ABOUT FILM FESTIVAL:

An annual event to celebrate diverse cultures through cinema

Nepal-America Film Society (NAFS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Maryland, proudly announces the 7th Nepal-America International Film Festival (NAIFF). Taking place in Maryland from June 20 to June 23, 2024, we're now accepting diverse film submissions worldwide—feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental pieces, and shorts.

The festival presents a diverse array of films, encompassing features, documentaries, animations, experimental works, and shorts from Nepal, America, South Asia, and around the world. Highlights include films from the Global Peace Film Festival Florida in the Special Sidebar Section and a focus on films from Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia in the DMV Close-up Section.

NAIFF's objective is to unite individuals from diverse cultures through the medium of cinema. Since 2017, the festival has firmly established itself as a platform for filmmakers with Nepali backgrounds, American filmmakers, and international diaspora filmmakers.

NAIFF warmly welcomes filmmakers worldwide to submit their films.

The film festival's jury committee, consisting of national and international film experts, will be responsible for selecting award recipients among the screened films. The committee announces various awards during the Closing and Award ceremony of the festival. Each participating film will be acknowledged and recognized by the film festival.

RULES & REGULATIONS:

1. Submitted films should be made after January 2022.
2. Films in languages other than English must have subtitles in the English language.
3. Films formally screened previously in the Washington DC Metro area theatre and digital formats will not be considered, nor will those having received screenings in a festival operating within DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
4. Films of any length and genre are welcome, encompassing features, documentaries, shorts, student films, series, and experimental films. We are especially keen on showcasing U.S. and World Premieres.
5. Films should be submitted along with a short introduction and a signed cover letter that includes attached posters, synopses, bios, film stills, and more.
6. All submitted films must be free from any legal disputes, and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for theatrical and virtual exhibitions. Films including unauthorized copyrighted material are ineligible.
7. If selected, NAIFF requests DCP (Digital Cinema Package) formats for theatrical screening based on the film festival venues. DCP is the most preferred.
8. NAIFF asks all filmmakers to commit to both live/in-person and digital/online screening of all films accepted into the Festival. Closed captions are encouraged for virtual screenings.
9. NAIFF will not cover expenses to and from the festival for the DCP or other incurred expenses. Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway only.
10. The Film Festival will not return entries or refund entry fees. Fees are waived for submissions from Nepal and the DMV Close-Up section.
11. NAIFF reserves the right to change any information contained in this document, including festival dates, programs, events, and venues, without further notice.

SELECTION OF FILM

1. The selection committee formed by NAIFF will choose the films.
2. Decisions on film selection made by the committee will be final.
3. Cinematic value and creativity will receive high consideration.
4. Selected films may be requested to provide publicity materials for the festival. NAIFF reserves the right to copy and use any publicity materials (photographs, film stills, trailers) for non-commercial promotional purposes and archival material.
5. NAIFF will not disclose the reason for a film not being selected.
6. Films submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Any submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed for 2024 but may be forwarded to the selection pool for 2025.

Submission Deadlines

EARLY BIRD– January 15, 2024
REGULAR DEADLINE – February 29, 2024
LATE DEADLINE – March 30, 2024
EXTENDED DEADLINE – April 15, 2024

Submission Fees
Narrative/ Documentary feature: (over 40 min.)

EARLY BIRD: $15.00
REGULAR DEADLINE: $25.00,
LATE DEADLINE:$35.00
EXTENDED DEADLINE:$55.00

Shorts: (under 40 min.)
EARLY BIRD: $9.00,
REGULAR DEADLINE: $15.00,
LATE DEADLINE: $25.00
EXTENDED DEADLINE: $35.00

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I am honored to participate in this year's NAIFF-Nepal America International Film Festival with "Resurrection under the Ocean" short film! - 😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

    July 2023
  • Ron Ranson

    Thank you for making TATTOOED TRUCKS OF NEPAL - HORN PLEASE a part of 2022 festival. It was a wonderful opportunity to show the film in front of a "home" audience.

    July 2022
  • michael brown

    It was an amazing experience to participate in this festival. The hospitality was superb and the communication excellent. The community that has firmed around this festival is very special. If you get the chance to attend in person I highly recommend going. The festival itself is set in a beautiful retro cinema in Maryland complete with wooden-edged seats, chrome reception desk and popcorn machine. A great festival.

    July 2022
  • Prem Prasad Adhikary

    It was a nice experience. Glad to be part of the festival.

    July 2022
  • Fatih Yürür

    I am very happy to be able to be a part of this festival.

    July 2021