Submission Guidelines: New York Bangla Film Festival (NYBFF) 2026
The New York Bangla Film Festival is a premier destination for showcasing the richness of Bangla cinema. We are dedicated to providing a global stage for filmmakers who capture the culture, struggles, and triumphs of the Bangla-speaking community worldwide.
1. Submission Fees
- Standard Entry: $30 (Regular Deadline)
- Student Entry: $20 (A valid student ID must be presented upon request).
- Note: Submission fees are non-refundable and cover the administrative costs of the review process.
2. Eligibility
- Global Access: The NYBFF is open to filmmakers of all backgrounds.
- Thematic Focus: We prioritize films that prominently feature Bangla language, culture, heritage, or themes.
- Originality: Films do not need to be New York-based, but must be the original work of the submitter.
3. Categories & Duration
- Feature Film: 60+ minutes.
- Short Film: Under 40 minutes.
- Documentary: Any length (Feature or Short).
- Student Film: Any length; must be created by currently enrolled students.
4. Production Requirements
- Production Date: We prioritize films completed after January 1, 2025.
- Language & Subtitles: Films in any language are welcome; however, all non-English films must include English subtitles. Subtitles must be “burned-in” (hardcoded) to the video file or provided as a valid .srt file.
5. Selection & Rights
- Selection Authority: The NYBFF Selection Committee holds final authority over all film selections.
- Legal Warranty: By submitting, the filmmaker warrants they hold all legal rights, permissions, and clearances for the work, including music and footage.
- Promotional Usage: The NYBFF reserves the right to use excerpts (up to 3 minutes) of selected films for promotional use on our website, social media, and press materials.
6. Withdrawal Policy
Once a film has been officially selected and the filmmaker has accepted our invitation, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.
7. Technical Specifications
- Format: Selected films must be provided as high-resolution digital files (.MP4 or .MOV).
- Delivery: Final screening copies must be submitted via a secure, downloadable link (e.g., Vimeo, Google Drive) by the requested deadline.
8. Key Dates (2026)
- Submissions Open: March 2, 2026
- Regular Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Notification Date: June 30, 2026
- Festival Dates: July 26, 2026
Contact & Support
For any questions regarding submission, category eligibility, or student discounts, please contact our team:
- Organization: New York Bangla Film Festival (NYBFF)
- Email: support@nybff.us
- Website: https://nybff.us/




