About Us

How Did We Become NYC’s Largest Independent Film Festival?

“Nobody wants to show your film?   WE DO!”

Five years ago, we embarked on a novel concept: a FUN film festival. The rules: "no rules." FREE ADMISSION all festival-long! Only $5 to submit films. The films: any length, any genre, from anywhere.   Acceptance criteria:   almost none.   Our awards show: THE GROCERIES—a debauched Monday Night ceremony (like The Oscars) featuring a manic emcee, full band, Hollywood CELEBRITIES and our home-made awards; cans of pigeon peas. For three years (2001-03) we did the whole thing out of a single location—the popular Lower East Side music club, Arlene's Grocery. That first year we showed 80 films. We thought that was a lot.  

Expansion in 2004: Size Mattered   

In 2004 we showed OVER 400 FILMS to OVER 5,000 PEOPLE, expanding to 5 LOWER EAST SIDE VENUES! That’s more people and more films per minute than any festival in the world! But did we change? Nuh uh. Despite the embarrassment of riches we’re not embarrassed to say we stuck to our core principles: FREE ADMISSION, only $5 to submit a film, cans of pigeon peas and, like every year, unlimited networking opportunities in all restrooms.

The Plan for 2005: EXPAND EVERYTHING! (AGAIN!)  

  • OVER 500 FILMS!
  • 10 LOWER EAST SIDE VENUES!
  • LIVE TELEVISION COVERAGE! NEW!
  • HOSPITALITY AND REGISTRATION AREA! NEW!
  • CELEBRITY Q&A&’S! NEW!
  • EXPANDED AWARDS SHOW!