively measured and utterly somnambulant musings of Ken Burns.” – Michael Fox, KQED
“Since its inception, DocFest (May 31-June 15 at the Roxie and the Vogue, with opening night at Alamo Drafthouse) has compiled a colorful scrapbook of genuine characters in contrast to the current events survey, educational seminar or social-issue forum that defines many documentary series… There are one or two people in Off the Charts you won’t soon forget, which could be said about nearly every film in DocFest. That’s one of the pleasures of scrapbooks.” – also Michael Fox, KQED
Michael Fox just loves DocFest, here's another:
"Welcome to SF DocFest, the beloved annual compendium of odd, unusual nonfiction films from every nook and corner of our bizarro country and beyond. Waving off the pedigreed, high-profile docs that premiere at Sundance, get theatrical releases (or these days, national virtual releases) and chart a course for the Academy Awards, SF DocFest’s programmers opt for poignant, intimate works that miss the mainstream by dint of their iconoclasm and/or lack of a marketing hook." -KQED
"This week brings the kickoff to the 20th edition of SF Docfest, the rapidly-becoming-venerable nonfiction showcase that nonetheless continues to put the fun in documentary cinema appreciation. While other such showcases tend to be soberly issue-themed, focusing on the environment, activism, or some such, Docfest pursues—though not exclusively—colorful human interest stories, musician profiles, and other subjects on which there will not be a class quiz afterward." - Dennis Harvey, 48Hills
The Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival aims to showcase crime drama, true crime, horror, and related subgenres from around the world.
We provide independent filmmakers with a platform to connect with audiences, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers who share their passion for crime and horror cinema.
With live screenings at a historic theater in Hollywood, the LA Crime and Horror Film Festival gives recognition to the independent films and filmmakers in crime and horror storytelling.
Winners considered by Hollywood production companies reps, and streaming platforms including:
ZERO GRAVITY
THE BLOOD LIST / BRILLSTEIN
THINK TANK MANAGEMENT
TXL FILMS
BINGE HORROR
... and more.
Festival that is celebrated in CIUDAD REAL from June 23 to 27 2026.
This year celebrates its 28th Edition. It is a Municipal Festival in which €12,500 in prizes are distributed.
The Official Section is made up of 15 works that compete for the different awards of the Jury and Public
The Parallel Section is made up of the works that will be screened during the first 3 days of the celebration and compete for four prizes from the public.
The projections are held outdoors in different spaces of the city with free admission where the public has a leading role since it awards half of the Festival prizes, 6 out of 12.
In addition to the prizes by modality, different special prizes are awarded such as:
Awards and Public Mentions in both Sections
Young Director Award for directors under 35 years of age
Best Director Award
"Ciudad Real Deporte" Award
CIFF – Cittadella International Film Festival is an international film event held in the stunning medieval town of Cittadella (Padua, Italy)—a walled city rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty.
The festival is dedicated to promoting independent cinema from around the world, giving space to emerging filmmakers and established artists who craft stories that move, challenge, and inspire.
The prestigious Malta’s Tower Award (Premio Torre di Malta) is the festival’s top honor, awarded to the film that best exemplifies narrative innovation, visual impact, and artistic excellence. The award is named after the historic "Torre di Malta," a medieval landmark that stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.
CIFF welcomes short films, documentaries, feature films, experimental cinema, and animation, across all genres and languages. Screenings take place in spectacular historic venues, offering a cinematic experience deeply rooted in place and tradition.
CIFF is more than a festival—it’s a hub for exchange, with masterclasses, industry panels, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to connect creators and audiences worldwide.
FID:RIO is the new International Documentary Film Festival based in Rio de Janeiro, inspired by the spirit that established FIDBA as the most important documentary festival in Ibero-America. FID:RIO envisions itself as a gathering space for non-fiction cinema, where films share a common vocation for reflection, formal exploration, and a critical gaze upon the world we live in.
Based on this premise, FID:RIO presents itself as an annual event that combines a selection of films by emerging directors with retrospectives of renowned filmmakers, as well as the recovery of essential works that remain outside the commercial circuit. The festival is an open platform for all documentary languages and for all forms that question reality and seek to understand it through cinema.
FID:RIO also aims to expand the cinematic experience toward other languages and formats, opening a dialogue between documentary and other disciplines: from photography to installations, from documentary theater to transmedia storytelling, and from traditional narration to new digital platforms. In this intersection between reality and fiction, documentary emerges as an irreplaceable form of contemporary thought.
