April 29 NYC Public School Film Festival: Showcasing the Next Generation of Filmmakers
/At Broadway Stages, we understand film festivals' pivotal role in driving creativity and innovation within the film industry. These events provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work, often serving as the first step toward gaining recognition and distribution. Film festivals foster connections among industry professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration that align with our mission to support storytelling and production excellence. As a cornerstone of the film community, Broadway Stages is proud to highlight initiatives that promote cultural exchange and fuel the growth of the industry we love. Today, we tell you about the 7th Annual NYC DOE/MOME Public School Film Festival.
Shining a Spotlight on the Next Generation of Filmmakers





Film festivals play a vital role in shaping the future of the entertainment industry. They provide a stage for new voices, encourage innovation, and help launch careers in film and television. In New York City, a global epicenter for media production, supporting young talent is crucial to maintaining the city's legacy as a creative powerhouse. The 7th Annual NYC DOE/MOME Public School Film Festival does exactly that — offering public school students the opportunity to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and connect with professionals who can help shape their futures.
Celebrating Student Filmmakers in New York City
The NYC Public School Film Festival (NYCPSFF) was founded through a partnership between the New York City Department of Education and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). This annual event highlights the creative achievements of middle and high school students across the city, providing a rare opportunity for young filmmakers to screen their work in a professional setting.
Since its inception, the festival has grown in prominence, attracting attention from industry leaders and established filmmakers who understand the importance of fostering emerging talent. Past festivals have featured student films across various genres, from documentary and narrative fiction to experimental and animation. The festival offers these students a platform and introduces them to the wider world of professional filmmaking. The festival's growth and prominence are a testament to the talent and potential of the young filmmakers it supports.
What to Expect at the 7th Annual NYC Public School Film Festival
This year, the festival will take place on April 29, 2025, at the renowned Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens. It will feature multiple screenings, panels, and networking opportunities designed to engage both filmmakers and attendees.
Among the key highlights are the student film screenings, where approximately 25 selected films will be showcased. These films, chosen by a panel of educators and media professionals, will represent the best of NYC's student filmmaking talent across categories such as:
● Animation
● Short Feature/Narrative
● Documentary
● Experimental
● Public Service Announcement/Advocacy
Beyond screenings, the festival will offer insightful industry panels. Experts from major film and television companies lead discussions on topics such as college admissions for film programs, career pathways in the entertainment industry, and securing funding for independent projects. These panels provide crucial guidance for students looking to pursue filmmaking beyond high school.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Festival Events
The 7th Annual NYCPSFF promises a jam-packed day of events designed to inspire and educate young creatives. The events include:
● Opening Ceremonies – Festival organizers and guest speakers welcome attendees and introduce the day's events.
● Screenings – Selected student films will be shown.
● Lunch Break & Networking Session – Attendees can connect with filmmakers, industry guests, and educators.
And of particular interest are the festival's Industry Panels. These discussions feature professionals from the entertainment industry offering insights into the industry and potential career paths from industry professionals. Past panelists include:
● Radha Blank: Award-winning producer, writer, and director known for "The Forty-Year-Old Version," FOX's "Empire," and Netflix's "She's Gotta Have It."
● Kristan Sprague: Award-winning editor of "Judas and the Black Messiah."
● Kemp Powers: Award-winning writer of "Soul" and "One Night in Miami."
● Alexander Dinelaris: Academy Award® and Golden Globe®-winning screenwriter for "Birdman" and co-producer of "The Revenant."
● Tim Squyres: Academy Award®-winning editor known for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Life of Pi," and "Gemini Man."
Why the NYCPSFF Matters
The festival is more than just a showcase — it's an important stepping stone for students hoping to enter the film industry. Many past participants have gone on to pursue degrees in filmmaking and internships with major studios.
MOME has consistently emphasized the festival's role in making the entertainment industry more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. In a past statement, Anne del Castillo, a senior policy advisor for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, said, "Not only does this festival give talented young filmmakers a chance to showcase their work, but the career expo and panel offer a chance to learn about jobs in the industry from some of the most successful and interesting people in the business."
Moreover, former NYC Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza said of the inaugural festival, "The skills our students learn in the arts help them thrive in and out of the classroom, and this festival will give talented young filmmakers an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their work for leaders and trailblazers in the industry."
Broadway Stages: Supporting Film Festivals and the Future of Filmmaking
At Broadway Stages, we understand that film festivals are crucial in providing exposure to emerging talent, fostering creative communities, and encouraging young filmmakers to pursue their dreams. The NYC Public School Film Festival embodies these values by empowering students and giving them a stage to share their work with the world.
As one of New York's largest full-service film and television production studio companies, we believe in investing in the future of storytelling. Supporting events like the 7th Annual NYCPSFF aligns with our mission to cultivate a thriving film and TV industry in NYC. The festival is an excellent opportunity for students, educators, film enthusiasts, and industry professionals to experience fresh storytelling from NYC's next wave of filmmakers. Keep an eye on the MOME website for ticket details and updates.
We encourage everyone — whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, an industry professional, or a film fan — to attend and support this remarkable showcase of young talent. And when you go, be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!
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Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information and links to put you in touch with industry-focused job posting sites; general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information