New York State International Film Festival Online

The 5th Annual New York State International Film Festival in conjunction with the Upstate NY Women in Film & TV and Haydenfilms Institute is taking place virtually, September 25th through October 9th. The festival will be screening on the All Abilities Live online platform

The NYSIFF is an international short film festival based in Albany, NY.

The festival has screened 257 local, national and international short films from 19 different countries.

Everyone welcome to submit their short movies. The NYSIFF accepts and screens drama, comedy, documentary, horror, experimental, animation, and music videos. All projects must be 40 minutes or less.

There are always Q/A panels during the festival. As a filmmaker or audience you can join to celebrate the art of movies together.

All of the audience members will vote after watching all submitted movies to decide which film was the audience's favorite.

There are also judged categories with awards such as the best short for each genres . This year's sponsors include Moda Pictures, Price Chopper & Market 32, Stewart's Shops and Chronogram Magazine.

This year the festival will screen 50 short films that are local, national and international. Some of the New York films include "Selfish" a comedy by Chris O'Connell from Albany, NY and "Here You Are, You Here" an experimental film by Masal Gibson from New York City and "It's Sunshine" a drama from South Korea film by Kim Seunghwan.

The festival will offer different educational panels hosted by the Upstate NY Women in Film & TV, which include: How to Pitch your projects, An Evening with Actress Yolanda Ross of the Chi, Casting Workshop, Screenplay Workshop and How to get Publicity for Your Film. There will also be a Pitch Fest where filmmakers will submit their projects and during the festival will pitch them to producers.

The Film Festival was founded by Nico Altekin based in Albany, NY the festival director in 2016. Nico was a filmmaker before he launched the festival. The festival producer Eric Vollweiler based in Saratoga Springs Area, has been producing and marketing film festivals and entertainment events for over 15 years. His new company www.ffsponsors.com is launching this fall.

Tammy Reese:

How has the filmmakers benefited from the festival?

Eric Vollweiler:

The festival offers the filmmakers Q and A's describing their work in front of an audience. This year the film festival is screening the filmmakers work for 2 weeks instead of 2 days so more film lovers can watch their films.

Tammy Reese:

What is the best part of the festival and why?

Eric Vollweiler:

The fact that we are screening films that are local, national and international brings more prestige to the festival. Also this year we are offer educational workshops for filmmakers and performers and a pitch fest where filmmakers can get knowledge from experienced film producers about their projects.

Tammy Reese:

What do you think is the future of film festivals?

Eric Vollweiler:

I think for now and until Covid is completely gone, you will see more online and virtual film festivals than ever. Also drive Inn Movie theaters.

Tammy Reese:

What does your job entail being a festival producer?

Eric Vollweiler:

For me on this film festival my focus is selling sponsorships, advertising, booking entertainment professionals to host workshops. I brought Upstate NY Women in Film & TV on board to attract more filmmakers. I also do public relations and get coverage through different media outlets. My goal is to create a successful film festival and I don't sleep a lot.

Tickets are $14.99 to screen all 50 short films and $75.00 for an all-access pass, UPWIFT members get %25 off their pass which includes all 50 short films and all panels. The Pitch Fest is a separate event which has an application fee which is $20 and UPWIFT Members can apply for free.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. For more information on New York State International Film Festival visit www.nysiff.com.