Bold Filmmakers and Stories
Submission are now open for New Bedford Film Festival 2025!
Celebrate your film in the Whaling City at the second annual of the New Bedford Film Festival.
Please review rules below.
Why you should submit to the New Bedford Film Festival
Discover the power of authentic storytelling at the New Bedford Film Festival, a celebration of diverse experiences and a platform for bold filmmakers.
Our mission is to not only showcase cinematic gems in the vibrant city of New Bedford but also to foster the growth of its creative economy.
We are dedicated to spotlighting short films, feature films, episodic content, music videos, documentaries, and PSA shorts that capture the essence of the human spirit.
As we did in 2024, NBFF 2025 will offer multiple screenings of films in addition to panels, and networking events, and options to explore and get to know the Whaling City providing a new experience for returning audiences and first-timers.
Join us as we celebrate and support the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and connect us all.
KEY DATES
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KEY DATES |
September 30, 2025 | Early Bird Submission Deadline
October 31, 2024 | Regular Submissions Deadline
December 1, 2024 | Late Deadline
January 15, 2025 | Extended Deadline
February 13, 2025 | Official Selection Announcement
March 15, 2025 | Nomination Announcement
April 10-13, 2025 | New Bedford Film Festival
Best In…
New Bedford Film Festival has industry and community judges who will select films and nominations per category.
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Best Feature Film
Best Actress in a Feature Film
Best Actor in a Feature Film
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
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Best Short Film
Best Actress in a Short Film
Best Actor in a Short Film
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
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Best TV Series
Best Actress in a TV Series
Best Actor in a TV Series
Best Director
Best Screenwriter
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Best Student Short Film
Best Student Director
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Best Documentary Short
Best Subject of a Documentary
Best Voiceover Performance in a Documentary or PSA
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ANIMATED FILM
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Best PSA
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Best Music Video
Best Song for a Music Video
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Best Supporting Actress in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Ensemble in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Youth Performer in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Original Song in a Feature, Short Film, Digital Series
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Wardrobe
Best Production Design
Best Original Score
Best New Bedford Film Festival
2024 Best Actress in a Short Film Winner: Jammie Patton (“The Uniform”)
Rules & Terms
1. All film submissions should be available digitally. If you are unable/unwilling to use digital submission, please contact us.
2. Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition. Self-published online releases with less than 10,000 views are still eligible.
2a. Digital Series and Music videos are exempt from this rule.
3. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
4. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
5. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
6. New Bedford residents may submit a production for free, but should e-mail a license when they submit with the title of their project in the subject line. Failure to send a license within 72 hours of entry may result in disqualification.
7. All submitted entries should be completed after January 1, 2018.
8. NBFF has full rights to screen your entry at our festival, by submitting you are agreeing to these terms. We can also use screenshots, clips and photos from your film for up to two (2) years for festival marketing needs. Winning films for up to (5) five years.
8a. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by New Bedford Film Festival team, without notice.
9. If we do not receive enough films for a certain category to give up to four (4) nominations, the category might just be awarded outright to the winner without nominees or the category withdraw from this year's festival.
10. If you were an official selection in our festival, you cannot submit your film again. However, if your film was not selected, you can submit again for consideration.
11. NBFF holds the right to decide which awards will be presented during the opening and close award ceremony as well as during our networking events. We will update you will the full schedule as we get closer to the festival dates.
12. By entering into our festival via FilmFreeway, you are automatically agreeing to have your film be part of NBFF, if accepted. If you want to withdraw from the festival after our official announcement, that is your choice, but our selection announcements will remain as is.
If there is any doubt as to whether your work qualifies or if you need an exception, please contact us before you submit! Once your entry/payment is processed it will not be refunded.
Note: You may have to make your film/video available to us in order to answer your question on FilmFreeway.
"Our goal is to create an organization where filmmakers are celebrated and supported...to organically grow the film and TV production capabilities of New Bedford...and make it a hub for projects of all kinds, all the while helping to grow our city into an industry powerhouse."
Ethan de Aguiar
New Bedford Film Festival, Founder