New Bedford Film Festival: Bold and diverse cinematic stories in the whaling city.

BE A NBFF SPONSOR

Thrive in a Thriving Community:

The New Bedford Film celebrates authentic cinematic stories from across the country and internationally, championing bold storytellers in all genres, such as Narrative Shorts, Narrative Features, Documentary Shorts, Music Videos, Animated Shorts, and TV Series.

Join us for the 2026 Festival!

Mark your calendars: The 3rd New Bedford Film Festival will occur from April 9 - 12. The opening night and closing night will be at the Steeple Playhouse, featuring an Academy-Award-style award ceremony.

Throughout the four days, screenings and panels are hosted at several venues such as Gallery X and Steeple Playhouse as well as the Harbor Hotel which hosts our panels & workshops as well as networking events each night in its ballroom.

A Festival with Year-Round Appeal:

New Bedford attracts a unique audience—a blend of spring visitors and creative artists—which creates a dynamic and sophisticated atmosphere for film screenings. We extend the festival experience beyond summer with additional screenings, film competitions such as the NB 48, and workshops throughout the year, partnering with local businesses and venues.

Stay Connected, Get Involved:

Our passionate film community thrives on interaction. We are currently updating our website and social media, ensuring fans to never miss a beat. We are also collaborating with our local newspaper, the Standard-Times/SouthCoast Today.

Sponsorship: A Rewarding Opportunity:

Become a New Bedford Film Festival sponsor and showcase your brand to a discerning and diverse audience. Your support fuels our mission: empowering emerging independent filmmakers and bringing the next generation of cinematic brilliance to the South Coast of Massachusetts and beyond.

Partner with us today!

2026 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email the New Bedford Film Festival at newbedfordfilmfest@gmail.com.

  • Premium Sponsor – $7,500

    • Prominent logo on Red Carpet, Festival website (year-round), any print material, and before EVERY film festival and community screening.

    • 4 VIP All-Access passes to the festival

    Sponsor – $4,750

    • 2 VIP All-Access passes

    • Company participation & presenter role at Awards

    • Logo featured before all screenings

    Contributor – $1,500

    • 1 VIP All-Access passes

    • Logo presented on lowest tier on website and for select screenings

    • Social media shout out on text goes here

  • Sponsorship Video (all screenings) • $500 - $3,000+

    • Listed Contributor on Screen - $500

    • :10 Second Video (created by sponsor) - $1,500

    • :30 Second Video (created by sponsor) - $3,000

    • :31-:60 second video (created by sponsor) -  $3000  for 30 seconds, plus  $100 per additional second

  • Award Presenter, $300

    Selected to present an award on either the opening (4/9) or closing (4/12) event

    Two (2) VIP AWARD CEREMONY PASSES
    Main Logo on screen when introduced during awards
    :30 second to say what you want (approved by festival) before presenting the award

  • Exciting opportunity to get your business or organization in front of movie lovers, artists, and thought leaders, both locally and from around the world, at the New Bedford Film Festival, April 9–12, 2026. 

    The Festival celebrates authentic, diverse stories in film, showcasing everything from student shorts and documentaries to music videos and animation, all while spotlighting New Bedford’s vibrant creative community. 

    We’re inviting organizations to “Adopt-A-Screening” for $500, where you can sponsor a themed block of films. Here’s what you’ll get as a sponsor: 

    ● Two VIP Day Passes: Enjoy the festival’s films and events as our guest.

    ● On-Screen Recognition: Your logo and company information will appear big and bold before your adopted screening. 

    ● Your Message on Screen: Play a 30-60 second festival-approved commercial or message before your screening starts. 

    ● Program and Poster Recognition: Your sponsorship will be highlighted in both the official program and on-site posters for the event. 

    ● Physical Presence: Option to display a poster and share your materials at your sponsored screening. 

    ● Social Media Spotlight: We’ll feature your support with a shout-out across our festival social media channels. 

    Plus, you’ll directly support the local arts, contribute to a growing creative economy, and connect your business to a passionate audience, including filmmakers and film fans from the South Coast and around the globe. 

    Past sponsors have included groups like SouthCoast LGBTQ+ Network, Servedwell Hospitality, and Nativity Prep, supporting all kinds of theme screenings such as queer stories, horror, animation for kids, music videos, South Coast-made films, and more. 

    Spots for themed screenings are limited and filling up quickly! If you’d like to showcase your company in front of this engaged audience and support a thriving creative event, let’s talk about which screening is the best fit for you. 

    Thank you for considering sponsorship and helping us shine a light on new voices in film!

  • Present the 2026 NBFF Opening Night Award Ceremony 

    What We Need: The New Bedford Film Festival (NBFF) is seeking a community-minded organization or company to sponsor our highly anticipated Opening Night Award Ceremony with a contribution of $1,500 which is the full cost of this event in our budget. 

    This vital support will allow us to offer free entry for all guests to our celebratory opening night, ensuring access and excitement for filmmakers, attendees, and community members. 

    Why This Matters: Opening Night on April 9, 2026, sets the tone for NBFF and is a key moment to welcome filmmakers locally and from around the world. By sponsoring this event, your organization will be the reason our festival can kick off inclusively, removing barriers and sending a powerful message of support for the arts and New Bedford’s creative community. 

    Sponsorship Benefits 

    ● Headline Recognition: The Opening Night Award Ceremony will be presented by your organization. Your name/logo will be featured on all promotional materials, event signage, digital invitations, and social media as the official presenter. 