In a world where markets tend to turn every connection into a spectacle, documentary cinema reaffirms its uniqueness: it works with uncertainty, instability, and unpredictability. And that fragility is precisely its strength. Documentary cinema invents forms, builds new maps, and explores territories that we do not yet fully know.
LINK:RIO is the industry section of FID:RIO, the direct successor of the work consolidated by LINK at FIDBA, one of the most important documentary gatherings in Latin America. Its aim is to strengthen documentary production through various instances of support, training, networking, and project development.
Its activities include:
Work in Progress – Presentation of projects at an advanced stage.
One-to-One Meetings – Individual meetings between filmmakers and decision-makers.
DocLab – A laboratory for projects in development.
Masterclasses and Conferences – Spaces for training and inspiration with national and international leaders.
Welcome to your house. Where dreams come true!
IMDb Qualifying Film Fest:
https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0073353/2024/1
Nestled just 30 minutes from Barcelona, the charming town of La Garriga plays host to this year’s eagerly anticipated film festival. Known for its rich architectural heritage, modernist mansions, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, La Garriga offers a unique and inspiring setting for cinema lovers and filmmakers alike.
Surrounded by natural beauty and boasting a vibrant local culture, La Garriga is more than just a picturesque backdrop — it's a place where creativity and community thrive. The town’s easily walkable center, welcoming venues, and strong support for the arts make it an ideal location for a film festival that aims to be both intimate and innovative. Plus, its convenient transport links to Barcelona mean visitors can enjoy both the buzz of the city and the tranquility of a small town.
Whether you're here to screen a film, discover new talent, or simply enjoy great cinema in a beautiful setting, La Garriga is ready to roll out the red carpet.
Why Into the Wild?
At our festival, we do more than host an exceptional live event: we support independent filmmakers in real and tangible ways. Through partnerships with eight Los Angeles-based distributors and sales agents, our goal is not only to create unforgettable experiences but also to help filmmakers secure distribution or financing for their exceptional projects.
We believe festivals should offer something more. That's why we offer support to creators in every way possible.
With years of experience organizing large-scale events and working closely with one of the best film clubs in the region, we're creating a multi-day celebration with options for all tastes. Get ready to enjoy the festival's best films while savoring the rich local cuisine. Our city is home to countless culinary experiences for all tastes.
How does it work?
We understand that many projects are self-funded, and that's why we offer individual categories. This approach allows each filmmaker to tailor their submission and participation to fit their specific budget and needs.
How does the distribution work?
Securing distribution today is more competitive than ever, especially with the rise of streaming platforms producing their own content. To maximize opportunities, we work closely with eight active distributors who serve major film markets, including Cannes, Berlinale, Ventana Sur, and more.
We maintain regular communication with these partners, staying updated on their current interests so we can quickly submit the most compelling titles—well before the festival ends.
AI Movie Awards (AIMA) is an international platform dedicated to exploring the future of cinema in the age of artificial intelligence.
Launching in Mallorca in Spring 2026, AIMA will showcase short films, feature films, and experimental works created with AI tools.
ONE SHOT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
The information concerning further development will be posted on the festival's FB page: https://www.facebook.com/oneshotfest The festival's FB page and work e-mail kadrrope@gmail.com are available for questions and clarifications.
"One Shot" promotes independent film production in Armenia. Submitted films have no limitations in shooting format. Films can be shot on cell phones, film and HD cameras. Competition has three categories: "One Minute - One Shot", "Short Movies" and "Cinema Without Border". There are special programs and panel discussions too.
"One Shot" International Short Film Festival is an open cinema platform. It was founded in 2003.
The founder president is Gagik Ghazareh. Founder organization: Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art. The rights holder of the festival is the Open Platform For Art NGO․ Symbol of the festival represents a three-dimensional statue of ancient rock carving from Geghama mountain which is 5000 years old.
Caostica International Short Film and Music Video Festival has been recognized by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain as a qualifying festival in the short film categories for the Goya Awards.
Prizes: 6.500 euros (check the rules).
Caostica is an International Shortfilm an Music Video Festival that takes place in Bilbao (Basque Country) with these sections: Videozinema (Fiction Shortfilms), Animation and Videoclip (Music Video).
All prizes are given by a professional jury except of Bizarre Prize. The Caostica Association will award the Bizarre Prize to the participant whom best represents the fresh, innovative, quirky, irreverent, Martian, jokester, weird, risky, brave and daring spirit that characterizes this festival, regardless of the section in which he or she is registered. In addition to this the Festival will award other prizes such as: a prize to the best film in basque language (independently of the section in which its signed up); a prize to the best spanish shortfilm; a prize to the best work produced or co-produced in Latin America.
