What is Festival of Cinema NYC?
Festival of Cinema NYC is a festival designed to support independent Filmmakers , and takes place at historic UA Midway in Forest Hills, Queens New York City
Why should I participate in Festival of Cinema NYC?
As a festival created by filmmakers, we do everything to make sure that Independent Filmmakers get what they deserve out of a film festival
KGFC Film Fest accepts films through the platforms below!
‘We encourage committed filmmakers to submit via FilmFestivalLife. With monthly subscriptions and pro accounts FilmFestivalLife is the smartest way to save money with a strategic approach. Join the platform where award-winning filmmakers and quality festivals meet.’
General Festival Rules
Entry Rules and Regulations
1. Objectives: Our Mission is to celebrate the art of filmmaking and the contribution of filmmakers by hosting an international film festival to support the development and expand the audience reach of independent cinema from around the globe
2. Dates: Festival of Cinema NYC will take place from August 2, 2019 to August 11, 2019
3. Programs: Films will be considered for inclusion in the following programmatic categories
Documentary Feature
Narrative Feature
Narrative Short (40 min or under)
Documentary Short (40 min or under)
Animation
Experimental
Foreign Feature
Web-Series
Music Video
4. Competitions:
Audience Award
Audience Award for Best Feature Film
Audience Award for Best Short Film
Jury Prizes
Best Narrative Feature Competition
Best Narrative Short Competition
Best Documentary Feature Competition
Best Documentary Short Competition
Best Animated/Experimental/Music video Competition
Best Web-Series Competition
Best Director Competition
Best Actor/Actress Competition
Best Supporting Actor/Actress Competition
Best Editing Competition
Best Sound Competition
Best Screenplay Competition
Best Cinematography Competition
Best Make-up & FX Competition
5. Submission Guidelines
A. Submission Formats: For programming consideration, the festival accepts DVD (NTSC only), FilmFreeway Online screeners, or Vimeo links for the complete film. The Festival will not consider trailers or rough edits for selection purposes.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, all films must meet the following requirements:
i. Be available to screen by August 2, 2019. Filmmakers must provide Festival of Cinema NYC with a clean, clear print for projection. While DCP format is preferred and highly recommended, filmmakers must provide the film for presentation in acceptable HD digital formats (MUST be professionally authored). PLEASE NOTE: Due to the digital transition of our screening location, we are unable to show film, HDCAM, or BetaCam formats.
ii. Not have been commercially screened in the US, or available for video or internet distribution prior to August 2, 2019.
iii. Be in their original language with English subtitles when applicable.
iv. Have been completed production within 2016-2019.
v. Multiple web series episodes will be considered as a whole. Exhibition copy shall not differ from originally submitted materials. Incomplete exhibition copies may be disqualified.
vi. Films previously submitted to the festival and not programmed will only be considered for the 2019 Festival if they meet all the other eligibility requirements as outlined here, and only if it has changed significantly from the previous version submitted.
vii. DCP copies must be received by Simple DCP (NOT postmarked), by June 23rd, 2019.
viii. Hard copy exhibition copies must be received at our New York office address (NOT postmarked), by June 23rd, 2019.
ix. Filmmakers whose exhibition materials are not received by the deadline will be subject to any and all expenses that may arise due to express shipping costs.
Deadlines: Early submission is strongly encouraged with reduced entry fees until November 4, 2018. Final submission deadline is April 14, 2019. The Festival is not obliged to view late entries.
D. Entry Fee Schedule:
All entry fees must accompany your submission for consideration in the Festival.
FEATURE FILMS (40 minutes and above, fiction or non-fiction)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$40.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$55.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$70.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$85
SHORT FILMS (40 minutes or less)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$30.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$45.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$60.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$75
WEB SERIES (40 minutes or less)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$30.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$45.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$60.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$75
MUSIC VIDEOS (10 minutes or less)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$25.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$40.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$55.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$70
STUDENT FEATURE FILMS (with photocopy of current student ID)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$35.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$50.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$65.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$80.00
STUDENT SHORT FILMS (with photocopy of current student ID)
Early Deadline for all Entries From October 1, 2018 – November 4, 2018
$25.00
Regular Deadline for all Entries From November 5, 2018 – February 3, 2019
$40.00
Late Deadline for all Entries From February 4, 2019 – March 10, 2019
$55.00
Final Deadline for all Entries By April 14, 2019
$70.00
Submission Materials:
Mail all submissions to:
Festival of Cinema NYC
ATTN: Submissions
90-60 Union TPKE ste. 8A
Glendale, NY 11385
Send a printed copy of your completed Entry Form.
ii. A clearly marked DVD (NTSC) or Blu Ray Region (0 or 1) of your completed film, labeled with title, tracking number, running time and screening format. We also accept FilmFreeway online screeners and Vimeo links, but we require ALL submissions to be registered with one of our submission platforms. We cannot return submitted copies of films.
iii. Applicable entry fee submitted
Electronic Press Kits only. Hard copy materials submitted with the films will be discarded.
