Search

NYC’s Top Ten Film Festivals You Don’t Know (Yet)

Each year, thousands of film fans vie for tickets at New York City’s top two film festivals, the Tribeca Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. But while these festivals may be the ones getting the most attention, NYC is packed year-round with alternative cinema scenes offering high-quality programming without the hassles of their more popular brethren. Here are our picks for NYC’s top film festivals that might not be on your radar yet.

film festivals new york city

Image: Kenneth Lu/Flickr

New York is filled with some of the best-respected film festivals in the world, even without taking Tribeca and the NYFF into account. Each year in June, BAM hosts BAMcinemaFest in Brooklyn, which premieres the New York debuts of films by emerging independent filmmakers that have been successful at other major festivals. Selections from 2014’s festival included the David Foster Wallace film The End of the Tour and Queen of Earth, starring Elisabeth Moss. Another hotly anticipated film festival each year is New Directors/New Films, a festival presented by MoMA and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, whose curated programming features work by emerging filmmakers around the world. Look for it to come back around in March of 2016.

While these film festivals are international in scope, other NYC film festivals keep their focus a bit closer to home. The Big Apple Film Festival (early November) specifically showcases films from independent NYC filmmakers and honors those who have helped support independent filmmaking’s growth in the city. And while it does have an international presence, the Brooklyn Film Festival has a mission to provide a public forum for Brooklyn audiences, specifically, to access and experience high-quality independent filmmaking. Next year’s film festival will take place June 3-12, 2016. Even more locally, many NYC neighborhoods offer their own small fests. The Lower East Side Film Festival, for instance, engages its community through special events, free industry panels, and diverse film screenings from up-and-coming independent filmmakers, including a special program of music videos. Look for the 6th Anniversary LESFF in June of 2016.

Other festivals instead focus on showcasing the voices and stories of underrepresented groups. NewFest, which will takes place in late October, is dedicated to LGBT filmmakers and stories. This year’s festival (October 22-27, 2015) will include such selections as Todd Haynes’ film CAROL, starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett; a documentary about Olympic champion Greg Louganis; and the world premiere of Her Story, a new webseries created by two trans women. The New York Asian Film Festival, meanwhile, brings East Asia’s filmmakers and actors to the forefront, countering the traditionally Euro-centric selections of many festivals. It usually runs late June into early July.

film festivals in new york

Asif Kapadia's documentary Amy will play at DOC NYC this November

While some festivals are focused on specific groups, others are focused on specific genres and forms of filmmaking. With a narrow focus on documentary filmmaking, DOC NYC (November 12-19, 2015) is the largest festival of its kind in the country, programming over 150 films and events each year that highlight new achievements in the genre. Animation fans should be sure to check out Animation Block Party, the East Coast’s premiere animation festival. The festival (late July/early August) features independent, professional, and student animation from around the world, shining a light on new innovations and experimentation within this stunning art form. While Animation Block Party is targeted largely toward adult audiences, those looking for family-friendly entertainment can head to the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The festival, which is the largest film festival for children and teens in North America, specifically focuses on programming “thoughtful, provocative, and intelligent” films for younger viewers. It runs for three weeks in March.

In addition to this incredible slate of festivals, film fans can always find something to watch at NYC’s premiere film venues, including the Museum of the Moving Image, MoMA, and Film Forum, which offer ever-changing series that highlight classic and innovative films.

About the Author

Alison Durkee is a New York-based arts journalist and critic with a background in theatre and dance. She currently serves as the Features Editor of London theatre website Everything Theatre and also covers news and politics for Mic.com.

Bringing a group to NYC? Free planning services

Let us know what you are looking for and we will try to connect you directly and get discounts.

Enter the code: 3972

More Articles