In a historical moment in which the fear of different seems to prevail and the values of equality and social justice are neglected for the benefit of a widespread selfishness, it seems important to us to experiment new initiative to promote the positive values that the Associazione Orchestra Multietnica di Arezzo tried to convey in these years using the universal language of the music. Solidarity, hospitality, integration, civil commitment, those are the values we want to pass on through cinema and Audiovision’s language, in an active citizenship experience above all young people, to give our contribution to a wide cultural sensibility growth, with a view to a supportive, multicultural and cohesive society.
Officine social movie: 7nd cinema and Audiovision’s festival dedicated to social issues and civil commitment and to dissemination of content that promoted solidarity, hospitality, social inclusion, cultural diversity and rights values.
Officine social movie is born for an attempt to create new artistic context and new formulas to convey, through cinema and audiovision’s versatility, the idea of cultural and social commitment above expressed. An open festival to short films presented by young emergent and independent filmmakers and videomakers, a showcase dedicated to projection of titles (movie, docu-movie, animation…) on call through film distribution channels also alternative. Projections that will be enriched by guest’s presence (filmmakers, authors, screenwriters, actors) with whose the audience will have the opportunity to confront at the end of projection.
We want to report that Officine Social Movie is born with the intention to pose the same caution both on the final result, the festival that will take place at Arezzo from 3th to 8th june 2025, and on the project creation and implementation process. One of the targets is in fact the involvement of a group of young people who can share an active citizenship, giving space to their creativity.
To arrive to the festival made up by the step of design, analysis, planning and management, communication and critical vision of short films in the competition, will be part of the project itself, with the same importance of the festival days.
The group will be composed by some young people of the promoter association with around twenty people of the students from the Multimedia, cinema and graphic design sections of Liceo Artistico “Piero della Francesca di Arezzo” that, flanked by expert and operation, will draw the outlines of the festival, will draw up the national competition announcement, will be an integral part in the selection of short films in competition and will be part of the jury who will designate it the winners.
The students, in addition of being part of the group of the design team, will be involved in the creation of an own short film too, to be presented out of competition, as well as for the project and the festival’s video-photographic documentation.
The Officine Social Movie project has as leader the Association “Orchestra Multietnica di Arezzo” (OMA), in collaboration with Officine della Cultura, the Liceo Artistico Coreutico Scientifico Internazionale “Piero della Francesca”, annex to Convitto Nazionale “Vittorio Emanuele II” of Arezzo and Poti Pictures, with the support of Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, contribution Prodigio Divino and Associazione Autismo Arezzo.
8º Festival Internacional de Cinema Ambiental da Serra Catarinense é um evento cultural de grande importância que destaca a interseção entre a arte cinematográfica e as questões ambientais. Realizado em uma das regiões mais belas e ecologicamente diversas do Brasil, o festival tem como objetivo sensibilizar o público sobre a importância da preservação ambiental através do poder do cinema. A programação do festival inclui uma seleção diversificada de filmes, documentários e curtas-metragens que abordam temas como mudanças climáticas, biodiversidade, conservação e sustentabilidade. Além das exibições, o evento também promove apresentações artísticas e promove debates, rodas de conversa e palestras com cineastas, ambientalistas e especialistas, incentivando o diálogo e a conscientização sobre os desafios ambientais atuais. O festival é uma oportunidade única para os participantes se engajarem com as questões ecológicas de maneira criativa e inspiradora.
1 – SOBRE LA 20ª CINEBH - FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CINE DE BELO HORIZONTE
La CineBH – Muestra Internacional de Cine de Belo Horizonte es un festival internacional dedicado a la articulación entre creación, reflexión, circulación y mercado en el audiovisual contemporáneo, con enfoque estratégico en América Latina. La Muestra actúa como plataforma de conexión entre la producción brasileña y latinoamericana, promoviendo el intercambio artístico y profesional, estimulando el debate, la formación de redes de colaboración y la valorización de nuevos talentos por medio de secciones competitivas y premiaciones. Incluye además un apartado dedicado a la exhibición de producciones realizadas en el Gran BH.