Selections: Films will be selected and entrants will be notified on or approximately by May 20, 2019.
H. Requirements for Selected Films:
Once an entry has been reviewed and selected for the festival, a preliminary notification letter will be issued by email. All selected applicants will be notified by May 20, 2019. Upon notification, Festival of Cinema NYC may request additional press kits and press screeners for each film, sent to the Festival via priority mail, complete with any additional promotional and marketing items needed.
Any unused press materials may be picked up at the press office at the conclusion of the festival. Posters must remain displayed through the end of the day Sunday August 12, 2018. All unclaimed materials will be disposed of 30 days upon conclusion of the Festival.
Promotional Usage: Participants agree that all materials related to their film may be published in the Festival Guide, website, ticketing system, and other promotional materials or property and in all media. Posters and images of the film may be used independently as well as in combination with images from other films to promote the film and Festival of Cinema NYC
J. Clearances: If selected for screening, all commercial/private property including trademark and/or copyrighted materials shown and recorded in the project must come with authorized permission for screening. The filmmaker remains entirely liable for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film.
K Print Liability: Festival of Cinema NYC holds no responsibility for prints damaged upon arrival and may reject or replace the film in the festival if this requirement is not met. The festival will insure the safety of film prints only from the time of delivery to the festival through the time the print is delivered to a shipping agent for return. In case of loss or damage to a print, the festival must receive notification and independent verification immediately. The festival’s obligation is limited to compensating the producer only for the cost of replacing the drive(s).
Print Shipping:
Selected film prints must be received by PREPAID courier no later than 10 days prior to first screening date unless pre-approved by Festival of Cinema NYC
Prints must be clearly marked with the film’s title and the sender’s return address exactly as listed below.
Festival of Cinema NYC
ATTN: Projection
90-60 union tpke 8A
Glendale, NY 11385
Prints will be returned to the Submission Contact within 30 days after the close of the Festival unless pre-arranged with Festival of Cinema NYC prior to August 1, 2019.
Festival of Cinema NYC does not cover any shipping and handling costs. Please clearly indicate on all waybills that transportation and customs charges will be billed to the sender. For custom’s purposes please indicate under declaration “Goods on loan for cultural and educational purposes only. No Commercial Value.” And indicate fair market value not to exceed U.S. $50 for drives.
Please request/obtain confirmation of delivery through the courier tracking service.
Filmmakers must cover all shipping and handling cost associated with any award statuettes they may have won, unclaimed, at the closing night awards gala.
Festival of Cinema NYC will not be held responsible for any damage to all materials shipped.
For more information please refer to the Festival website at www.festivalofcinemanyc.com or contact the Programmer at:
Festival of Cinema NYC
60 1 ave 12C
New York, NY 10009
Phone: (929) 278-5432
Fax (718) 849-3457
info@festivalofcinemanyc.com
TERMS & CONDITIONS
I agree to the following terms and conditions;
– Submission Guidelines –
– Submission Formats: For programming consideration, the festival accepts DVD (NTSC only), FilmFreeway Online screeners, or Vimeo links for the complete film.
– Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, all films must meet the following requirements:
i. be available to screen by August 2, 2019. Filmmakers must provide Festival of Cinema NYC with a clean, clear print for projection. Filmmakers must provide the film for presentation in DCP or other acceptable HD digital formats (MUST be professionally authored) at the festival’s sole discretion. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the digital transition of our screening location, we are unable to show film, HDCAM, or BetaCam formats.
ii. not have been commercially screened in the US, or available for video or internet distribution prior to August 2, 2019.
iii. be in their original language with English subtitles when applicable.
iv. have been completed production within the 2016-2019.
– Requirements for Selected Films –
Upon notification, Festival of Cinema NYC may request additional press kits and press screeners for each film, sent to the Festival via priority mail, complete with any additional promotional and marketing items needed.
– in order to qualify for any awards, filmmakers must provide a physical dvd or blu-ray copy of their completed film
Any unused press materials may be picked up at the press office at the conclusion of the festival. Posters must remain displayed through the end of the day Sunday, August 11, 2019. All unclaimed materials will be disposed of 30 days upon conclusion of the festival unless otherwise arranged for pickup.
Promotional Usage: Participants agree that all materials related to their film may be published in the Festival Guide, website, ticketing system, and other promotional materials or property and in all media. Posters and images of the film may be used independently as well as in combination with images from other films to promote the film and Festival of Cinema NYC.
