“With industry-leading judges & a long history of featuring groundbreaking new content, the New Media Film Festival’s call for entries is one that every creator should be answering.” – Film Daily
Honoring Stories Worth Telling since 2009.
Embracing Innovation in Storytelling
In today’s fast-evolving content landscape, originality is essential. The New Media Film Festival® provides a distinctive platform for storytellers who break away from convention and embrace bold, innovative storytelling.
With a submission process that prioritizes story and production quality, the festival offers creators unparalleled access to industry leaders and potential collaborations. Most importantly, it allows them to retain their rights while gaining valuable exposure and recognition from experts in the field of New Media.
Submission Process – Human-Driven Decision Making
- Up to three industry leaders review and screen submissions based on story, production value, and New Media criteria.
- If two or more screeners approve your content based on the festival’s criteria, your submission is accepted into the festival.
Eligibility
- Open to all genres, formats, niches and may include online and distributed content.
- Nominee files are for festival use only.
Q&A Sessions
- Each title may designate one representative for the session:
- Director for video content
- Creator for tech content
- Writer for scripts
Award Ceremony
- Award winners may be accompanied by up to 10 cast and crew members on stage to accept their award.
We Accept it All
- All content considered, online, made public, novice, expert
- All genres, niches, ages
- All completed by dates
- Distributed and Non-Distributed content
- Inclusive & Diverse, always.
“Top six festivals for content creators” — Backstage Magazine
“Five Stars.” — FilmFreeway, Global Awards & Google
Awards
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Grand Prize Award – Priceless Opportunity
- Exclusive meetings with HBO or Marvel
- Studio time in Los Angeles
- Various production services from Mongo Media Solutions
- Filmustage subscription for automatic script breakdown and budgeting
Category Winners All winners receive:
- A custom hand-painted wood film slate
- Filmustage subscription (valued at $1,000)
Top 3 Scripts Awarded:
- Script Reader Pro & Scriptwriters Network services
- Filmustage subscription (valued at $1,000)
Awards Details
- Valid for one year from the festival date
- Non-transferable
Legit
Why This Festival Stands Out
This festival is an IMDB Official Event, committed to excellence through the UFFO Code of Practices for Film Festivals. It provides a platform for submissions to gain exposure beyond the festival circuit, elevating creators and their work.
With an impressive 20 million reach across social media and 80,000 newsletter subscribers, the festival ensures unmatched visibility. Honored as the Best Festival from 2021 to 2025 by Global Awards & Innovation Awards, it is widely recognized for its industry leadership.
Further solidifying its prestige, the festival’s judging panel includes experts from Marvel, HBO, PBS, Rolling Stone, and the BBC, affirming its reputation as a gateway for cinematic talent.
Nominee Perks
Nominee Perks A nominee pass grants access to exclusive benefits for accepted titles, including:
- Red Carpet Experience – Enjoy an eco-friendly red carpet event.
- Industry Engagement – Participate in a Q&A session after screenings, networking opportunities, and more.
- Promotional Visibility – Gain exposure through press opportunities, social media mentions with significant reach, and online recognition for cast and crew.
- Financial Incentives – Access guest discount codes and potential distribution across multiple platforms.
This pass is non-transferable & offers a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to amplify their content and gain visibility within the entertainment landscape.
DEADLINES:
Opening – $65
Regular – November 6 2025, $75
Pre-Fest – January 6, 2026, $80
Final – April 6, 2026, $95
Notification by April 15, 2026
Festival Dates June 3-4 2026
Classic & Tech Category Info
Categories & Formats
Animation – Includes traditional, 2D, and 3D animation, stop motion, and computer-generated imagery (CGI).
AR, MR, AI, 5D, UX
- Augmented Reality (AR) – Enhances real-world environments with digital overlays, transforming experiences in education, retail, and gaming.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Powers adaptive learning systems and intelligent user interfaces for personalized experiences and efficient decision-making.
- Mixed Reality (MR) – Integrates physical and digital worlds, revolutionizing training, design, and remote collaboration.