    ● Stage Acknowledgment: Receive live acknowledgment during the award presentations at Steeple Playhouse as the evening's presenting sponsor. 

    ● Brand Visibility: Enjoy recognition in front of an audience of 500–600 festival attendees, local leaders, filmmakers from across the globe, and NBFF’s online community.

    ● Ongoing Exposure: Your logo will appear in festival recaps, photo galleries, and coverage of the opening festivities: reaching audiences during and after the event. 

    About the Festival 

    ● Opening Night: Steeple Playhouse, April 9, 2026 

    ● Event Highlights: Networking, technical award presentations, celebration of talent and storytelling 

    ● Mission: NBFF showcases powerful cinematic voices and contributes to the growth of New Bedford’s creative economy. 

    Next Steps Be the name everyone sees as NBFF launches this exciting festival week. We’d love to discuss the presenting sponsorship with you and answer any questions. 

  • Support ALL Selected Filmmakers at the 2026 New Bedford Film Festival 

    What We Need: The New Bedford Film Festival (NBFF) is seeking a dedicated partner to sponsor our Filmmaker VIP Passes. We are looking for a philanthropic organization or company to contribute $8,000, which will be used exclusively to sponsor complimentary VIP passes for filmmakers accepted to NBFF 2026. 

    Why this matters: Your support will cover VIP passes (each valued at $200), opening the doors for a diverse group of filmmakers from around the world to experience our festival, share their stories, and spotlight New Bedford as a hub for creativity. 

    Most film festivals do not offer free passes (only 21% do nationwide) and full passes can cost up to $1,200 at major events like Sundance. By helping us welcome these artists, your organization will set a new benchmark for filmmaker hospitality. 

    Unique Sponsorship Benefits 

    ● Prominent Branding: Your organization’s logo will be featured front and center on the physical NBFF Filmmaker VIP Pass: an exclusive, collectible badge filmmakers keep and showcase on social media and for years to come. 

    ● Direct Acknowledgment: All pass recipients, and every communication to them, will highlight your generosity as the pass sponsor. 

    ● Onsite Promotion: Filmmakers will be encouraged to visit your business or establishment during their stay, with opportunities for your business to offer promotions to these VIP guests.

    ● Visibility: Exposure to 500–600 attendees, international filmmakers and industry professionals, with representation from across the US, Australia, Europe, and beyond.

    ● Enduring Impact: Your logo remains side-by-side with NBFF’s on every VIP filmmaker badge: cementing your legacy in our festival’s evolution. 

    About the Festival 

    ● Dates: April 9-12, 2026 

    ● Venues: New Bedford Harbor Hotel, Steeple Playhouse, Gallery X, New Bedford Art Museum 

    ● Programming: Screenings of shorts, features, documentaries, music videos, student work, and more; nightly networking events and awards ceremonies; special downtown promotions for badge holders 

    ● Mission: NBFF celebrates authentic cinematic storytelling and cultivates new creative voices, contributing to New Bedford’s vibrant arts community and economy. 

  • Present the 3rd Annual NB48 Filmmaking Challenge 

    Become the Lead Sponsor for New Bedford’s Fastest, Most Inspiring Film Event! 

    What We Need: The New Bedford Film Festival (NBFF) invites an organization or company to become the lead, “presented by” sponsor of the 3rd Annual NB48 Filmmaking Challenge with a $2,000 contribution (which is the exact budget amount to plan the event). 

    Your sponsorship will underwrite the entire 3-day challenge (March 27–29, 2026), majorly amplify your brand, and directly empower New Bedford’s most exciting grassroots filmmaking event to reach new heights. 

    About the NB48 Challenge: Ten filmmaking teams will have just 48 hours to plan, film, and edit a complete short movie right in downtown New Bedford using secret, assigned locations at spots like local hotels, restaurants, museums, and galleries. 

    Teams pitch their stories, film on location, and race the clock to compete for craft awards such as Best Film, Directing, Acting, and Editing. Past NB48 films have won accolades at other film festivals after their NBFF premiere! 

    The challenge culminates with a special screening and awards ceremony at the NB Whaling Museum during the festival on April 11, 2026, drawing a packed crowd of 400–500 avid film fans, participants, and supporters. 

    Sponsorship Benefits: 

    Headline Recognition: 

    NB48 will be promoted as “Presented by [Your Organization]” across all materials, digital, print, and at the screening event. Your logo/name will be included in all promotional content, the NBFF website and social media, press releases, program guides, and all email marketing about NB48. 

    Event Visibility: 

    Special mention and logo on-site during: 

    The Friday night launch (March 27) in downtown New Bedford 

    The Saturday pitch session (March 28) 

    The completion deadline (March 29) 

    The NB48 screening and award show at the Whaling Museum (April 11) 

    Premier Brand Placement: 

    Acknowledged from the stage at the screening and award show. 

    Featured in news coverage, videos, and photo galleries capturing the event. Community Impact: 

    Directly support New Bedford’s creative ecosystem and help launch the careers of local storytellers. 

    Join an esteemed list of past sponsors, such as UMass Dartmouth, as the presenting partner. 

    Event Timeline: 

    Kickoff: Friday, March 27, 2026, 7pm – Teams receive locations 

    Pitch and Filmmaking: Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29 

    Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 29, 7pm 

    Screening & Awards: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 3-5pm at New Bedford Whaling Museum 

    Why Sponsor: Gain significant brand recognition, support local art, and spark excitement at one of the region’s most unique film competitions—while being celebrated at one of New England’s leading community filmmaking events!