El festival se consolida como un espacio de pensamiento y experimentación sobre los rumbos del audiovisual, reuniendo profesionales del sector, realizadores, investigadores, académicos, representantes de la industria nacional e internacional y público en torno a debates sobre sostenibilidad del cine, estrategias de lanzamiento y ventas, coproducción internacional, innovación en el lenguaje, nuevas tecnologías y modelos de exhibición y difusión.
Con programación gratuita, la CineBH presenta una curaduría de películas brasileñas y latinoamericanas —largometrajes y cortometrajes— articulada con homenajes, debates, acciones formativas, sesiones Cine-Escuela, Muestrita de Cine y actividades artísticas, consolidándose como un espacio de encuentro entre creación, formación de públicos y desarrollo del sector audiovisual.
La Muestra CineBH es una idealización y realización de Universo Produção y presenta películas brasileñas y latinoamericanas de larga y corta duración. Integra Cinema sem Fronteiras – programa internacional del audiovisual, que reúne tres muestras anuales complementarias: la Muestra de Cine de Tiradentes, la CineOP – Muestra de Cine de Ouro Preto y la CineBH - Muestra Internacional de Cine de Belo Horizonte.
Fecha prevista de realización de la 20ª edición del evento: del 22 al 27 de septiembre de 2026.
Lugar de realización: El evento está planificado en formato híbrido, con actividades presenciales en diversos espacios de la ciudad de Belo Horizonte —capital del estado de Minas Gerais— y programación en línea en la plataforma oficial del evento: cinebh.com.br.
2 – SOBRE EL SEGMENTO LATINOAMERICANO DE LA CINEBH
El segmento latinoamericano de la CineBH está compuesto por dos secciones competitivas de películas latinoamericanas dedicadas al cine de carácter autoral, libertad formal y potencial internacional, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo, el intercambio y la ampliación de las redes de circulación entre los países de América Latina.
2.1 – Muestra Territorio
Sección internacional competitiva compuesta por hasta seis largometrajes latinoamericanos, preferentemente inéditos en Brasil*, de realizadores(as) que estén dirigiendo con la película inscrita, individualmente o en conjunto, su segundo largometraje en adelante —de ficción, documental o animación—. Solo se considerarán obras de directores(as) nacidos(as) o con ciudadanía en países de América Latina, incluyendo Haití y Puerto Rico, y con producción mayoritaria de un país latinoamericano.
El objetivo de la muestra es ampliar la visibilidad de producciones autorales, fortalecer el intercambio entre países latinoamericanos e impulsar la trayectoria de realizadores en proceso de consolidación en la escena audiovisual.
Las películas seleccionadas serán evaluadas por un Jurado Oficial, conformado por profesionales del audiovisual invitados por la organización del evento, que otorgará los premios a Mejor Película de la sección y Destacado del Jurado. Los premios serán anunciados en la ceremonia de clausura del evento y las películas ganadoras recibirán el Trofeo Horizonte —oficial del evento—. La Mejor Película también recibirá un premio en dinero por un valor de R$ 10.000,00 (diez mil reales).
*Se considerará inédita la película que no haya sido estrenada comercialmente ni exhibida en ningún evento, muestra o festival en el territorio brasileño.
2.2 – Muestra Horizonte
Sección internacional competitiva compuesta por hasta seis largometrajes latinoamericanos, preferentemente inéditos en Brasil*, dedicada exclusivamente a la presentación de primeras obras —largometrajes de ficción, documental y animación— realizadas por directores(as) nacidos(as) o con ciudadanía en países de América Latina, incluyendo Haití y Puerto Rico, con producción mayoritaria de un país latinoamericano.
La Muestra Horizonte tiene como objetivo destacar a nuevos realizadores, ampliar la visibilidad de óperas primas y fomentar la renovación del cine latinoamericano, promoviendo el intercambio cultural y la inserción de estas películas en circuitos de exhibición y circulación internacional.
Las películas seleccionadas serán evaluadas por un Jurado Oficial, conformado por profesionales del audiovisual invitados por la organización del evento, que elegirá la Mejor Película de la sección y un Destacado del Jurado. El anuncio se realizará en la clausura del evento, programada para el día 27 de septiembre de 2026. La película ganadora recibirá el Trofeo Horizonte —oficial del evento— y será contemplada además con un premio en dinero por un valor de R$ 5.000,00 (cinco mil reales).
*Se considerará inédita la película que no haya sido estrenada comercialmente ni exhibida en ningún evento, muestra o festival en el territorio brasileño.