- 5D Technology – Advances cinema and entertainment with immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
- User Experience (UX) – Focuses on interactive media and optimized user engagement.
Screening & Experiencing above categories – Viewing formats and interactive experiences vary by title.
Artwork – Includes digital and traditional art. All modalities are accepted.
Children’s Content – Stories created for and by children, with a focus on Gen Alpha, the first generation born entirely in the 21st century.
Digital Comics – Also known as eComics, these are comics published digitally rather than in print.
Documentary – Captures real-life stories, exploring unexpected twists and compelling narratives.
Drone Content – Features footage captured using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for film and video production.
Faith & Family – Meaningful stories that resonate across all audiences.
Feature Films – 30 minutes or longer, covering all subjects, genres, and formats. Recognized as the standard for streaming platforms.
Gaming – Celebrating the thrill of victory, immersive adventures, and the excitement of competing with friends.
Metaverse – A network of 3D virtual worlds designed for social connection.
Mobile/Tablet Media – Content created using cell phones or tablets.
Music Only – Audio files of songs, typically submitted in .mp3 format.
Music Videos – Showcase your latest music video and inspire audiences.
New Media – As an ever-evolving space, this category is for groundbreaking projects that don’t fit into other established formats.
NFT – The first festival to accept NFTs we accept all forms of NFT submissions.
One-Page Feedback – Scripts – Writers asked for it, and now it’s available! This add-on to script submissions provides insight into how industry professionals perceive your work.
Pilot – A standalone episode designed to pitch a TV series to networks or distributors.
Pitching – Our successful Producer Panel & Pitching is now available online.
- You must own the rights to what you pitch.
- Past pitches have led to meetings with executives from BBC, Warner, Sneak Preview, Qualcomm, Samuel Goldwyn Films, Lighthouse, and more.
- We strategize and pitch to up to two executives. If interested, we connect you with them and step away. If not, we provide the notes why.
Podcasts – Programs distributed digitally for automatic download via the internet or apps. Submit your video or audio podcast today!
Scripts – Any story in text format, including:
- Short or long-form stories
- Animation, treatments, bibles, live shows, plays, comedy, sitcoms, dramas, books, web series, reality TV
- No page limit on submissions.
Shorts – Any content under 30 minutes.
STEAM – Content that highlights the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Student – Young filmmakers are showcasing brilliant, innovative work. From script to screen, the next generation is taking the stage!
Socially Responsible (SR) – Film & media projects with meaningful messages, including PSA’s, journalism, and industrial pieces.
Trailers – A sneak peek at your latest project, judged by a journalist who exclusively reviews trailers for press.
TV – Calling all TV creators! Submit your show for an opportunity to showcase your talent and hard work.
Virtual Reality / 360 – Content created with Virtual Reality or 360-degree technology, offering immersive and interactive storytelling experiences.
Web Series – A collection of scripted or non-scripted episodes released online.
Stories that exemplify the power of the cinematic arts to inspire and transform.
Festival worth the entry fee.
Makes the cutting edge accessible.
We Were The First
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AI generated film
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Touch Rotation
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Holographic Digital Comic
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Immersive Distribution Experience
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Micro Content Distribution (10 seconds)
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AI platform built RomCom
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AR International Art Exhibit
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Festival in Story & Technology
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Screen Collaborative VR
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EMMYS® Consulting &Broadcasting
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Panelist funded an audience VR pitch Real Time
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Feature funded from 30 second Pitch (Sniplers category)
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To add bitcoin payment options
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Have NFT category and more firsts.
Current Awards New Media Film Festival® has won:
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Media Innovator Awards
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LUX Global Excellence Awards
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Best Celebration of Emergent Media Content – USA
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Best Annual Media and Technology Event – California
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Best Celebration of Emerging Cinematic Talent – USA
Let’s connect
Fill in our form to contact us for anything related to New Media Film Festival®. A human will respond soon, usually the same day.
Venue:
Los Angeles studio zone, California USA