Entry Rules

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Once a film has been officially selected and the filmmaker has accepted our invitation, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.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/

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