Welcome to the Indie Innovators Film Festival 2026—where creativity meets innovation and every story has a place to shine! We’re thrilled to celebrate bold, original voices from all corners of the indie film world. Whether your film is a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an eye-opening documentary, or and fantasy,
Sintonie Short Festival is a free competition open to schools, associations, and filmmakers of all ages and
countries.
There are three categories in which you can participate:
• Short films themed "THE COURAGE TO BE HAPPY"
The film's subject must aim to raise public awareness of stereotypes, prejudices, and the most common
racist, discriminatory, and homophobic attitudes. The element that will truly make the difference
will be the type of language used to convey the above message; irony, for example!
• Off-topic short films
BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Celebrating 23 Years of Independent Film in the Heart of New York City
Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF) is a long-running NYC-based festival dedicated to showcasing innovative films and discovering bold new voices in screenwriting. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals" and "Top 25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee," BAFF brings independent storytellers into direct connection with industry professionals.
WHY SUBMIT?
● Live NYC Theatrical Screenings with filmmaker Q&As
● Long list of critically acclaimed alumni films, including Academy-Award-Winning Alumni Projects including I'm Not a Robot and If Anything Happens I Love You, Academy-Award nominated projects such as Edith+Eddie and Feeling Through.
● Year-Round Virtual Networking and Mentorship — complimentary access for all submitters
● Alumni with Projects on Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu, Disney+, and more
● Pitch and Network directly with agents, managers, producers and other industry reps through optional "Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum" registration
● Industry jurors include producers, directors and writers who have developed projects released by major studios, productions companies and streamers, including: Netflix, Paramount, Warner Bros, Lionsgate, HBO, Starz, Fox, ABC, Amazon, Apple TV, Starz, Hulu and many more...
AGENTS, MANAGERS & PRODUCERS PITCH FORUM (VIRTUAL EVENT)
Add-On: All Access Pass – Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum
Regular Price: $200 | Your Price: $130 with Film or Script Submission (35% discount)
Upgrade your festival experience with exclusive access to the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum— a premium industry networking and pitching event that runs VIRTUALLY alongside the festival. This event gives you direct access to top-tier Hollywood agents, managers, producers and industry decision-makers.
WHAT THE ALL-ACCESS PASS INCLUDES:
Access to All live industry info sessions and Q&As with Hollywood agents, managers & producers at no additional cost. These sessions include Insider discussions on representation, packaging, and selling your work, as well as networking opportunities with reps, producers and fellow creatives.
PITCH SESSIONS: All Access Pass holders will receive priority access to register for small group pitch sessions with agents, managers & producers (NOTE: at this time, pitch session registration will ONLY be available to All Access Pass Holders). Registration will open in the spring.
⏳ 95% of pitch slots sold out last season — early access is key
Pitch your project. Build industry connections. Learn what reps are looking for.
✅ Submitters who choose this option will receive a code approximately two weeks before the event to redeem their prepaid All Access Pass.
✅ NOTE: All submitters who register for the Agents, Managers & Producers Pitch Forum will automatically receive their All-Access Pass, even if their project is not selected for the festival.
Reserve your All Access Pass now — spots are limited, and pitch sessions fill up fast
PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE REPS FROM:
● The Gersh Agency
● Zero Gravity Management
● Innovative Artists
● Magnolia Entertainment
● WGA East
As well as producers, development executives, writers and industry professionals who have developed projects for:
● Netflix
●Universal
● Marvel
● 20th Television
● MarVista Entertainment
● Lionsgate
● AMC Networks
● Amazon MGM Studios
and more...
Last season approximately 14% of pitch session participants received script requests from participating agents and managers!
“Two of the agents I pitched requested my script. One called to discuss representation.” – Nate Bynum, screenwriter
PRODUCER'S NOTES
Submitters have the option to upgrade their film or script submission to include Producer's Notes. If this option is selected, the submitter will receive one page of notes from one professional accredited producer.
Participating producers include:
● Krushan Naik (producer of Oscar®-nominated film "Anuja")
● Emmy Award winning producer Ryan Cunningham (Paramount+, Hulu, Disney+, HBOmax)
● Crystal Holt (former Vice President of Series at 20th Television/Disney, previous Director of Scripted Programming at AMC Networks)
● Wade Sheeler (Netflix, CBS, Bravo)
● Devan Renea (Hulu, CW, OWN)
● Tim Curcio (CBS)
● Melinda Li (Warner Bros. Drama Development, Creative Executive JuVee Productions - Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s production company)
● Aeryn Michelle Willams (Netflix, Marvel, Disney, Prime Video)
● Samantha Sharma (former Original Scripted Content Coordinator at Disney+, former Creative Executive at Marvel Studios, Franchise Asset Coordinator at LucasFilm Ltd.).