Clearances: If selected for screening, all commercial/private property including trademark and/or copyrighted materials shown and recorded in the project must come with authorized permission for screening. The filmmaker remains entirely liable for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film.
Print Liability: Festival of Cinema NYC holds no responsibility for prints damaged upon arrival and may reject or replace the film in the Festival if this requirement is not met. The Festival will insure the safety of film prints only from the time of delivery to the Festival through the time the print is delivered to a shipping agent for return. In case of loss or damage to a print, the festival must receive notification and independent verification immediately. The Festival’s obligation is limited to compensating the producer only for the cost of replacing the drive(s).
Print Shipping:
Festival of Cinema NYC does not cover any shipping and handling costs. Selected film prints must be received by PREPAID courier no later than 10 days prior to first screening date unless pre-approved by Festival of Cinema NYC.
Prints will be returned to the Submission Contact within 30 days after the close of the festival unless pre-arranged with Festival of Cinema NYC prior to August 1, 2018.
Please clearly indicate on all waybills that transportation and customs charges will be billed to the sender. For custom’s purposes please indicate under declaration “Goods on loan for cultural and educational purposes only. No Commercial Value.” And indicate fair market value not to exceed U.S. $50 for drives.
Please request/obtain confirmation of delivery through the courier tracking service.
Submission Perks:
i. All submitting filmmakers will receive a one-year Videomaker digital subscription approximately 30 days after the festival’s conclusion.
Festival Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
I agree to the following terms and conditions;
– Submission Guidelines –
– Submission Formats: For programming consideration, the festival accepts DVD (NTSC only), Withoutabox Secure Online screeners, or Vimeo links for the complete film.
– Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for consideration, all films must meet the following requirements:
i. be available to screen by August 2, 2019. Filmmakers must provide Festival of Cinema NYC with a clean, clear print for projection. Filmmakers must provide the film for presentation in DCP or other acceptable HD digital formats (MUST be professionally authored) at the festival’s sole discretion. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the digital transition of our screening location, we are unable to show film, HDCAM, or BetaCam formats.
ii. not have been commercially screened in the US, or available for video or internet distribution prior to August 2, 2019.
iii. be in their original language with English subtitles when applicable.
iv. have been completed production within the 2016-2019.
– Requirements for Selected Films –
Upon notification, Festival of Cinema NYC may request additional press kits and press screeners for each film, sent to the Festival via priority mail, complete with any additional promotional and marketing items needed.
– in order to qualify for any awards, filmmakers must provide a physical dvd or blu-ray copy of their completed film
Any unused press materials may be picked up at the press office at the conclusion of the festival. Posters must remain displayed through the end of the day Sunday, August 11, 2019. All unclaimed materials will be disposed of 30 days upon conclusion of the festival unless otherwise arranged for pickup.
Promotional Usage: Participants agree that all materials related to their film may be published in the Festival Guide, website, ticketing system, and other promotional materials or property and in all media. Posters and images of the film may be used independently as well as in combination with images from other films to promote the film and Festival of Cinema NYC.
Clearances: If selected for screening, all commercial/private property including trademark and/or copyrighted materials shown and recorded in the project must come with authorized permission for screening. The filmmaker remains entirely liable for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film.
Print Liability: Festival of Cinema NYC holds no responsibility for prints damaged upon arrival and may reject or replace the film in the Festival if this requirement is not met. The Festival will insure the safety of film prints only from the time of delivery to the Festival through the time the print is delivered to a shipping agent for return. In case of loss or damage to a print, the festival must receive notification and independent verification immediately. The Festival’s obligation is limited to compensating the producer only for the cost of replacing the drive(s).
Print Shipping:
Festival of Cinema NYC does not cover any shipping and handling costs. Selected film prints must be received by PREPAID courier no later than 10 days prior to first screening date unless pre-approved by Festival of Cinema NYC.
Prints will be returned to the Submission Contact within 30 days after the close of the festival unless pre-arranged with Festival of Cinema NYC prior to August 1, 2018.
Please clearly indicate on all waybills that transportation and customs charges will be billed to the sender. For custom’s purposes please indicate under declaration “Goods on loan for cultural and educational purposes only. No Commercial Value.” And indicate fair market value not to exceed U.S. $50 for drives.
Please request/obtain confirmation of delivery through the courier tracking service.
Submission Perks:
i. All submitting filmmakers will receive a one-year Videomaker Magazine digital subscription approximately 30 days after the festival’s conclusion.
As the founder of the Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema and a native of Glendale Queens, Jayson studied acting at The Acting Studio NYC and began making his own movies since 2000. With over 40 credits on IMDB.com and having written, directed and produced 12 films, his passion makes him the perfect candidate to launch a major film festival.
