The Downtown Festival’s film program will take place October 10-18, 2025 at Roxy Cinema New York.
We’re excited to welcome bold work and fresh perspectives from filmmakers of all backgrounds. Whether you're an emerging voice or an established artist, we’re looking for stories that take risks, challenge norms, and reflect a unique point of view. Our festival celebrates originality in form, perspective, and identity — we invite work that delves into a wide range of lived experiences, cultural viewpoints, and unconventional, inventive modes of storytelling. If your film is daring, personal, or hard to categorize, it just might find its home here. Please review the following guidelines before submitting:
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We accept feature films, mid-length films, short films, documentaries, music videos, and experimental works.
Works-in-progress are accepted, but must be clearly marked as such and completed by September 2025 if selected.
All non-English language films must have English subtitles.
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World and New York premieres are preferred but not required.
Films previously available online (except behind paywalls or password-protected) may not be eligible.
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Early Deadline: June 10
Regular Deadline: June 30
Late Deadline: July 31
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Submit your film via FilmFreeway with all required materials.
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Preview screeners must be submitted via secure online screener (e.g., Vimeo link).
Exhibition formats: DCP and 16 & 35mm preferred, high-quality ProRes accepted.
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All applicants will be notified by September 8, 2025.
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By submitting, you affirm that you have secured all necessary rights, including music, image, and likeness rights, for public screening.