FILM SCREENINGS
Selected films are screened in New York City state of the art cinemas, with live post-screening Q&As. BAFF is committed to providing a platform for high-quality, independent cinema from NYC and around the world.
Previous official selections and alumni films have included:
● I'm Not a Robot – Academy Award Winner, Best Live Action Short
● Feeling Through - Academy Award Nominee, Live Action Short
● Until - directed by and starring Golden Globe Award winners Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick
● Sweetwater – Released by Universal Pictures, starring Golden Globe Award winner Jeremy Piven and Academy Award winner Richard Dreyfuss
● The Living Wake – Starring Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg and Emmy Award winner Jim Gaffigan
● Killing Mary Sue - distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, starring SAG Award nominee Dermot Mulroney
● Last Ride - Executive Produced by Oscar® winner SPIKE LEE, distributed by Quiver Distribution
● Taste the Revolution - starring Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Green Book, House of Cards, The Hunger Games, True Detective)
● Thirsty - (Apple TV, Prime Video), starring Jamie Neumann (HBO's The Deuce), Image Award nominee Tyler Lepley (Harlem, Tyler Perry's Duplicity), Golden Globe Award winner Kyra Sedgwick, Golden Globe Award nominee Thora Birch
● The One Note Man - Shortlisted for Best Live Action at the 96th Academy Awards, Narrated by Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner Ian McKellen.
● The Herricanes – SXSW Audience Award Winner
● Amerikatsi – Armenian Oscar submission, NYC and LA theatrical release
● The Shepherd – Academy Award Shortlist, distributed by Disney+, produced by Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón, starring Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner John Travolta
● "Bad Survivor" (Oscars Shortlist, Short Film Live Action Category)
● "Deadly Vows", starring Shiva Negar, SAG Award nominee Billy Zane (Titanic), Shane West (A Walk to Remember), Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, distributed by Quiver Distribution, streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV
● And many more...
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
The BAFF Screenplay Competition is open to feature-length scripts, shorts, pilots, and series. Finalists are read by our team of experienced industry professionals.
BAFF Screenplay Competition has received submissions from both emerging talent and established professionals. Participants have included:
● Douglas Raine (Line Producer "Reigns of Fire" starring Academy Award winners Matthew McConaughey and Christian Bale)
● Amy Kolquist (Writer of "Border Run" starring Academy Award nominee Sharon Stone and Billy Zane, distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment and Paramount Pictures)
● Stephanie Drapeau (Writer and Producer of Wish Wizard starring Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman)
● Maia Henkin – signed with A3 Artists Agency; held meetings with Lionsgate, Starz, Anonymous Content
● Shia LaBeouf (Critics Choice Award and People's Choice Award nominee)
● Ron Friedman - Emmy nominee and WGA Award winner
● Elizabeth Reichelt - writers’ assistant for Bridgerton (NETFLIX), Inventing Anna (NETFLIX), and Physical(APPLE TV, AMAZON). Co-wrote/co-produced Full Picture, executive produced by Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Rachel Bloom. Writer for the CBS Diversity Showcase.
● Caytha Jentis - written/directed/produced projects for HBO, Warner Bros., Amazon
● Kent Moran - Feature films have been released by Warner Brothers, Netflix, Showtime, Paramount+, Starz, Apple, Hulu, Amazon, Hallmark, Lifetime, LMN, Regal Cinemas
● Elizabeth Page - Six time Emmy Award and three time WGA Award winning writer and playwright (ABC, CBS, TBS)
● Matt Giacheri - produced projects for NETFLIX and Amazon
● Janet J. Lawler – finalist recognition helped place her on Coverfly’s Red List; later signed by a literary manager
● Stuart Feldman (BAFF Screenplay Competition winner) - WGA writer, has written for the NBC drama LAW & ORDER, the USA series ROYAL PAINS, and his teleplay for LAW & ORDER: SVU ("Justice Denied") ranked #21 on the TV Guide list of "Best Episodes".
"Since being a finalist with Big Apple, I was signed by A3 and have taken meetings with major studios..."
— Maia Henkin
YEAR-ROUND INDUSTRY ACCESS
ALL submitters receive complimentary access to select virtual mentorship and networking sessions throughout the year.
Past mentors and guests have developed or produced work for:
Netflix, Warner Bros., Hulu, Disney, Showtime, HBO, Amazon, CBS, FilmRise, and more.
