Bold Filmmakers and Stories

Celebrate your film in the inaugural year of the New Bedford Film Festival!

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. As a proud partner of the South Coast Film Forum, 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.

For our inaugural year, we are pleased to announce that the New Bedford Film Festival will take place at the New Bedford Ground Work and New Bedford Creative offices. With multiple screening areas, we offer the unique opportunity for a simultaneous showcase of films, panels, and networking events. In the evening, join us at the New Bedford Art Museum for "Story in a Frame," where filmmakers will have the chance to share a screenshot from their project and engage in lively discussions.

Join us as we celebrate and support the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and connect us all.

Best In…

New Bedford Film Festival has industry and community judges who will select films and nominations per category.

  • Best Feature Film

    Best Actress in a Feature Film

    Best Actor in a Feature Film

    Best Director

    Best Screenwriter

  • Best Short Film

    Best Actress in a Short Film

    Best Actor in a Short Film

    Best Director

    Best Screenwriter

  • Best TV Series

    Best Actress in a TV Series

    Best Actor in a TV Series

    Best Director

    Best Screenwriter

  • Best Student Short Film

    Best Student Director

  • Best Documentary Short

    Best Subject of a Documentary

    Best Voiceover Performance in a Documentary or PSA

  • ANIMATED FILM

  • Best PSA

  • Best Music Video

    Best Song for a Music Video

  • 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

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.

9. 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.

10. 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. 


11. Because the number of award categories, NBFF holds the right to decide which awards will be presented during the LIVE award ceremony and handed-out during our pre-award event such as awards listed in the technical category.

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.

Share Your Story

Entering your film into the New Bedford Film Festival's inaugural year is an amazing opportunity to showcase your talents to a diverse and captive audience. With a rich history and vibrant culture, New Bedford is the perfect setting to share your story and connect with fellow creatives from all over. You’ll also have the chance to be part of a new and exciting event that is sure to garner attention and open doors for your career in the film industry.

"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