As the founder of the Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema and a native of Glendale Queens, Jayson studied acting at The Acting Studio NYC and began making his own movies since 2000. With over 40 credits on IMDB.com and having written, directed and produced 12 films, his passion makes him the perfect candidate to launch a major film festival.
As the founder of the Kew Gardens Festival of Cinema and a native of Glendale Queens, Jayson studied acting at The Acting Studio NYC and began making his own movies since 2000. With over 40 credits on IMDB.com and having written, directed and produced 12 films, his passion makes him the perfect candidate to launch a major film festival.
Another Queens native, Caroline Lim was raised in Oakland Gardens, NY and studied biochemistry and mathematics at Binghamton University. Caroline is no stranger to number-crunching, having spent 13 years as an actuary, where she analyzed risk for financial investments and insurance policies. Besides running a baking company that serves Queens locals, she is an event organizer who promotes positive community and economic growth throughout New York City neighborhoods.
Another Queens native, Caroline Lim was raised in Oakland Gardens, NY and studied biochemistry and mathematics at Binghamton University. Caroline is no stranger to number-crunching, having spent 13 years as an actuary, where she analyzed risk for financial investments and insurance policies. Besides running a baking company that serves Queens locals, she is an event organizer who promotes positive community and economic growth throughout New York City neighborhoods.
Another Queens native, Caroline Lim was raised in Oakland Gardens, NY and studied biochemistry and mathematics at Binghamton University. Caroline is no stranger to number-crunching, having spent 13 years as an actuary, where she analyzed risk for financial investments and insurance policies. Besides running a baking company that serves Queens locals, she is an event organizer who promotes positive community and economic growth throughout New York City neighborhoods.
Brian Geldin is a Queens-based film publicist and is extremely proud to be repping the inaugural KGFC! He has created successful publicity campaigns for fiction and nonfiction films, most recently for Del Shores’ hit comedy “A Very Sordid Wedding,” Adam Irving’s documentary “Off the Rails,” and many others. In 2015, he worked as the Communications Manager for the Emmy-winning PBS series POV.
Brian Geldin is a Queens-based film publicist and is extremely proud to be repping the inaugural KGFC! He has created successful publicity campaigns for fiction and nonfiction films, most recently for Del Shores’ hit comedy “A Very Sordid Wedding,” Adam Irving’s documentary “Off the Rails,” and many others. In 2015, he worked as the Communications Manager for the Emmy-winning PBS series POV.
Brian Geldin is a Queens-based film publicist and is extremely proud to be repping the inaugural KGFC! He has created successful publicity campaigns for fiction and nonfiction films, most recently for Del Shores’ hit comedy “A Very Sordid Wedding,” Adam Irving’s documentary “Off the Rails,” and many others. In 2015, he worked as the Communications Manager for the Emmy-winning PBS series POV.
Fern Kershon is the principal of Call Back, a media company with a dual focus: marketing and advertising as well as film and theater production.
An experienced media strategist specializing in start-ups and emerging businesses, Fern has a proven track record of launching and supporting successful initiatives. Fern executive produced PHOTO OP, a short film by writer/director Dave Solomon. Starring Randy Harrison, Aaron Lazar and featuring Tony-award nominee, Lucas Steele.
Fern Kershon is the principal of Call Back, a media company with a dual focus: marketing and advertising as well as film and theater production.
An experienced media strategist specializing in start-ups and emerging businesses, Fern has a proven track record of launching and supporting successful initiatives. Fern executive produced PHOTO OP, a short film by writer/director Dave Solomon. Starring Randy Harrison, Aaron Lazar and featuring Tony-award nominee, Lucas Steele.
Fern Kershon is the principal of Call Back, a media company with a dual focus: marketing and advertising as well as film and theater production.
An experienced media strategist specializing in start-ups and emerging businesses, Fern has a proven track record of launching and supporting successful initiatives. Fern executive produced PHOTO OP, a short film by writer/director Dave Solomon. Starring Randy Harrison, Aaron Lazar and featuring Tony-award nominee, Lucas Steele.
Festival of Cinema NYC 2018
A Midsummer Night’s Feast Festival Kick-Off
Join Libi Heart as she interviews filmmakers, participants and attendees at this awesome event!
Hundreds of Guests including festival filmmakers and industry guests came out to our 2018 Kick-Off event, A MidSummer Night’s Feast. Featuring over 20 unique food vendors from around NYC, the event co-hosted by Queens Museum also featured the art of Mel Chin. Just one of the many events you can expect over our 10 day festival!
KGFC Film Fest 2018 Sponsors