See upcoming events:
https://bigapplefilmfestivalindustrynetworkingevents.eventive.org/schedule
NOTABLE GUESTS & HONOREES
Over the years, BAFF has welcomed acclaimed actors, filmmakers, screenwriters and industry leaders, including:
● Jesse Eisenberg (Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee)
● Kevin Bacon (Golden Globe and SAG award winner)
● Kyra Sedgwick (Golden Globe and SAG award winner)
● Cuba Gooding Jr. (Academy Award winner)
● Sawyer Spielberg
● James Sunshine (producer, FOX's "Hell's Kitchen" CBS' "Big Brother", "Project Runway", NETFLIX/HULU)
● Morgan Spurlock (Academy Award nominee, WGA Award winner)
● Olympia Dukakis (Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner)
● Jeremy Piven (Emmy Award and Golden Globe Winner)
● Krushan Naik (Oscar-nominated producer)
● Bill Plympton (Oscar-nominated animator)
● Alan Cumming (Tony Award and Independent Spirit Award winner)
● Kwame Parker (Academy Award nominated producer)
…and many more.
INDUSTRY JURORS
Big Apple Film Festival industry jurors include writers, producers and industry professionals with credits at NETFLIX, AMAZON STUDIOS, DISNEY, MARVEL, HULU, CBS, 20th TELEVISION, AMC NETWORKS and more. (visit bigapplefilmfestival.com for the complete list of jurors).
???? ABOUT BAFF
Now in its 23rd year, Big Apple Film Festival remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of independent filmmakers and screenwriters. From live screenings and pitch opportunities to year-round virtual access, BAFF offers a unique platform to showcase your work and grow your career.
Whether you're an up-and-coming writer, an independent filmmaker, or a seasoned creative looking for new connections, BAFF provides opportunities to get your work seen — and to be taken seriously.
SUBMIT NOW
Join the next wave of acclaimed BAFF alumni.
Submit your film or screenplay today
Within the framework of the multiple activities presented and organized by Andares: Cinematographic Actions, we are pleased to present the fourth edition of our Contemporary Film Festival. Another short, careful and compact edition to celebrate cinephilia in the peruvian fall.
New York Arts & Entertainment Film Festival (formerly NYC Popup Film Festival) celebrates quality independent films. Our goal is to bring quality short films to an audience and offer independent filmmakers a place to showcase their work. We also work to create network opportunities for future work to be created.
Short films of all genres are considered for Festival Screening.
Bonito CineSur – South American Film Festival – 2026
The heart of South American cinema beats in Bonito
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
Competitive screenings of new South American feature films and short films produced between 2025 and 2026;
Parallel exhibition of South American children’s animation films;
Competitive screening of environmental-themed films;
Competitive screening of films from Mato Grosso do Sul, produced between 2025 and 2026;
Awards, debates, and roundtable discussions aimed at international cooperation;
Workshops for professionals, film and audiovisual academics, and local residents;
Exchange with leading South American film festival directors.
VENUES
Bonito Convention Center and public squares.
ECOTOURISM, CULTURE AND CINEMA
In the heart of Brazil, the city of Bonito is part of the Serra da Bodoquena National Park and is one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the country.
Mato Grosso do Sul borders Bolivia and Paraguay, from where it has received strong cultural influences that shape the ethnic identity of its people.
Bonito has approximately twenty thousand inhabitants and, in this charming city, there are crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, caves, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Brazil’s Midwest. As a cultural hub of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito hosts literary and jazz festivals, as well as a winter festival.
Bonito CineSur is a space for meeting and integration of South American cinema and audiovisual production, presenting the most recent works and bringing together professionals from across the continent.
In 2025, its third edition enriched the cultural calendar of the city, the country, and the continent with the screening of 63 films from 10 South American countries, in 120 hours of free programming.
Bonito CineSur received wide coverage in local and national media, with 1,665 published news pieces, reaching more than 619 thousand people on social media. It grew in size and relevance with the participation of 60 public and private institutions, reaching 9,000 people and fostering the local creative economy through the hiring of 250 professional services, including production, technical equipment, hotels, restaurants, and transportation, generating income and visibility.
In 2026, Bonito CineSur will continue to occupy venues throughout the city of Bonito and will further consolidate the convergence between culture, environment, and tourism, promoting South American cinematic exchange, highlighting environmental issues, and internationally promoting the tourist destination of Bonito and our beloved Brazil.
