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New York City is a veritable feast for people who love cinema and intellectually stimulating discussions. Film festivals are a great place to see movies you would not be able to see elsewhere. You will also be able to attend interviews and lectures with people involved in a film, such as the writer, director, and actors.
Film festivals often have parties and discussions for participants and visitors. You can learn how films are made, what challenges filmmakers face, and how you can get your own independent film made. You may see your favorite celebrity sipping a drink or hiding from the paparazzi in a booth.
No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to find a festival for you. There are ten film festivals in NYC not to be missed.
10. NY Dog Film Festival
The Angelika Film Center is known for showing a mixture of Independent, popular, and obscure films. Every October, they host a dog film festival at the Village East by Angelica. Dogs are far more multifaceted than most people give them credit for. This festival will teach you about our relationships with dogs, the lives of dogs in the wild, and the internal thought process of our best friends.
9. Central Park Film Festival
A trip to Central Park is an essential part of any trip to Gotham. If you are a permanent resident, you probably do not get to this gorgeous park nearly often enough.
You can enjoy the best urban beauty and wildlife and get a little culture too, when you attend this event. This festival, which takes place in August, is in its 20th year. There is nothing quite like watching movies with a crowd of people under a star-filled sky.
8. Greenpoint Film Festival
Writer Victor Hugo once said, “No army can stop an idea whose time has come.” The organizers of the Greenpoint Film Festival know that no disease can stop an idea whose time has come either. This is why they held their annual film festival at a drive-in theater during Covid.
The focus of the Greenpoint Festival is to give a voice to those who might not otherwise have one. You will find many films at this festival that you will not find anywhere else. It is normally held in the month of August at the ELM Foundation in Brooklyn.
7. New York City Independent Film Festival
This week-long festival showcases the very best in New York independent film. You will see the stars of the future and attend talkbacks with acclaimed directors when you attend one of the festival’s films. It takes place every June at NYC’s Producer’s Club.
6. New York City Horror Film Festival
Horror is one of the most popular genres in the world. Film students will often launch their careers with horror films as they are cheap to make and easier to get produced than other films. Village East by Angelika presents this festival of fear every November. Grab a glass of wine from the concession stand and get ready for some phobia-inspiring tales at this fun and light-hearted event.
5. NewFest LGBT Film Festival
Queer films are all the rage with New York’s intellectual set, and this film festival is your chance to see the very best of this genre. You can attend films about every aspect of LGBT life at this annual event. This year’s festival is being held in late October at various venues around town.
4. Tribecca Film Festival
Possibly one of the most famous independent film festivals in the world, this event gave many great filmmakers their start. If you are into stargazing, you will see the biggest names in Hollywood at this event. Entertainment greats Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff started this festival in 2003. It takes place in June at various venues.
3. Soho International Film Festival
The SoHo neighborhood is known as the consummate artist colony of NYC. The film festival has been going strong for well over a decade. It is held in mid-September and features films from both prestigious and aspiring directors. It is held at various theaters around the neighborhood.
2. Big Apple Film Festival
If you are an aspiring filmmaker, you should not miss this important festival. Not only will you be able to see work from up-and-coming directors, but you can also attend networking events that will get you started in a fabulous career in film. It takes place in November and is free to industry professionals.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea has become a paradise for the progressive set in NYC. The festival focuses on global concerns such as hunger, changing cultures, and ecology. You can enjoy the event in late October at various theaters.