Artits Naples announced today that the call for entries has begun for the 2024 Naples International Film Festival (NIFF), which is scheduled to take place October 24-27 at the newly established Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Mercato (9118 Strada Pl.).
Recently named to MovieMaker Magazine’s list of “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2024,” the 16th edition of the popular regional film festival features the signature NIFF “fun-under-the-sun” style that has made it a favorite destination for filmmakers, industry veterans, influencers and film buffs for more than a decade.
Films may be submitted in five categories: Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Short Films, Student Films (K-12) and Student Films (College/University). Cash prizes will be awarded in 12 categories. This year, the deadline for early bird submissions is May 13, the regular deadline is June 14 and the final deadline is July 5, 2024.
At the 2024 festival, NIFF will once again bring together the spark and spirit of independent filmmaking with the artistic lineage and resources of the acclaimed multidisciplinary arts organization Artis—Naples. In addition to a weekend full of film screenings at a partner theater, the festival will also feature select films to be screened on a 24-foot outdoor screen in Norris Garden on the Artis—Naples Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus.
The closing night of the festival features a screening of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) starring Michael Keaton, with Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly and the Naples Philharmonic performing the iconic score live.
“We are excited for another outstanding year of NIFF, and we look forward to once again uniting visiting filmmakers with the community of cinephiles from Southwest Florida and beyond,” said Festival Producer Shannon Franklin. “NIFF has thrived as a part of Artis—Naples, and we take great pride in the warm and collaborative environment we have cultivated. Filmmakers and film lovers alike can come from far and wide to build enduring professional and personal bonds with one another.”
“The Naples International Film Festival has become a significant part of the multidisciplinary artistic programming offered by Artis—Naples,” said David Filner, Artis—Naples executive vice president, artistic operations. “The inclusion of exceptional independent film screenings perfectly complements our diverse array of visual and performing arts offerings, and we eagerly await the submissions for the 16th year of NIFF.”
The 2023 edition of NIFF opened with a red-carpet celebration of Hard Miles, which included an appearance by film star Matthew Modine. In-person screenings and filmmaker panels followed, including 2023 NIFF award-winning and audience-favorite films making a splash both at other film festivals across the country (Scrap, Immediate Family, and Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection) or are soon to be in release (All Happy Families, Heightened). NIFF wrapped things up in an entertaining and multidisciplinary style following the filmmaker awards with a special presentation of Steven Spielberg’s iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert, featuring a live performance of John Williams’ classic score by the Naples Philharmonic, conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly.
Visit https://artisnaples.org/naples-international-film-festival/call-for-entries/2024 for more information on NIFF 2024 and instructions for submitting your film via FilmFreeway.
Generously supported by the Collier County Tourist Development Council.
NIFF 2024 Categories/Prizes/Deadlines
AWARD CATEGORIES AND PRIZES
Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature – $2,500
Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature – $2,500
Focus on the Arts Award – $1,500
Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – $1,000
Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature – $1,000
Audience Award for Best Short Film – $500
Best Florida Film Award (Narrative, Documentary or Short) – $500
Indie Spirit Award – $250
Rising Star Award – $250
Best First Feature Award – $250
Programmers’ Choice Award – $250
Impact Award – $250
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
• Early Bird: May 13, 2024
• Regular: June 14, 2024
• Late: July 5, 2024