TEAM
NILSON RODRIGUES – Director
Producer of the films “O Outro Lado do Paraíso” (2015) and “O Pastor e o Guerrilheiro” (2022). Nilson served as director of the Festival de Brasília do Cinema Brasileiro (1995, 1997, 1998, and 2011) and of the Brasília International Film Festival (2012 to 2017), as well as Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
ANDREA FREIRE – Coordinator
Coordinator of the Bonito Winter Festival (2000 to 2006, 2015, and 2016); coordinator of the Festival América do Sul (2004, 2005, 2015, and 2016); coordinator of the Vídeo Índio Brasil Showcase (2009); of the audiovisual production course Mídias Contemporâneas Narrativas Populares (2010); director, researcher, and screenwriter of the audiovisual series EVOÉ – Dramatic Stories in Campo Grande (2021). Coordinator of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
GUSTAVO DE ARRUDA CASTELO (Cegonha) – Coordinator
Cultural producer, coordinator of Temporadas Populares (1999 to 2002); General Director of the Mato Grosso do Sul Culture Foundation (2020 to 2022); Coordinator of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
JOSÉ GERALDO COUTO – Curator
Born in Jaú, São Paulo, in 1957, he is a journalist, translator, and film critic. He worked for more than twenty years at Folha de S. Paulo newspaper and currently works at the Moreira Salles Institute. He has translated works by Henry James, Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, Martin Scorsese, and Nelson Mandela, among others.
CECILIA DIEZ – Curator
University professor and general producer of the Mar del Plata International Film Festival (2021–2023) and Ventana Sur (2022–2023).
RODRIGO FONSECA – Curator
Curator, critic, and researcher of Brazilian cinema, known for his work curating film exhibitions and festivals, as well as for his work as a journalist and professor.
LUCIANA DRUZINA – Director of Druzina Content, where for over fifteen years she has produced animated series, films, fiction, and games distributed in more than fifty countries across various platforms and channels. Curator of the children’s parallel program of Bonito CineSur (2023 to 2026).
ELIS REGINA – Curator of the Environmental Film Section Journalist, has worked as a curator at several events, including Comitiva dos Chefs Festival Movie Showcase (2019); Making Of Showcase – O Cinema Está Aqui – Festcine América do Sul (2014); A Imagem do Índio – Vídeo Índio Brasil(2014 and 2015); Comida em Movimento Festival – Cinema and Gastronomy (2023); and the Bonito CineSur South American Environmental Film Festival (2023 to 2026).
MARCOS PIERRY – Curator of the Mato Grosso do Sul Film Section, Journalist, critic, audiovisual curator, screenwriter, short film director, and film professor. He holds a Master’s degree from USP and a PhD from UFMG. Member of the Brazilian Association of Film Critics (Abraccine). Curator of the Mato Grosso do Sul film section of Bonito CineSur (2024 and 2026).
BONITO CINESUR – South American Film Festival
Production – Associação Amigos do Cinema e da Cultura – AACIC
The Associação Amigos do Cinema e da Cultura – AACIC is a private, non-profit organization founded in 2007, which has been developing cultural, educational, and training projects for over fifteen years.
The association’s experience and technical capacity to develop and carry out activities in the field of cinema, as well as in education, training, and culture in general, have been officially recognized by the Education, Health, and Culture Commission of the Legislative Chamber of Brasília and by the University of Brasília.
The selection criteria for the works are: those that promote human rights, peace and coexistence, or are related to sub-themes such as environmental rights, women's rights, the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, Afro-descendant people, peasants, indigenous people, and people with disabilities.
Construir Cine is the only International Film Festival on Work in Argentina. Its next edition will take place in Buenos Aires from May 5 to May 9, 2026, exclusively online for the Argentine Republic.
Construir Cine celebrates national and international cinema with the dual objective of recognizing and supporting filmmakers and of improving dissemination, knowledge, accessibility and understanding of socio-labor themes among a broad and diverse audience.
Construir Cine is organized by the UOCRA Foundation for the Education of Construction Workers (hereinafter the Organizer) and is supported by UOCRA CULTURA and PAMPA 2030 (Argentine Platform for Monitoring the 2030 Agenda). The festival belongs to the Global Labor Film Festival, an entity that groups labor film festivals worldwide, and to RAFMA: Argentine Network of Festivals and Audiovisual Showcases.
“CONSTRUIR CINE” is an innovative proposal intended to offer quality entertainment with social awareness. A lucid and sensitive view of the world of work.
