13th Annual Winter Film Festival | February 19-23
/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 shine the light on the Winter Film Festival in LOOK Cinemas on West 57th Street.
Celebrate Diversity in Film at the 13th Annual Winter Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! The Winter Film Festival (WFF) returns to New York City this February 19-23, 2025, for its thirteenth annual celebration of emerging filmmakers worldwide. If you're a film lover, creative visionary, or just looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, mark your calendars and get ready for a unique and thrilling journey into the world of cinema.
What Makes WFF So Special?
The Winter Film Festival isn't just another film festival — it's a vibrant celebration of diversity, creativity, and community. Like New York City itself, WFF thrives on eclectic energy and unique stories. The festival showcases innovative voices across all genres, from feature-length dramas to short animated films, thought-provoking documentaries, spine-tingling horror, uplifting music videos, and groundbreaking web series. Whether you're a cinephile or a casual viewer, there's something for everyone, and everyone's voice is heard and celebrated.
WFF's mission is clear: to promote diversity, bridge opportunity gaps, and provide a platform for underrepresented artists. It's not just about film — it's about storytelling, connection, and understanding. Through its thoughtfully curated events, WFF opens doors for fresh perspectives and amplifies voices that need to be heard.
A Week of Films, Panels, and Parties
Get ready for five unforgettable days packed with screenings, discussions, workshops, and glittering parties. Here's what you can expect:
February 19 — Opening Night Celebration
Kick off the festival with a night of cinematic magic and mingling with filmmakers and industry professionals.
February 20-22 — Screenings, Panels, and Networking
Experience a diverse lineup of films from around the globe at LOOK Cinemas on West 57th Street. Each screening block runs 1.5 to 2.5 hours and features a mix of short and feature-length films, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session with the filmmakers. Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $16.50 at the door, and just $5 with a valid student ID.
Don't miss the free education sessions and meetups, where you can connect with industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts. The discussion panels dive into topics like storytelling, production challenges, and the future of filmmaking. These sessions are free and open to the public — just bring your passion for film!
February 23 — Gala Red Carpet & Awards Ceremony
The festival wraps up in style with a glamorous awards ceremony at one of NYC's premier nightclubs. Awards will honor outstanding work in every category, including Best Director, Best Student Film, and Best NYC Film. Over $50,000 in cash prizes, distribution deals, and other opportunities are up for grabs. It's a night to celebrate the incredible talent showcased throughout the festival.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
The Winter Film Festival has a reputation for discovering the next generation of filmmakers. For the 2024 edition, WFF screened 80 films from 23 countries, with half made by women and half by people of color. This year's lineup includes 87 official selections from 20 countries, featuring 16 student films and 26 first-time filmmakers. Each film brings a unique perspective, challenging viewers to see the world through fresh eyes.
Industry Recognition and Opportunities
WFF is proud to be included in the Film Festival Alliance's Film Festival Directory, a curated list of more than 100 reputable festivals committed to upholding best practices for professional film festivals. This recognition underscores WFF's dedication to fostering a sustainable and inclusive filmmaking community while providing filmmakers with invaluable credibility in the competitive industry landscape.
Additionally, WFF is an IMDB-qualifying festival, which means that all selected films are eligible to be listed on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB). This distinction highlights the prestige of being chosen for WFF and offers filmmakers an essential platform for visibility and industry recognition. Being featured on IMDB can help filmmakers reach broader audiences and gain the attention of potential collaborators, producers, and distributors.
A Volunteer-Driven Celebration of the Arts
WFF is more than an event — it's a community. Run entirely by women and minority volunteers, this nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 2011 to make independent film more accessible. With support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the NYC Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment, WFF continues to thrive as a cornerstone of New York City's arts scene.
Why You Should Attend
Still on the fence? Here are a few reasons to grab your tickets:
Discover New Voices: Support emerging filmmakers who are breaking barriers and redefining storytelling.
Incredible Value: With affordable ticket prices and free events, WFF is accessible to everyone.
Unforgettable Experience: From intimate Q&A sessions to high-energy parties, WFF offers a unique opportunity to connect with the global film community.
Celebrate Diversity: Be part of an event that uplifts underrepresented artists and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Professional Opportunities: Filmmakers benefit from being part of an IMDB-qualifying event and gaining recognition in a globally respected Film Festival Alliance directory.
Join the Celebration
Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible event. Secure your tickets today and follow WFF on social media to stay updated:
Advance tickets are available now. Click here to get yours today!
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned industry professional, or someone who simply loves a great story, the 2025 Winter Film Festival is the place to be. Celebrate diversity, creativity, and the power of film this February in NYC.
At Broadway Stages, we proudly support the Winter Film Festival and its mission to amplify diverse voices and promote creative excellence. Like WFF, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and drive meaningful change. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary talent that makes this festival a beacon for independent artists worldwide. And when you get there, 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.
